The Successful Test of ISRO's Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System

India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), achieved a significant milestone on July 19 when it successfully tested the Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) of the Gaganyaan spacecraft. This test, conducted at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, marks a significant step towards India's ambition of sending its astronauts to space. In this article, we will delve into the details of this successful test and explore the capabilities of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System.

The Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System
The Service Module of the Gaganyaan spacecraft is equipped with a highly advanced propulsion system known as the Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS). This bi-propellant based system plays a crucial role in various functions of the spacecraft, including orbit injection, circularization, on-orbit control, de-boost maneuvering, and abort capabilities during the ascent phase. The successful testing of the SMPS is a significant milestone in the Gaganyaan project.

The SMPS comprises of five Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engines and sixteen Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters. The LAM engines provide the primary propulsive force during the ascending phase, while the RCS thrusters ensure precise altitude correction. The LAM engines have a thrust of 440 N, while the RCS thrusters provide a thrust of 100 N.

ISRO successfully tested the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) – which caters to the requirements of the Orbital Module – at IPRC, Mahendragiri.

The hot test was conducted in SMPS’s final configuration. https://t.co/yO0O1I77p2 pic.twitter.com/0Wn4KzGfTU

— ISRO (@isro) July 20, 2023

The Hot Test of the System Demonstration Model
To validate the performance and reliability of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System, ISRO conducted a hot test of the System Demonstration Model (SDM). This test emulated the fluid circuit of the Service Module Propulsion System, including the propellant tank feed system, helium pressurization system, flight-qualified thrusters, and control components.

The first hot test of the Phase-2 test series lasted for a duration of 250 seconds. During this test, the LAM engines fired in continuous mode, in accordance with the test profile. The RCS thrusters were also operational, ensuring the integrated performance of the SMPS.

Phase-1 Test Series
Before the Phase-2 hot test, ISRO had already carried out a series of hot tests as part of Phase-1 testing. These tests aimed to validate the individual components and subsystems of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System.

Phase-1 involved five hot tests, totaling a duration of 2,750 seconds. The tests were conducted using a configuration comprising five 440 N LAM engines and eight 100 N RCS thrusters. These tests successfully demonstrated the performance and reliability of the propulsion system in various scenarios.

Successful Completion of the Full Configuration Test
With the successful completion of the hot test of the System Demonstration Model in the Phase-2 test series, the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System has demonstrated its performance in the full configuration. The full configuration includes five 440 N LAM engines and sixteen 100 N RCS thrusters.

Moving forward, ISRO has planned five additional tests to validate both nominal and off-nominal mission scenarios. These tests will further reinforce the reliability and robustness of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System.

The Gaganyaan Project: India's Human Spaceflight Mission
The Gaganyaan project is India's first manned space mission, targeted for launch in late 2023 or early 2024. The mission aims to demonstrate India's technological capabilities in human spaceflight and pave the way for future manned missions.

The Gaganyaan project is an ambitious endeavor by ISRO to demonstrate India's human spaceflight capabilities. The mission aims to send a crew of three members to an orbit of 400 km for a three-day mission and return them safely to Earth by landing in the Indian sea waters.

The successful testing of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System is a crucial step towards the realization of this mission. ISRO's meticulous testing and validation processes ensure the safety and reliability of the propulsion system, which is vital for the success of human spaceflight.

Upcoming Milestone: First Abort Test
As the Gaganyaan project progresses, ISRO is gearing up for the first abort test. The abort test, scheduled to take place in August, will simulate an emergency scenario during the ascent phase. This test will evaluate the abort capabilities of the Gaganyaan spacecraft and ensure the safety of the crew in such critical situations.

Conclusion
The successful testing of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System brings India one step closer to achieving its goal of sending astronauts to space. The robustness and reliability of the propulsion system, demonstrated through extensive testing, ensure the safety and success of future human spaceflights. With the upcoming abort test and further validation tests, ISRO continues to strengthen the capabilities of the Gaganyaan spacecraft, marking an exciting chapter in India's space exploration journey.