Upgraded Vikas engine — with more thrust — will boost ISRO’s rockets

Upgraded Vikas engine — with more thrust — will boost ISRO’s rockets

News:

1. ISRO successfully tests High Thrust Vikas Engine for GSLV-Mk III.

Important facts:

2.The ISRO will phase out Vikas by replacing it fist in Mk-II with a cleaner and safer semi-cryogenic engine.

3.The improvement was conducted at ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.

4.This would be third Mk-III and the first working one to be designated MkIII Mission-1 or M1.

5.The first MkIII of June 2017 started with a 3,200-kg satellite.

6.The second one is being readied for lifting a 3,500-kg spacecraft.

7.The improvement results of the upgraded engine should be seen in the PSLV and GSLV missions over the coming months.

8.MkIII-D2, the second test flight of the heavy-lifter, is being assembled.

9.The new engine will be used in the subsequent mission-M1.

10.About Vikas engine:

• Vikas, a family of liquid-fuel engines, was developed by ISRO in the 1970s. Since then, it has seen five variants – Vikas-2, Vikas-2B, Vikas-X, Vikas-4, and Vikas-4B.
• The current iteration, Vikas-4B, is being used on the second stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the second stage and four strap-on boosters of the GSLV Mk-II, and on the twin engine core liquid stage (L110) of the GSLV Mk-III.
• The Vikas engine will improve the payload capability of PSLV, GSLV, and GSLV Mk-III launch vehicles.
• The Vikas engine is used in the second stage of the light lifting PSLV; the second stage and four add on stages of the medium lift GSLV; and the twin-engine core liquid stage of Mk-III.