MAHENDRAGIRI, Tamil Nadu — The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted a flight acceptance hot test of the CE20 cryogenic engine at an uprated thrust level of 220 kN (22 tonnes) on September 9, 2026.
The test was carried out at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The engine is earmarked for the C32 upper stage of an upcoming LVM3 mission.
During the same test, ISRO also successfully demonstrated the LOX Tank Pressurization Module (LTPM) intended for the C32 stages of future Gaganyaan missions. The LTPM maintains the required pressure inside the liquid oxygen tank during flight to support the proper flow of propellant to the engine.
ISRO announced the test through its official X account on September 10.
CE20 and LVM3 upgrade
The CE20 is an indigenously developed cryogenic engine that powers the upper stage of the LVM3, India's heavy-lift launch vehicle. It uses liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) and operates on a gas-generator cycle. The engine is qualified to operate across a thrust range of 19 to 22 tonnes.
ISRO is preparing future LVM3 missions with an uprated C32 stage, using the CE20 at the 22-tonne thrust level. The upgraded C32 also carries a higher propellant load than the earlier configuration. These changes are intended to increase the LVM3's payload capability.
The latest test follows earlier CE20 testing at Mahendragiri. In March 2026, ISRO conducted a 165-second sea-level hot test of the CE20 at the 22-tonne thrust level using a Nozzle Protection System and multi-element igniter. Another flight acceptance hot test was conducted in July 2026 on an engine designated for the LVM3-M7 mission.
According to reports based on ISRO information, the engine tested on September 9 will be refurbished and assembled into the C32 flight stage for the LVM3-M7 mission, planned for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The CE20 has already flown successfully on multiple LVM3 missions and has completed the human-rating requirements for use in the Gaganyaan programme. The latest 220 kN flight acceptance test is part of ISRO's ongoing effort to qualify the uprated CE20 and C32 configuration for future LVM3 missions.
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