ISRO’s Vikas Engine: Driving India’s Space Reusability Goals

A Major Leap for ISRO’s Engine Technology

ISRO’s Vikas Engine: Driving India’s Space Reusability Goals : On January 17, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) accomplished a crucial milestone by validating the restart capability of its time-tested Vikas engine. This achievement marks an essential step toward developing reusable launch systems, boosting India’s self-reliance and global competitiveness in space missions. The engine, which has been in service since the 1970s, continues to evolve through systematic upgrades in power and reliability.

What Makes the Vikas Engine Essential

The Vikas engine is a liquid-fuel rocket engine that operates using UDMH (Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine) and Nitrogen Tetroxide as propellants. It supports India’s key launch vehicles including the PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3, making it central to ISRO’s ability to carry both light and heavy payloads into orbit. It has remained one of the most versatile and dependable engines in India’s space arsenal.

The 2025 Restart Demonstration

In a significant test, ISRO fired the engine for one minute, paused for two minutes, and successfully reignited it for another seven seconds. This test is vital for developing reusable launch vehicles (RLVs), as engines must be capable of multiple burns during different phases of a mission. Such functionality can reduce costs and improve turnaround times between launches.

Engine Capacity and Performance

Capable of producing a peak thrust of around 725 kilonewtons, the engine’s fuel capacity varies depending on the vehicle. It can carry up to 40 tonnes of propellant for PSLV and GSLV Mk I/II, and 55 tonnes for LVM3, allowing it to serve both lighter and heavier missions with equal efficiency.

Variants Developed by ISRO

ISRO has engineered multiple Vikas variants. One of them, the High Thrust Vikas Engine (HTVE), provides up to 800 kN of thrust, suitable for newer GSLV missions. A more advanced model called the High Pressure Vikas Engine (HPVE) is currently under development, aimed at increasing payload capacity and mission endurance.

Enhancing Thrust Control through Throttling

ISRO is also working on throttle control for the Vikas engine, enabling it to adjust thrust mid-flight. A test in January 2023 showed the engine operating at 67% power for over 40 seconds, proving its ability to fine-tune performance based on mission needs. This technology is critical for precise satellite insertion and crewed flight safety.

Role in the Gaganyaan Mission

The Gaganyaan mission, India’s first planned human spaceflight, will rely on the Vikas engine for key stages of lift-off and orbital transfer. Its demonstrated reliability and enhanced thrust are crucial for safely transporting astronauts into space.

Expanding ISRO’s Commercial Capabilities

Apart from government missions, the Vikas engine also powers commercial satellite launches, such as those on the L110 stage of LVM3. With successful deployments like the BlueBird Block-2 satellite, it has strengthened India’s reputation in the global launch services market.

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ISRO’s Vikas Engine: Driving India’s Space Reusability Goals :