ISRO has successfully completed the flight acceptance hot test of the CE20 cryogenic engine, clearing it for the LVM3-M7 mission and strengthening India’s heavy-lift launch and human spaceflight capabilities.

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• ISRO successfully conducted the flight acceptance hot test of the CE20 cryogenic engine on July 6, 2026, clearing it for the upcoming LVM3-M7 launch mission.
• The test was carried out at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, where the engine successfully met all required performance and operational parameters.
• During the test, the engine generated 19.5 tonnes of thrust for 45 seconds, followed by its maximum rated thrust of 22 tonnes for an additional 25 seconds.
• ISRO used its newly developed Nozzle Protection System for the first time during a flight acceptance test, enabling efficient engine testing under simulated high-altitude conditions.
• The CE20 is India’s indigenous cryogenic engine designed for the upper stage of the LVM3 heavy-lift launch vehicle, supporting complex satellite and deep-space missions.
• The engine has already demonstrated reliability by successfully powering eight consecutive LVM3 missions, including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and multiple commercial launches.
• Following refurbishment, the tested CE20 engine will be integrated with the C32 cryogenic stage for the LVM3-M7 mission, further enhancing India’s launch capabilities.
• The CE20 engine has also achieved human-rating qualification, making it suitable for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme and future crewed missions.