Hot-Testing of Additively Manufactured Rocket Engine

On 9th May 2024, ISRO achieved a significant feat as it conducts a successful hot test of a liquid rocket engine manufactured using additive manufacturing technology at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.

Key Points

Technological Advancement: ISRO hot-tests a liquid rocket engine fabricated through additive manufacturing technology, marking a milestone in space propulsion innovation.
Duration and Location: The hot test, conducted for over 11 minutes and 5 seconds, took place at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, on Thursday.
Redesigned PS4 Engine: The hot test validates key performance parameters of the redesigned PS4 engine, which has been conventionally manufactured and used in the fourth stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and in the Reaction Control System of PSLV’s first stage.
Additive Manufacturing Concept: The engine is redesigned in line with the Design for Additive Manufacturing concept, resulting in multiple advantages such as reduced number of parts, elimination of weld joints, savings in raw material usage, and a 60% reduction in production time.
Manufacturing Process: The engine, manufactured by Wipro 3D, utilizes combinations of Nitrogen Tetroxide as oxidiser and Mono Methyl Hydrazine as fuel in the pressure-fed mode.
Validation and Testing: Prior to the hot test, ISRO validates the engine's injector head and conducts preparatory analyses, followed by four successful developmental hot tests on the integrated engine.
Future Integration: ISRO plans to integrate the additively manufactured PS4 engine into its regular PSLV programme, showcasing its commitment to adopting innovative technologies in space exploration.