ISRO Demonstrates Bootstrap Start of CE20 Cryogenic Engine in 10-Second High-Altitude Test

Overview

• ISRO reported a successful 10‑second bootstrap start of the CE20 under simulated high‑altitude conditions at the HAT facility in Mahendragiri on November 7.
• Engineers used multi‑element igniters in the thrust chamber and gas generator, then spun up turbopumps under tank‑head pressure without a stored‑gas start system.
• The CE20 powers the LVM3 upper stage and is already cleared for a single in‑flight start at 19–22 tonnes of thrust for Gaganyaan missions.
• Eliminating auxiliary start‑up hardware is expected to cut mass, raise payload capacity, and enable multiple in‑flight restarts for multi‑orbit or complex deployments.
• ISRO described the result as possibly a first for a gas‑generator cryogenic engine, with further testing and qualification needed before operational adoption.