Isro tests Vikas’ restart tech, key for reusability; LVM-3 core liquid engine flagged off

BENGALURU: In an important step toward developing technologies for recovery of stages, leading to reusability in future launch vehicles, Isro has successfully demonstrated another restart capability of its Vikas liquid engine on Jan 17 at the

Isro Propulsion Complex

in Mahendragiri.
A workhorse engine that powers liquid stages of Isro rockets, Vikas’ restart technology is fundamental to the recovery and reuse of rocket stages, a feature that could substantially reduce the cost of future space missions.

“A series of tests are being carried out to validate the restarting of the engine under different conditions. In this (Jan 17) test, the engine was fired for 60 seconds after which it was shut-off for a period of 120 seconds followed by restart and firing for 7 seconds duration,” Isro said.
All engine parameters during the test were normal and as expected. Previously, a shorter duration restart was carried out successfully in December 2024 with a shut-off time of 42 seconds and firing duration of 7 seconds each.

“Further tests are planned in the coming days to optimise the performance of the engine under restart conditions,” Isro added.
In a separate development, the core liquid stage (L110) of Isro’s LVM-3 launch vehicle was flagged off to the launch complex at Sriharikota on Jan 17. This marks the 10th L110 liquid stage to be integrated at Isro Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri.
The stage is designated for the LVM-3 mission that will launch the

BlueBird Block 2 satellite

under a commercial agreement between NSIL and AST & Science, LLC.
The L110 stage, designed and developed by Isro’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) during the LVM-3 launch vehicle’s development, features twin Vikas engines and carries 110 tonnes of propellant.