BENGALURU: The Indian Space Research Organisation on Sunday said a high thrust version of the Vikas Engine was successfully qualified through a ground test for a duration of 195 seconds at Isro Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Tamil Nadu 's Mahendragiri , moving a step closer for use in Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle MK-III (GSLV MK-III).

Vikas Engine is the workhorse liquid rocket engine powering the second stage of India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), second stage and the four strap on stages of Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and the twin engine core liquid stage (L110) of GSLV Mk-III.

"All the propulsion parameters during the tests were found satisfactory and closely matched the predictions," Isro said.

This ground test has validated the performance adequacy of the Vikas Engine for its use in the upcoming second developmental flight of GSLV Mk-III. This engine will improve the payload capability of PSLV, GSLV and GSLV Mk-III launch vehicles.

