On July 3, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted two hot tests of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) at its Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. These tests are crucial milestones for India’s first crewed space mission, the Gaganyaan Programme.
What Is the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS)?
The Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) is a key component of the Gaganyaan Orbital Module, essential for orbital maneuvers, trajectory corrections, and crew safety during abort scenarios.
Key Features of SMPS:
- 5 Liquid Apogee Motors (LAMs) with 440 Newton (N) thrust each.
- 16 Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters delivering 100N thrust each.
- Designed to operate in both steady-state and pulsed modes.
Details of the Hot Tests
ISRO conducted two hot tests on July 3:
- A 30-second short-duration test
- A 100-second extended test
These tests aimed to validate the SMPS under conditions resembling real flight scenarios, confirming the system’s reliability and robustness.
Highlights of the 100-Second Test
During the 100-second test, ISRO showcased the simultaneous operation of all RCS thrusters and LAM engines, crucial for in-orbit maneuvering and crew-carrying mission success.
Technical Oversight and Development
ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) leads the development of the SMPS. Continuous refinements and testing ensure system improvements based on past insights, enhancing confidence for upcoming full-duration qualification tests.
Significance of Gaganyaan Mission
The Gaganyaan mission demonstrates India’s ability to send humans into space and back safely. The SMPS is pivotal for mission success, ensuring spacecraft control and crew safety during emergencies, making these hot tests critical validations.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams:
- ISRO conducted successful hot tests of the Gaganyaan SMPS on July 3, 2025, marking progress towards India’s crewed space mission.
- The SMPS features LAMs and RCS thrusters crucial for orbital maneuvers and crew safety in emergency scenarios.
- The hot tests validated the SMPS under real flight conditions, showcasing system reliability for crew-carrying missions.
- Continuous development and refinements by ISRO’s LPSC ensure improvements and readiness for upcoming tests.
- The Gaganyaan mission underscores India’s space capabilities, with the SMPS playing a vital role in mission success and crew safety.
