New Delhi: ISRO is developing a high-thrust semicryogenic engine for induction into its mightiest operational rocket, the Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3). The indigenously developed semicryogenic engine is designed to provide a thrust of 2,000 kN. The Semicryogenic Propulsion Stage, dubbed SC120 is being developed as a replacement for the liquid core stage on the rocket, L110, which provides 1,600 kN of thrust. The engine itself is called SE-2000, previously known as SCE-2000. The engine is also expected to power ISRO’s future rockets, where the first stage will return to the launch pad, or land on an ocean platform, for recovery and reuse.
In October, speaking to News9 on the sidelines of the 35th Convocation Ceremony at the Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan had said, “Semicryogenic engine right now we are doing the power head test. Except thrust chamber all the works are going on, and we are gearing up for the testing of the fully integrated engine.” There have been three hot-fire tests of the SE-2000 engine so far, the first in May 2023, the second in May 2024, and the third in May 2025. These tests were conducted on the Semicryogenic engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) that comprises of all the engine systems except the thrust chamber.
Status on SE-2000 development.
The response to an RTI query by Reddit user rghegde was “Five short duration hot tests on the intermediate configuration of the SCE-200 engine known as the Power Head Test Article (PHTA) has been successfully completed and further tests are in progress.” No expected date was provided for the completion of the project. According to responses to an RTI filed by X user SolidBoosters2, five PHTA tests are planned before the first integrated hot fire test, the SCE-2000 engine is designed for reuse and ISRO will be attempting to reuse the engine, and the project is not abandoned.