ISRO tests thrust chamber for LOX-Methane Engine

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has tested a sub-scale thrust chamber for the LOX-Methane Engine to be used in next-generation launch vehicles.

The testing was conducted on 27 January 2026 at the Thrust Chamber Test facility at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri.

“The subscale thrust chamber and single element injector head were successfully tested up to a chamber pressure of 56 bar. The subscale thrust chamber and single element injector head were realized through additive manufacturing. Ignition and flame support within the thrust chamber were ensured and the performance of all systems was normal,” ISRO said.

It added that the test product will also be used to select the optimal injector configuration through a series of additional hot tests.

The space agency said development of key engine subsystems is ongoing at ISRO’s Fluid Propulsion Systems Center and smaller scale (subscale) testing of these subsystems has begun.

“An optimally designed thrust chamber with injector head is the key to the success of any cryogenic engine. ISRO has successfully conducted the first hot test of the high thrust LOX-Methane Engine at the thrust chamber level with a single element injector,” ISRO said.