ISRO ignites full-scale gas generator for 1100kN methane engine

(SpaceEnergy) India's space agency has successfully ignited the full-scale gas generator for its 1100kN liquid oxygen–methane rocket engine, marking a propulsion development milestone disclosed on 16 October.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said the first ignition test took place on 9 October 2026 at its Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.

The gas generator is a key subsystem of the LME1100 engine, which is being developed for India's Next Generation Launch Vehicle and future lunar exploration missions.

ISRO said the full-scale gas generator was manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques, following earlier tests of a smaller version to establish ignition sequences and assess injector performance.

More than 70% of the LME1100 engine's components have been produced through additive manufacturing, with Indian industrial partners involved in their development.

The agency has also completed sub-scale thrust chamber testing and demonstrated oxidiser-rich and fuel-rich spark-torch ignition systems.

Liquid oxygen and methane turbopumps remain at various stages of subsystem qualification, including cold-flow testing.

ISRO aims to have the integrated LME1100 engine ready by mid-2027, after which it plans a series of hot-fire tests covering different thrust-throttling conditions.

Separately, the agency said design work has been completed for a proposed 2400kN liquid oxygen–methane engine using a full-flow staged combustion cycle. That engine is intended to support a future heavy-lift launch vehicle for crewed lunar missions.

The 9 October achievement concerns ignition of the gas generator, not a complete engine firing or flight qualification. ISRO did not disclose the test duration or measured performance.