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ISRO Achieves Successful Test of Semi-Cryogenic Engine for Upcoming Heavy-Lift Launches

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted a hot test on its semi-cryogenic engine, SE2000, marking a major milestone in the development of advanced propulsion technology for future heavy-lift missions. The test, referred to as the Power Head Test Article (PHTA), was designed to assess the integrated performance of critical engine subsystems, such as the gas generator, turbo pumps, pre-burner, and control components. This achievement brings ISRO one step closer to realizing the cryogenic stages needed for launch vehicle booster propulsion, which are essential for heavier payloads in space exploration.

During the test, the semi-cryogenic engine was subjected to a hot-firing that lasted 4.5 seconds, allowing engineers to validate the ignition process of the pre-burner and evaluate the performance of the engine’s key components. Although the propulsion system stood approximately three meters tall, the test was conducted without the thrust chamber, which is a crucial part of the final engine assembly. The success of this test will help pave the way for future evaluations and more advanced stages in the development of ISRO’s heavy-lift capabilities.

Earlier efforts to conduct a similar test were halted in July 2023 at ISRO’s Mahendragiri facility due to technical issues. Following that setback, engineers undertook extensive modifications to improve the reliability of the system. With these improvements in place, the recent successful hot test of the SE2000 demonstrates ISRO’s commitment to advancing its space technology, particularly in the development of semi-cryogenic engines that offer higher performance and efficiency.

The semi-cryogenic engine is designed to produce a thrust of 2,000 kiloNewtons (kN), a significant increase over previous engines and one that will help meet the growing demands of space exploration. By combining higher performance with increased efficiency, this engine promises to enhance ISRO’s capacity to launch heavier payloads into orbit, thus expanding India’s role in global space exploration. As the engine moves closer to becoming fully operational, ISRO continues to make strides toward advancing its heavy-lift launch capabilities.

Vodafone Achieves First-Ever Satellite Video Call Using Standard Smartphone

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Vodafone has announced the successful completion of the world’s first video call via satellite using a standard smartphone from a remote location. The call was made from the Welsh mountains, an area with no network signal, and the technology is set to be rolled out across Europe later this year and into 2026. The CEO of Vodafone, Margherita Della Valle, received the video call on Monday from company engineer Rowan Chesmer, who was in the remote location.

“We were using the only satellite service that offers a full mobile experience with a standard device, which allows for voice, text, and video data transmission, making a full video call possible,” Della Valle explained in an interview. The company’s goal is to bring this service to its customers as soon as possible.

Vodafone’s video call success is powered by AST SpaceMobile’s five BlueBird satellites in low-Earth orbit, enabling data transmission speeds of up to 120 megabits per second for regular smartphones. Vodafone is an investor in AST SpaceMobile, alongside companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Google.

The move is part of a growing effort by mobile operators and smartphone manufacturers to use satellite technology to close network coverage gaps. Apple’s iPhones have been able to send emergency texts and share locations using satellites since the iPhone 14, and other tech companies like Google and Samsung are providing similar services.

T-Mobile U.S. and SpaceX are testing Starlink satellites for text services, with plans to include voice and data in the future. Apple’s latest iPhones and some Android devices are eligible for these services.

British astronaut Tim Peake joined Della Valle at the launch of Vodafone’s space-to-land gateway at its headquarters in Newbury, UK. This gateway facilitates communication between a user’s smartphone and the satellite network, connecting signals into Vodafone’s core network. Peake, who spent 186 days in space and became the first Briton to conduct a spacewalk in 2015, praised the ability to provide mobile coverage through space technology.

“Having spent time in space, I understand the importance of staying connected with family and friends, especially in isolated environments,” Peake said. He also expressed his enthusiasm for future missions, saying he would “put his hand in the air” if another opportunity arose.

Google-backed Pixxel Launches India’s First Private Satellite Constellation

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Indian space tech startup Pixxel achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday with the successful launch of three of its six hyperspectral imaging satellites aboard a SpaceX rocket. The launch took place at 1915 GMT from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marking a major step forward for India’s burgeoning private space industry and for the five-year-old, Google-backed company.

The satellites will utilize hyperspectral imaging technology, which captures detailed data across hundreds of light bands. This technology is poised to revolutionize various sectors, including agriculture, mining, environmental monitoring, and defense. In India, where agriculture plays a critical role in the economy, Pixxel’s technology can enhance crop yield predictions, monitor environmental changes like oil spills, and provide detailed insights on geographical boundaries and resource tracking.

The remaining three satellites are expected to be launched in the second quarter of the year. In addition to Pixxel’s satellites, the SpaceX rocket also carried a satellite from Indian space company Diganatara.

Pixxel’s founder and CEO, Awais Ahmed, projected that the satellite imagery market could reach $19 billion by 2029, with hyperspectral imaging capturing $500 million to $1 billion of this market. Pixxel has already attracted 65 clients, including major players such as Rio Tinto, British Petroleum, and India’s Ministry of Agriculture, with some clients purchasing data from its demonstration satellites.

Although the U.S. dominates the global satellite launch industry, India holds just a 2% share of the global commercial space market, despite its established space capabilities.