Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC)

LPSC seal
ISRO logo
Agency overview
Formed	30 November 1985; 39 years ago (1985-11-30)
Jurisdiction	Department of Space
Headquarters	Thiruvananthapuram
Agency executive	Dr.M. Mohan, Director
Parent agency	ISRO
Website	lpsc.gov.in

TheLiquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) is aresearch and development centre functioning underISRO.^[1] It has two units located at Valiamala, inThiruvananthapuram,Kerala, andBengaluru,Karnataka. LPSC is augmented byISRO Propulsion Complex atMahendragiri ofTamil Nadu.

LPSC is engaged in development of liquid andcryogenic propulsion stages for launch vehicles and auxiliary propulsion systems for both launch vehicles and satellites. Activities related to liquid propulsion stages, cryogenic propulsion stages and control systems for launch vehicles and spacecraft is done atThiruvananthapuram. Precision fabrication facilities, development of transducers and integration of satellite propulsion systems are carried out atBangalore. The developmental and flight tests along with assembly and integration are done atISRO Propulsion Complex,Mahendragiri inTamil Nadu.

The development of liquid propellant stages for thePSLV, control systems for SLV-3,ASLV,PSLV andGSLV, satellite propulsion systems including those forINSAT and IRS and production of pressure transducers are done by the LPSC forIndia. The LPSC has developed indigenous cryogenic upper stage forGeosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) which was successfully test fired by ISRO on 4 August 2007. LPSC is currently developing a restartableLOX-Methane engine and stages for theNext Generation Launch Vehicle, which uses a reusable booster stage.^[2]

LPSC's current director is Dr.M. Mohan.^[3]

This unit serves as LPSC headquarters, and is involved in research and development of Earth-storable and cryogenic propulsion for launch vehicles. It delivers engines, stages, associated control systems and components for launch vehicle and spacecraft.^[4][5]

The main activities carried out at Valiamala include:^[4]

• Research and Development in earth storable and cryogenic propulsion systems for Launch Vehicle and Spacecraft applications
• System design and architecture
• Management of system projects
• Management of earth storable and cryogenic engine and stage systems
• Integration of launch vehicle propulsion control system packages and modules
• Low thrust thruster test facilities for satellite thrusters

This unit caters predominantly to propulsion requirements of satellite programmes of ISRO apart from development of indigenous sensors and transducers.^[5] The activities that are carried out here include:^[4]

• Design and realisation of monopropellant thrusters and components
• Integration of spacecraft propulsion systems
• Development and production of transducers
• Management of launch vehicle stage tanks and structures at industries

On 1 February 2014, this unit was renamed asIndian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Propulsion Complex and was also made an autonomous department under ISRO. The Mahendragiri unit was previously functioning under LPSC in Valiamala.^[6] The main activities carried out at here are:^[4]

• Assembly and integration of liquid engines and stages
• Testing of liquid engines and stages
• High altitude test facilities for upper stage engines
• Propellant storage facilities

• Indian Space Research Organisation
• Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre
• Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology

• ISRO
• Rocket engine manufacturers of India
• Research institutes in Thiruvananthapuram

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