The development of Cryogenic Upper Stage for Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) has crossed another milestone (on 30 March) with the successful test firing of the indigenous cryogenic engine for a duration of 12 minutes. The test was carried out at the Mahendragiri complex in Tamil Nadu. This hot test was preceded, in the last few weeks, by four shorter duration tests of 10, 40, 40 and 200 seconds. 

The cryogenic engine development has been a challenging task with breakthroughs needed with respect to many disciplines including analytical tools, material characterization, fabrication processes, test facility establishment, handling of cryogenic fluids and finalisation of test sequence.