In a significant boost to India's burgeoning space capabilities, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully demonstrated a "boot-strap mode" start for its CE20 cryogenic engine. This critical test, conducted on November 7, 2025, under vacuum conditions at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, was reported on November 19-20, 2025.
The CE20 engine powers the upper stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3) rocket, India's heaviest launch vehicle, and is also qualified for the ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight missions. The "boot-strap mode" allows the engine to initiate ignition and achieve stable operation without external start-up assistance, using its own propellant flow and turbopump dynamics. This innovation is expected to significantly enhance the restart capability and mission flexibility of future LVM-3 flights, enabling complex orbital manoeuvres and multi-orbit deployments.
ISRO highlighted that this achievement marks a potential world-first for a gas-generator cycle cryogenic engine to achieve such a start without auxiliary support, paving the way for more efficient and versatile space missions.
DRDO Forges Strategic Defence R&D Partnership with France
In another key development, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed a technical agreement with the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) on November 20, 2025. This strategic partnership aims to deepen collaboration in defence research and development between India and France.
The agreement provides a formal framework for joint research, training programmes, testing activities, and the exchange of information and expertise in critical areas. Key sectors identified for cooperation include aeronautical platforms, unmanned vehicles, advanced materials for defence applications, cyber security, artificial intelligence, space, navigation, advanced propulsion, advanced sensors, quantum technologies, and underwater technologies. This collaboration is expected to leverage the combined expertise and resources of both nations to develop innovative solutions for future defence challenges and contribute to global defence technology advancements.