// PROPULSION SYSTEMS AND ENGINE TECHNOLOGY TERM
Cryogenic Engine
A cryogenic engine is a rocket engine that burns propellants, such as liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, which are stored at extremely low temperatures as super-cooled liquids. These engines offer high performance and efficiency for space missions.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A cryogenic engine is a chemical rocket propulsion system that combusts propellants, specifically cryogenic liquid hydrogen (LH2) fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) oxidizer, stored at ultra-low temperatures to achieve high specific impulse and thrust for orbital insertion and deep-space missions.
BACKGROUND
Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited is a private Indian aerospace manufacturer and commercial launch service provider headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana. The company was founded by former engineers and scientists from ISRO.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Cryo-engine
- LOX/LH2 engine
- Liquid hydrogen engine
- Super-cooled propellant engine
USAGE NOTE
Cryogenic engines are predominantly used in the upper stages of launch vehicles and for inter-planetary propulsion due to their superior efficiency.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Cryogenic Engine.
Develops and operates the Raptor engine, a full-flow staged combustion engine that uses liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid methane (LCH4), both cryogenic propellants, for its Starship launch system.
Developing and testing cryogenic engines such as the BE-3 (LOX/LH2) for the New Shepard suborbital vehicle and the BE-4 (LOX/LCH4) for its New Glenn orbital rocket and ULA's Vulcan Centaur.
Producer of the RS-25 engine (Space Shuttle Main Engine), a high-performance liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen (LOX/LH2) cryogenic engine used on the Space Launch System (SLS).
Develops and manufactures the Vulcain (LOX/LH2) and Vinci (LOX/LH2) cryogenic engines for the Ariane 5 and upcoming Ariane 6 launch vehicles.
Designs, develops, and operates cryogenic upper stage engines, such as the CE-20, which uses liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, for its Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV Mk-III).
Has developed and utilizes cryogenic engines like the LE-7A (LOX/LH2) for the H-IIB rocket and the LE-9 (LOX/LH2) for the new H3 rocket, providing main propulsion for its heavy-lift launchers.
Funds, researches, and oversees the development of advanced cryogenic propulsion technologies and engines, including the RS-25 for the Space Launch System (SLS) and future advanced concepts for lunar and Mars missions.
As the primary contractor for Japan's H-IIA/B and H3 rockets, MHI is heavily involved in the manufacturing and development of the cryogenic LE-7A and LE-9 engines, working in close cooperation with JAXA.