--- title: "ISRO Conducts First Fire Test of LME1100 Methane Engine Gas Generator: Over 70% of Parts 3D Printed" description: "On October 9, 2026, ISRO conducted the first hot-fire test of the full-scale gas generator for the 1,100 kN LME1100 methane engine. Over 70% of parts are 3D printed, with an integrated engine version expected by mid-2027." date: 2026-10-18T12:04:29.717Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/isro-lme1100-methane-engine-first-fire-test tags: [isro, methane-engine, lme1100, rocket-engine, ngvl, additive-manufacturing, space-india, lox-ch4] author: "Alexander Buran" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # ISRO Conducts First Fire Test of LME1100 Methane Engine Gas Generator: Over 70% of Parts 3D Printed ![Hot-fire test of the ISRO LME1100 methane engine gas generator with a bright flame plume](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/18/isro-lme1100-metanovyi-dvigatel-pervoe-ognevoe-ispytanie/isro-lme1100-metanovyi-dvigatel-pervoe-ognevoe-ispytanie-1.webp) ## Key Points - On October 9, 2026, ISRO successfully conducted the first hot-fire test of the full-scale LME1100 gas generator (LOX/CH4, 1100 kN thrust). - Over 70% of LME1100 parts are manufactured using additive technologies (3D printing); development began in 2023. - An integrated version of the LME1100 is planned for mid-2027; parallel tests are underway for scaled gas generator models, combustion chambers, and turbopumps. - ISRO's methane program started in 2019 with the LM20-TD demonstrator (20 tons, five hot-fire tests based on CE-20 components). - The LME1100 and LME2400 engines (2400 kN, full-flow staged combustion) will form the basis of the NGLV and the heavy-lift vehicle for a crewed lunar mission by 2040. On October 9, 2026, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed the first hot-fire test of a full-scale gas generator for the advanced LME1100 liquid oxygen and methane rocket engine. The test marked a key milestone in the next-generation methane engine program, confirming the functionality of the core assembly required to prepare the working fluid for the combustion chamber. According to the agency, the integrated version of the 1,100 kN thrust engine is scheduled to be ready by mid-2027. ### Gas Generator Design and Reliance on Additive Technologies The LME1100 is designed using a gas generator cycle, with development starting in 2023. A key design feature is the extensive use of additive technologies: according to ISRO, more than 70% of the engine's components are manufactured using 3D printing. This reduces the supply chain, accelerates iterations, and lowers the mass of complex cast and machined elements. Following the successful initial gas generator run, specialists plan to conduct a series of qualification tests across various operating modes to verify operational life and performance stability. ### Component Testing: From Scale Models to Full Cycle In parallel with the full-scale gas generator, ISRO is testing other engine assemblies. A scaled-down model of the gas generator was previously tested, allowing engineers to practice the ignition sequence and evaluate the characteristics of printed injector elements. Tests of a scaled combustion chamber helped select the injector configuration and verify ignition systems designed for different propellant supply conditions. Separately, turbopump assemblies for liquid oxygen and methane—critical elements for establishing operating pressure in the circuit—are undergoing testing. ### From LM20-TD to LME1100: Chronology of the Methane Program ISRO began work on methane engines back in 2019. The first stage involved creating the LM20-TD 20-tonne technology demonstrator, which utilized components from the existing CE-20 liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen cryogenic engine. In 2019–2020, the demonstrator underwent five hot-fire tests, providing foundational experience in handling cryogenic components and enabling the transition to designing the full-fledged LME1100 methane engine. ### Methane for the Moon and Mars: Strategy Up to 2040 The transition to liquid oxygen and methane is viewed as a promising direction for new rockets. Compared to traditional hydrocarbons, methane provides cleaner combustion and can simplify the maintenance of reusable stages. Furthermore, methane can potentially be produced on Mars from carbon dioxide and water ice, making it particularly attractive for future interplanetary missions. ISRO plans to use such engines in the next-generation NGLV rocket and in a heavy-lift rocket for a crewed lunar expedition that India intends to accomplish by 2040. ### LME2400: Heavy Class for Crewed Missions For its heavy-lift rocket, ISRO has also completed the design of the LME2400 engine with a thrust of 2,400 kN. Unlike the LME1100, it will use a full-flow staged combustion propellant feed cycle, which increases specific impulse and efficiency. This engine is set to become the foundation of the future heavy launcher intended for crewed lunar missions, completing the formation of the Indian space program's methane engine family. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [Метановый двигатель, который может изменить космическую программу Индии: LME1100 для будущей ракеты NGLV прошел первое огневое испытание](https://www.ixbt.com/news/2026/10/17/metanovyi-dvigatel-kotoryi-mozet-izmenit-kosmiceskuiu-programmu-indii-lme1100-dlia-budushhei-rakety-nglv-prosel-pervoe-ognevoe-ispytanie.html) - Primary source: test date 9.10.2026, thrust 1100 kN, >70% parts 3D printed, development since 2023, LM20-TD 2019–2020 (5 tests), LME2400 2400 kN, NGLV and lunar mission by 2040. - [LandSpace испытала 220-тонный метановый двигатель для тяжёлых ракет нового поколения](https://www.ixbt.com/news/2026/03/11/landspace-ispytala-220tonnyj-metanovyj-dvigatel-dlja-tjazhjolyh-raket-novogo-pokolenija.html) - Contextual source about the Chinese LandSpace engine; contains no facts regarding LME1100/ISRO and is not included in the article. ## FAQ ### What exactly did ISRO test on October 9, 2026? The first hot-fire test of a full-scale gas generator for the advanced LME1100 liquid oxygen and methane rocket engine. ### What is the thrust of the LME1100 engine and what is its purpose? The LME1100 has a thrust of 1,100 kN. The engine is being developed for future Indian launch vehicles, including the next-generation NGLV rocket. ### When will the integrated version of the LME1100 be ready? According to ISRO, the integrated version of the engine is scheduled to be ready by mid-2027. ### What role does 3D printing play in the LME1100 design? According to ISRO, more than 70% of the engine's components are manufactured using additive technologies—3D printing. ### Since what year has ISRO been working on methane engines? Work began in 2019 with the creation of the LM20-TD 20-tonne technology demonstrator based on CE-20 cryogenic engine components; it underwent five hot-fire tests in 2019–2020. ### How does the LME2400 engine differ from the LME1100? The LME2400 has a thrust of 2,400 kN and will use a full-flow staged combustion cycle; it will form the basis of the heavy launcher for crewed lunar missions.