The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 19 February 2016 successfully tested high-thrust cryogenic engine CE-20 at its Propulsion Research Centre in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.

The successful hotbed test lasted 640 seconds and paved the way for the first developmental flight of the GSLV Mark 3 in December 2016.

The GSLV Mark 3, the biggest rocket made in India, will be capable of launching 4-tonne satellites into geosynchronous orbit.

So far India's GSLVs were being powered by cryogenic engines given by Russia. But this development marks a milestone in the country's effort to develop a big cryogenic engine to fly satellites of up to five tonnes.