On Saturday, ISRO announced that it had successfully completed the ignition trial of the local CE20 cryogenic engine that powers the LVM3's upper stage using a multi-element igniter in vacuum, simulating engine ignition in space.

According to a statement from ISRO, the test was conducted on Friday at the High Altitude Test Facility at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
For India's ambitious crewed space mission, Gaganyaan, this engine is essential.

In this test, a multi-element igniter was used to ignite the engine Thrust Chamber in a vacuum, under the tank pressure conditions that are anticipated to exist when the cryogenic engine is restarted in flight. During the test, the engine and the facility operated normally and according to expectations.