The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) test fired an upgraded version of the strap-on solid rocket motor for its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for 58 seconds Dec. 29, ISRO announced.

The PSOM-XL can carry up to 12.4 tons of propellant, compared to current strap-ons that can carry 9 tons. The use of six PSOM-XLs will increase the capacity of the PSLVfrom 1,450 kilograms to 1,600 kilograms, ISRO said.

The upgraded motor was developed by ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.