‘Pushpak’, India’s first Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), was successfully launched in Karnataka’s Chitradurga at 7 am on Friday. The launch is India’s bold attempt towards making space access more affordable and sustainable.
“ISRO Makes History with Successful Landing of ‘Pushpak’, India’s First Reusable Launch Vehicle”
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) achieved yet another milestone on Friday as it executed the landing mission of its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) dubbed ‘Pushpak’. The event took place at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) located in Challakere, near Karnataka’s Chitradurga.
Amidst the presence of ISRO Chairman S Somanath and other senior officials, ‘Pushpak’ made its descent from the skies, marking a significant moment in India’s space exploration journey.
“ISRO nails it again! Pushpak (RLV-TD), the winged vehicle, landed autonomously with precision on the runway after being released from an off-nominal position,” announced the space organization, underscoring the precision and success of the operation.
This achievement signifies a major leap forward in India’s space capabilities, particularly in terms of reusability, which holds promise for reducing the costs associated with future space missions. With ‘Pushpak’, ISRO has demonstrated its prowess in developing and operating sophisticated reusable launch vehicles, further solidifying its position as a leading player in the global space arena.
In a remarkable display of technological prowess, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone as its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), ‘Pushpak’, completed a flawless landing mission. Lifted by an Indian Airforce Chinook helicopter, Pushpak was released from a height of 4.5 km and autonomously approached the runway, making precise cross-range corrections along the way. It landed with pinpoint accuracy, utilizing its brake parachute, landing gear brakes, and nose wheel steering system to come to a halt.
RLV-LEX-02:
The approach and the landing. pic.twitter.com/hI9k86KiBv— ISRO (@isro) March 22, 2024
Designed as a fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle, the Pushpak RLV incorporates cutting-edge elements inspired by advanced aerospace technologies. Its development draws upon the expertise garnered from projects like the X-33 advanced technology demonstrator, the X-34 testbed technology demonstrator, and the upgraded DC-XA flight demonstrator.
This successful flight marks the culmination of extensive testing, with Pushpak undergoing a series of trials aimed at perfecting its robotic landing capabilities under increasingly challenging conditions. Notably, this is the third flight of Pushpak, following a rigorous testing regime that has brought it closer to achieving orbital re-entry capabilities.
Named after the mythical ‘Pushpak Viman’ from the Ramayana, ISRO’s modern-day aircraft embodies the spirit of prosperity and innovation. As a winged technology demonstrator, Pushpak serves as a flying test bed for evaluating a range of critical technologies, including hypersonic flight, autonomous landing, and powered cruise flight.
With an investment exceeding Rs 100 crore, the Pushpak project not only showcases India’s technological prowess but also lays the foundation for future endeavors. This includes ambitious initiatives such as the establishment of the Bhartiya Antariksha Station by 2035, underscoring India’s commitment to advancing space exploration on a global scale.