The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for a critical milestone- the third landing attempt of its reusable launch vehicle (RLV) technology demonstrator, fondly nicknamed "Pushpak."
This exciting development marks a significant step towards achieving cost-effective and sustainable space exploration for India.
Pushpak is a winged-unmanned aerial vehicle designed to test and validate technologies crucial for developing reusable launch vehicles. Unlike conventional rockets discarded after a single use, reusable launch vehicles can be recovered and flown again, significantly reducing launch costs.
The Pushpak program utilises the RLV-LEX series of missions to test various reusability aspects. The first two missions, RLV-LEX1 and RLV-LEX2, successfully focused on the autonomous launch and aerial manoeuvres. Now, the spotlight is on the critical and challenging feat of a powered landing with RLV-LEX3.
The success of RLV-LEX3 will be a breakthrough for ISRO. A controlled and precise landing demonstrates the vehicle's ability to return safely and be reused for future missions.
Here's what makes RLV-LEX3 so significant-
RLV-LEX3 will test the onboard navigation system, guidance software, and flight control mechanisms to ensure a smooth and accurate landing.
Reusable launch vehicles hold the potential to reduce the cost of space missions drastically. Successfully landing Pushpak will pave the way for the development of cost-effective reusable launch vehicles for future Indian space endeavours.
Reusable launch vehicles significantly reduce space debris by eliminating the need to discard rocket stages after each launch. It contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable space environment.
The landing attempt for RLV-LEX3 is expected to take place at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Challakere, Karnataka, weather permitting. Here's a breakdown of what to expect-
Pushpak will be carried to a predetermined altitude by an Indian Air Force (IAF) Chinook helicopter.
Once at the designated altitude, Pushpak will separate from the helicopter and initiate its descent.
The onboard navigation system and flight control mechanisms will take over, guiding Pushpak through a series of manoeuvres to achieve a controlled landing.
The goal is for Pushpak to land autonomously on the runway using its landing gear and braking parachute.
The success of RLV-LEX3 will be a milestone for ISRO's reusable launch vehicle program. Following this- further test flights and refinements are expected before a fully operational reusable launch vehicle becomes a reality.
ISRO's reusable launch vehicle program holds immense potential for the future of Indian space exploration.
A successful reusable launch vehicle program could pave the way for a more cost-effective launch system for India's ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
Reusable launch vehicles can significantly reduce the overall cost of space missions, opening doors to more frequent and diverse space exploration endeavours.
This technology could also lead to the development of commercially viable reusable launch vehicles, benefiting the private space sector in India.
The upcoming RLV-LEX3 landing attempt is crucial in ISRO's journey towards achieving reusable launch vehicle technology. The success of this mission will not only be a testament to India's technological prowess but also open doors to a future of cost-effective, sustainable, and more frequent space exploration for the nation.
