India has marked a new chapter in its aerospace history with the successful landing of the reusable “Pushpak” vehicle. This feat was accomplished on a runway in Karnataka, after the vehicle, the size of an all-terrain vehicle and also known as “RLV LEX-02”, completed an experimental test flight.
The first reusable Pushpak vehicle
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath highlighted the precision and excellence with which the mission was executed. ISRO triumphantly proclaimed that it had achieved another major success, demonstrating its ability to conduct space operations efficiently and effectively.
The development of this experimental operation, which simulated real conditions of return from space, the Pushpak was deployed from an Air Force helicopter and performed an autonomous landing on the runway, automatically adjusting itself to correct any deviations. ISRO explained in detail how the vehicle used its braking parachute, landing gear brakes and nose gear steering system to stop accurately on the designated runway.
This test marks Pushpak’s third successful flight, confirming its ability to perform automated landings in increasingly challenging conditions. While Pushpak’s use in regular operations is likely still some years away, each successful test brings us one step closer to India’s goal of achieving more economical and sustainable more economical and sustainable space launches.
RLV versions
The reusability of the RLV was successfully demonstrated, because the ISRO reused the winged body and flight systems of the RLV-LEX-01 in the RLV-LEX-02 mission, after obtaining the necessary certifications and authorizations. Improvements were made to the airframe and landing gear structure to ensure that the vehicle could withstand heavier landing loads, based on lessons learned from the previous mission.
The Pushpak launch vehicle symbolizes India’s effort to make access to space more affordable, according to Somanath. By recovering and reusing crucial rocket components, India hopes to significantly reduce launch costs. In addition, vehicles such as Pushpak have the potential to transform space operations, enabling, for example, the refueling of satellites in orbit or the recovery of obsolete satellites for repair, which could help solve the space debris problem.
Pruebas de aterrizaje con éxito del RLV LEX-02 "Pushpak". Fuente: SciNews
Over the past decade, the Pushpak project has been a clear testament to India’s commitment to space, thanks to the efforts of countless engineers and scientists. Since its first flight from Sriharikota in 2016, which ended with a successful landing, on a virtual runway in the Bay of Bengal, the RLV has consistently demonstrated its capability and progress in reusable launch technology.
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Source: IRSO
Photo: SciNews
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