📷 Image Credits: NDTV
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a rare hat-trick of the safe landing of an uncrewed, autonomous winged reusable launch vehicle named ‘Pushpak.’ The third and final test in the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Landing Experiment (LEX) was conducted at 07:10 IST at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka. ‘Pushpak’ was released from an Indian Air Force Chinook Helicopter at an altitude of 4.5 km, showcasing advanced autonomous capabilities under challenging conditions. This successful landing marks a significant milestone for ISRO, paving the way for the upcoming orbital test of ‘Pushpak.’
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath expressed his pride in the achievement, noting that this sets the stage for the orbital test of ‘Pushpak.’ The upcoming test will involve launching ‘Pushpak’ on a rocket into space, demonstrating its ability to safely land back on Earth. This innovative technology aims to reduce the cost of access to space and represents a significant step forward for ISRO in the 21st century.
The successful landing of ‘Pushpak’ in Chitradurga signifies a major advancement in India’s space technology. The mission simulated high-speed landing conditions for vehicles returning from space, validating critical technologies necessary for the development of a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV). The autonomous capabilities of ‘Pushpak’ were showcased as it executed a precise horizontal landing at the runway centerline, exceeding commercial aircraft and fighter aircraft velocities.
Following the success of the RLV-LEX missions, ISRO is now preparing to embark on the Orbital Re-entry Vehicle (ORV) mission. The ORV will feature advanced technologies such as high-temperature protection tiles, liquid rocket engines, retractable landing gear, and payload deployment mechanisms. The agency aims to deploy a larger version of the ‘Pushpak’ for orbital testing and plans to validate its re-entry capabilities and landing procedures.
The successful completion of the RLV-LEX missions demonstrates ISRO’s expertise in developing autonomous landing systems for reusable launch vehicles. The agency’s dedication and technological advancements in the field of space exploration underline India’s position as a key player in the global space arena. As ISRO continues to push the boundaries of space technology, the future looks promising for India’s space exploration endeavors.
