Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) completed the third Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Landing Experiment (LEX) at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka.

Isro successfully conducts Reusable Launch Vehicle technology demonstration

• The experiment successfully showcased autonomous landing capabilities under more demanding conditions.
• Pushpak conducted cross-range correction maneuvers and executed a precise horizontal landing at the centerline of the runway. 
• The mission simulated high-speed landing scenarios typical of vehicles returning from space. Advanced guidance algorithms were validated for error corrections, crucial for future orbital re-entry missions.

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Pushpak Viman

• About: Pushpak RLV is designed as a fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle, utilizing advanced technology derived from earlier prototypes such as the X-33, X-34, and the upgraded DC-XA.
• Landing Conditions Simulation: During the mission, RLV simulated high-speed landing conditions and approaches used when returning from space.
• Advanced Landing Experiments: ISRO’s second series of RLV landing experiments showcased autonomous landing capability and performed challenging maneuvers with precision.
• ISRO’s Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Initiative: This mission is a continuation of ISRO’s endeavors to develop critical technologies for a fully reusable launch vehicle (RLV), aimed at achieving cost-effective access to space.
• Past RLV Missions: ISRO had previously conducted successful RLV missions in 2016.
  • The experiment involved launching a winged spacecraft into space using a rocket powered by ISRO’s conventional solid booster engine (HS9).

Reusable Launch Vehicle

• About: An RLV is a spacecraft designed for multiple launches into space, significantly reducing costs by enabling reuse. The concept aims to recover costly rocket boosters used in spacecraft launches, potentially refueling and reusing them for future space missions.
• Operational Aspects by ISRO: These launch vehicles feature added safeguards like heat shields, grid fins, and other flight control surfaces. 
  • They are heavier than their expendable counterparts due to extra avionics and propellant. The design of the spaceplane is also tailored to facilitate recovery.
• Advantages: RLV is perceived as a cost-effective, dependable, and readily available means of accessing space.
• Challenges: The selection and crafting of materials such as special alloys, composites, and insulation materials are highly intricate and require skilled manpower.
• Two-Stage RLV Concept: ISRO’s RLV features a two-stage propulsion system to achieve orbit. After the first stage exhausts its fuel, it is jettisoned, allowing the vehicle to continue using the second stage. 
  • The separated first stage autonomously re-enters the atmosphere and lands at a predetermined location. Following maintenance, it is ready for reuse.

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