In a momentous achievement for India’s space exploration endeavors, Pushpak, an SUV-sized winged rocket hailed as the “swadeshi space shuttle,” completed a successful landing on a runway in Karnataka. The milestone event marks a significant step forward in India’s quest to venture into the realm of reusable rockets.
The experimental flight saw the rocket being dropped from an Air Force helicopter, a crucial part of the test that yielded “excellent and precise” outcomes, according to S Somanath, the chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
ISRO celebrated the triumph, highlighting that Pushpak, also known as RLV-TD (Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator), executed an autonomous landing with remarkable precision after being released from an off-nominal position.
The mission, named RLV-LEX-02, simulated the critical approach and high-speed landing conditions that a reusable launch vehicle (RLV) would encounter upon returning from space. Pushpak’s autonomous navigation enabled it to approach the runway with meticulous cross-range corrections before touching down precisely on the designated spot, aided by its brake parachute, landing gear brakes, and nose wheel steering system.
This experiment, constituting the third flight of Pushpak, aimed to test its robotic landing capability under more complex conditions. Operational deployment of Pushpak is anticipated to require several more years of development.
Mr. Somanath emphasized Pushpak’s significance as India’s endeavor to revolutionize access to space, making it more cost-effective. The reusable launch vehicle is designed to recover the upper stage, containing expensive electronics, thereby minimizing space debris and potentially enabling satellite refueling or refurbishment operations.
Pushpak, named after the mythical “Pushpak Viman” from the Ramayana, symbolizes India’s dedication to technological innovation and space exploration. A product of a decade-long effort by a dedicated team of engineers and scientists, this aeroplane-like craft weighs 1.75 tons and boasts advanced navigation capabilities for precise landings.
With successful tests in 2016 and 2023, Pushpak’s journey exemplifies India’s commitment to advancing space technology and fostering self-reliance in the aerospace sector. The government’s substantial investment of over ₹100 crore underscores the nation’s determination to carve out a prominent place in the global space arena.
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