ISRO triumphs: India’s first reusable launch vehicle, 'Pushpak', successfully lands

PTC News Desk: In a historic achievement, India's premier space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), successfully executed the landing mission of its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) named 'Pushpak'. The groundbreaking event took place in Karnataka's Chitradurga at 7 am on Friday, marking a significant stride towards making space access more economical and sustainable.

The mission was meticulously carried out from the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) located in Challakere near Karnataka's Chitradurga. ISRO's Chairman S Somanath, alongside other senior officials, was present at the launch site to witness the monumental event.

The 'Pushpak' RLV, a winged vehicle, autonomously landed with precision on the runway after being released from an off-nominal position, as confirmed by ISRO. Lifted by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter, 'Pushpak' was released from an altitude of 4.5 km. Subsequently, it autonomously approached the runway, making cross-range corrections, before landing precisely on the runway. The landing process was aided by its brake parachute, landing gear brakes, and nose wheel steering system.

This successful landing marks the third flight of the Pushpak RLV, signifying a series of tests aimed at perfecting its robotic landing capabilities under increasingly complex conditions.

Designed as an all-rocket, fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle, the Pushpak RLV incorporates advanced technology elements from various predecessors, including the X-33 advanced technology demonstrator, the X-34 testbed technology demonstrator, and the upgraded DC-XA flight demonstrator.

The project, which has been in development for over a decade, achieved a significant milestone in April last year when the vehicle autonomously landed after being released from an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter. This marked a critical step towards achieving orbital re-entry capabilities.

Also Read: PM Narendra Modi sets off for two-day visit to Bhutan

Also Read: Arvind Kejriwal's arrest; Supreme Court expected to review case today

Named after the mythical 'Pushpak Viman' from the Ramayana, ISRO's modern-day aircraft symbolizes prosperity and innovation. Configured as a winged technology demonstrator, the RLV serves as a flying test bed to evaluate various technologies, including hypersonic flight, autonomous landing, and powered cruise flight.

With an investment exceeding Rs 100 crore, the Pushpak RLV project not only underscores India's technological prowess but also paves the way for future endeavors, including the ambitious goal of establishing the Bhartiya Antariksha Station by 2035.

During his recent visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed by Somanath about the vehicle's development. The journey of the RLV spacecraft began in January 2012 when its design was approved by the National Review Committee. Subsequently, the first prototype, named RLV-TD (Technology Demonstrator), was constructed.

Advanced supercomputer simulations and the development of heat-resistant materials by the National Aerospace Laboratory and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) were pivotal in preparing the spacecraft for its maiden flight in 2016. This successful endeavor stands as a testament to India's relentless pursuit of excellence in space exploration.

Also Read: Arvind Kejriwal arrested; what's next?

Also Read: Delhi Excise Policy Case: List of top leaders arrested in 'liquor scam'

(Inputs from agencies)