The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed the third and final landing experiment of its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) ‘Pushpak.’ This significant achievement occurred at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka, on June 23, 2024.
Key Details of the Experiment
- Autonomous Landing: Pushpak demonstrated its autonomous landing capability under severe wind conditions. Released by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter at an altitude of 4.5 km, it executed cross-range correction maneuvers before approaching the runway.
- Landing Precision: Pushpak approached the runway with a speed of 320 kmph, higher than the typical 280 kmph for fighter aircraft due to its low lift-to-drag ratio. It achieved a precise horizontal landing at the runway centerline.
- Deceleration Mechanisms: Upon touchdown, the vehicle’s speed was reduced to nearly 100 kmph using a brake parachute, followed by landing gear brakes for complete deceleration. The rudder and nose wheel steering system maintained a stable and precise ground roll along the runway.
Technological Advancements
- Multisensor Fusion: Pushpak utilized a combination of an inertial sensor, radar altimeter, flush air data system, Pseudolite system, and NavIC navigation system for accurate landing.
- Reusable Systems: The mission reused the winged body and flight systems from the previous LEX-02 mission without modifications, underscoring ISRO’s capability in designing reusable flight systems.
Collaborative Effort
The mission was led by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and involved collaboration across multiple ISRO centers including the Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), and Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR). It also received significant support from the Indian Air Force, Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), and several other organizations.
Future Implications
This successful demonstration of autonomous landing capabilities reaffirms ISRO’s expertise in critical technologies required for developing a Reusable Launch Vehicle. These advancements are expected to reduce launch costs and facilitate further space exploration endeavors significantly. The validated guidance algorithms from this mission are crucial for future orbital re-entry missions.
Acknowledgments
Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Prahlad Joshi, lauded ISRO for its innovation and dedication. ISRO Chairman S Somanath and VSSC Director S Unnikrishnan Nair also commended the team for their consistent success in these complex missions.
This success marks a pivotal moment in India’s space exploration journey, positioning ISRO to further advance in developing orbital reusable vehicles.
