Pushing Boundaries: ISRO’s ‘Pushpak’ Marks Milestone in India’s Space Journey with Successful Test Landing

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View: ISRO's 'Pushpak' aircraft, India's initial Reusable Launch Vehicle effectively finishes trial landing

The Pushpak launch vehicle stands for India's innovative efforts to transform space accessibility, and its triumphant landing signifies further progress in this path. The entire scheme was established for approximately Rs 100 crore.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reached an important achievement on Friday when it successfully carried out the landing mission of its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), called 'Pushpak'. The event took place at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Challakere, close to Chitradurga in Karnataka. ISRO chairman S Somanath and other high-ranking officers were present at the launch.

ISRO scores another victory! The winged vehicle, Pushpak (RLV-TD), successfully landed on its own with pinpoint accuracy on the runway after being deployed from an unconventional spot," the space agency shared on X.

RLV-LEX-02: The method and the touchdown. pic.twitter.com/hI9k86KiBv— ISRO (@isro) March 22, 2024

RLV-LEX-02: The method and the touchdown. pic.twitter.com/hI9k86KiBv

The airborne craft, known as Pushpak, was hoisted into the air by an Indian Airforce Chinook helicopter and let go at a height of 4.5 km. Upon being released 4km away from the airstrip, Pushpak independently guided itself towards the runway, making necessary adjustments. It landed accurately on the runway and came to a stop using its brake parachute, landing gear brakes, and nose wheel steering mechanism, according to a statement by ISRO.

This trial signified the triad voyage of Pushpak, a segment of numerous examinations intended to polish its automated landing abilities amidst intricate circumstances. Although Pushpak's functional implementation is still a few years ahead, this accomplishment emphasizes India's aspiring attempts to reduce the cost of space accessibility, as pointed out by Mr. Somanath.

The RLV-LEX-02 Experiment was a success, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) once again proving their capabilities. The winged vehicle named Pushpak (RLV-TD) successfully landed on its own, demonstrating remarkable accuracy on the runway after being launched from a non-standard position. The accomplishment was shared on ISRO's official Twitter account, with a mention to the Indian Air Force.

The Pushpak launch vehicle is a groundbreaking attempt by India to transform space exploration and its successful landing signifies further progress in this endeavor. The project has been ongoing for more than ten years, and a major milestone was reached last April when Pushpak showcased its ability to land independently after being launched from an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter. This achievement brings Pushpak one step closer to realizing its objective of orbital re-entry capabilities.

The Pushpak project, which involved an investment of roughly Rs 100 crore, not only displays India's technological capabilities but also sets the foundation for upcoming missions. This includes the ambitious goal of setting up the Bhartiya Antariksha Station by 2035.

On his recent trip to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was updated by Somanath about the advancements of the Pushpak vehicle. The development process of the RLV spacecraft was initiated in January 2012, following the approval of its design by the National Review Committee. Following this, the initial model, named the RLV-TD (Technology Demonstrator), was constructed.

By harnessing the power of high-tech supercomputer models and working together with organizations such as the National Aerospace Laboratory and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), substantial progress has been achieved in creating materials that can withstand high temperatures. These materials are meant to safeguard spacecraft when they re-enter the earth's atmosphere. The initial launch of the RLV occurred in 2016, representing a crucial landmark in India's exploration of space.

(Incorporating information from various sources)

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