ISRO’s Pushpak lands successfully, marking reusable launch success.
ISRO’s Pushpak landing experiment conducted at Karnataka’s Challakere around 7 am on Friday.
On Friday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a successful landing mission of its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) named ‘Pushpak’ from the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Karnataka’s Challakere. The rocket took off around 7 am from the Chalakere Runway, marking a significant milestone in India’s space exploration endeavors.
This mission marked the third successful landing for the RLV, named after the legendary spaceship from the Ramayan. ISRO had previously conducted similar missions in 2016 and April of last year. The successful landing of ‘Pushpak’ reaffirms India’s capabilities in developing and operating reusable launch systems.
The RLV technology holds immense promise for cost-effective and sustainable space missions, as it allows for the recovery and reuse of key components of the launch vehicle. ISRO’s continued advancements in this field are crucial for reducing the costs associated with space exploration and opening up new possibilities for scientific research and commercial ventures.
The successful landing of ‘Pushpak’ from the Aeronautical Test Range in Challakere is a testament to the dedication and expertise of ISRO’s scientists and engineers. It marks another step forward in India’s journey towards becoming a leading player in the global space community, showcasing its ability to innovate and achieve remarkable feats in space technology.
The successful landing mission of ISRO’s Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) ‘Pushpak’ involved a unique method of deployment. An Indian Air Force helicopter carried the launch vehicle to an altitude of approximately 4.5 km before releasing it with precise parameters.
ISRO views this mission as a crucial step in its endeavor to develop essential technologies for a fully reusable launch vehicle, aimed at enabling low-cost access to space. The ‘Pushpak’ launch vehicle represents India’s ambitious attempt to revolutionize space access, as stated by ISRO chairperson S Somanath. This futuristic RLV is designed to make space travel more affordable and sustainable.
With ‘Pushpak,’ the upper stage, housing costly electronics, is made reusable by safely returning it to Earth after launch. This approach not only minimizes costs but also supports India’s efforts to reduce space debris. Moreover, ‘Pushpak’ holds the potential for in-orbit satellite refueling and satellite retrieval for refurbishment, aligning with India’s goals of efficient and eco-friendly space operations.
Reported by India Today, the ‘Pushpak’ RLV is an all-rocket, fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle. It incorporates elements from various advanced technology demonstrators like the X-33 and X-34, along with the upgraded DC-XA flight demonstrator.
These features combine to make ‘Pushpak’ a versatile and innovative platform, setting the stage for India’s advancements in sustainable space exploration and technology.
In February, Somanath briefed PM Modi about the RLV mission, estimated to cost ₹100 crore, at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.