Introduction

• On June 23, 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) accomplished a significant milestone by successfully conducting the third and final landing experiment of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) named ‘Pushpak’. 

• This experiment was carried out at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka, at 07:30 IST.

Successful Experiment

• ISRO chairman S Somanath congratulated the team for their dedication in sustaining the streak of success in the landing experiment of 'Pushpak'. 

• The test marks a hat-trick for ISRO in the RLV Landing Experiment (LEX), showcasing the advanced autonomous capabilities of the vehicle under challenging conditions.

Key Objectives and Achievements

• The RLV LEX-03 mission replicated the approach, landing interface, and high-speed landing conditions for a vehicle reentering from space, highlighting ISRO's proficiency in acquiring crucial technologies for Reusable Launch Vehicle development.

• The sophisticated guidance algorithm addressing longitudinal and lateral plane error corrections, vital for future Orbital Re-entry Missions, has been authenticated through this mission.

Technical Aspects of the Mission

• The winged vehicle, 'Pushpak', was released from an Indian Air Force Chinook Helicopter at an altitude of 4.5 km.

• Pushpak autonomously executed cross-range correction maneuvers from a release point 4.5 km away from the runway, approaching and landing precisely at the runway centerline.

• Due to its low lift-to-drag ratio aerodynamic configuration, Pushpak landed at a velocity exceeding 320 kmph, compared to commercial aircraft (260 kmph) and typical fighter aircraft (280 kmph).

• After touchdown, the vehicle's velocity was reduced to nearly 100 kmph using a brake parachute, followed by employing landing gear brakes for further deceleration.

• Pushpak autonomously maintained a stable and precise ground roll along the runway using its rudder and nose wheel steering system during the ground roll phase.

Advanced Technology Utilization

• The RLV-LEX utilized multisensor fusion, including an Inertial sensor, Radar altimeter, Flush air data system, Pseudolite system, and NavIC.

• The RLV-LEX-03 mission reused the winged body and flight systems from the LEX-02 mission without any modification, showcasing ISRO's capability to design reusable flight systems for multiple missions.

Collaborative Effort

• The mission was spearheaded by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and involved a collaborative effort from various ISRO centers such as SAC, ISTRAC, SDSC-SHAR, along with significant support from the Indian Air Force (IAF), Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) and other agencies.

ISRO's Future Vision

• S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of VSSC, highlighted that this consistent success bolsters ISRO's confidence in the critical technologies necessary for future orbital re-entry missions. 

• With the objectives of RLV-LEX accomplished, ISRO now embarks on RLV-ORV, the orbital reusable vehicle.

Importance for UPSC and Competitive Exams

• This article is crucial for aspirants preparing for UPSC CSE, UPSC CAPF, Assistant Commandant, Essay Writing, Current Affairs, NDA, CDS, SSB Interview, AFCAT, IAS, IB ACIO, and other competitive exams. 

• Understanding the advancements and milestones in India's space technology is essential for general awareness and science and technology sections. 

• The successful landing experiments of the RLV 'Pushpak' reflect India's growing capabilities in reusable space technology, making it a significant topic for discussions and essays in various competitive exams.