ISRO Set for Final RLV Landing Experiment in June

June 10, 2024

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is putting its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) technology through a set of testing that are very important. Within a larger plan to create spacecraft that can be launched, recovered, and used again, these tests are a big part of making space trips much cheaper.

Recent Advances in RLV Technology

The third and final RLV Landing Experiment (RLV LEX), which is part of ISRO’s ongoing work, is set to happen in the first half of June. As long as the weather is good, this test will take place at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka. This important goal has been reached by the task readiness review.

The RLV LEX Missions

For the RLV LEX flights, an unmanned prototype with wings is used. It is called “Pushpak.” The upcoming LEX-03 mission will be harder because an IAF Chinook helicopter will have to take Pushpak to a height of 4.5 km and 500 meters laterally from the runway. When it is let go, Pushpak has to find its way to the runway by itself, changing its direction and altitude as needed before landing. This mission will also try to lower the sink rate so that the effect on landing is less severe. A real-time kinematics (RTK) package will be used to help with this.

Challenges and Innovations

Every LEX mission gets harder than the last one. For example, LEX-03 was made to handle tougher tailwinds and a bigger distance from the airport than LEX-02, which kept a 150-meter distance. To learn the technology needed for safe, controlled lander reentry and landings in a range of conditions, these tests are necessary.

Future Developments: The ORV Missions

Launching an Orbital Re-entry Vehicle (ORV) is the next step after the RLV LEX series is finished. This bigger spacecraft will be sent into a 400 km orbit by an updated GSLV rocket. The ORV is set to launch in about two years and will do several experiments in orbit, such as trying a thermal protection system and a retractable landing gear. This mission is a big step forward for ISRO’s RLV program because it moves from testing in the atmosphere to working in orbit.

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