The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently accomplished another noteworthy feat in space technology. The agency successfully completed the third and final test of the Landing Experiment (LEX-03) at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka, marking a significant milestone in the development of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) technology.
ISRO reported that the LEX-03 mission demonstrated the autonomous landing capability of the launch vehicle under more challenging conditions compared to the previous tests. The mission simulated high-speed landing conditions for a vehicle returning from space, reaffirming India’s expertise in acquiring critical technologies required for the development of a Reusable Launch Vehicle.
Dubbed ‘Pushpak’, the winged vehicle was released from an Indian Air Force Chinook Helicopter at an altitude of 4.5 km. The vehicle then autonomously executed cross-range correction manoeuvres, approached the runway, and performed a precise horizontal landing at the runway centerline, showcasing its advanced guidance algorithm and aerodynamic capabilities.
During the landing, Pushpak demonstrated its ability to maintain stability and precision using its rudder and nose wheel steering system. The successful mission validated the advanced guidance algorithm that caters to longitudinal and lateral plane error corrections, essential for future Orbital Re-entry Missions.
The mission, led by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, involved a collaborative effort from multiple ISRO centres, the Indian Air Force, and other aerospace research organizations and industrial partners, receiving significant support from various research and development establishments and academic institutions.
S Somanath, Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space, congratulated the team for their successful execution of such a complex mission. The consistent success of these missions has boosted ISRO’s confidence in critical technologies essential for future orbital re-entry missions, as emphasised by S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of VSSC.
The triumphant completion of the LEX Trio missions is a testament to ISRO’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in space technology, signifying a significant step forward in India’s quest for developing advanced space capabilities. It has garnered international attention for its potential impact on the future of space exploration.
As the Indian Space Research Organisation continues to push the boundaries of space technology, its achievements serve as a source of inspiration for the global scientific community. The successful demonstration of Reusable Launch Vehicle technology through the LEX Trio missions is undoubtedly a momentous occasion in India’s space exploration journey.