The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing technology demonstrations for a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) under challenging conditions. The mission took place at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka, and involved simulating the approach and landing interface, as well as high-speed landing conditions for a vehicle returning from space.
This achievement reaffirms ISRO’s expertise in acquiring critical technologies required for the development of a Reusable Launch Vehicle. The successful completion of the RLV LEX-03 mission builds on the accomplishments of the RLV LEX-01 and LEX-02 missions. It involved redemonstrating the autonomous landing capability of the RLV under more challenging release conditions and severe wind conditions.
The winged vehicle, named ‘Pushpak’, embarked on its journey as an Indian Air Force (IAF) Chinook Helicopter released it from an altitude of 4.5 km. Pushpak autonomously executed cross-range correction maneuvers, approached the runway, and performed a precise horizontal landing at the runway centerline.
What is remarkable about Pushpak’s landing is its low lift-to-drag ratio aerodynamic configuration, causing its landing velocity to exceed that of commercial aircraft and typical fighter aircraft. After touchdown, the vehicle’s velocity was reduced to nearly 100 kmph using its brake parachute, after which the landing gear brakes were employed for deceleration and stopping on the runway.
During the ground roll phase, Pushpak utilized its rudder and nose wheel steering system to autonomously maintain a stable and precise ground roll along the runway. This mission proved essential for simulating the approach and landing interface, as well as high-speed landing conditions for a vehicle returning from space.
Through this mission, ISRO has validated the advanced guidance algorithm catering to longitudinal and lateral plane error corrections, which is crucial for future Orbital Re-entry Missions. The RLV-LEX utilized multi-sensor fusion, including sensors like Inertial sensor, Radar altimeter, Flush air data system, Pseudolite system, and NavIC.
The mission was a collaborative effort involving several ISRO centers, including the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), and Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota. In addition, the mission received support from the Indian Air Force, Aeronautical Development Establishment, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Regional Centre for Military Airworthiness, National Aerospace Laboratories, and Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, among others.
S Somanath, Chairman of ISRO/Secretary of the Department of Space, congratulated the team for their efforts in maintaining the success streak in such complex missions. This groundbreaking achievement has boosted ISRO’s confidence in the critical technologies essential for future orbital re-entry missions. J Muthupandian served as the Mission Director, and B Karthik was the Vehicle Director for this successful mission.
This accomplishment represents a significant advancement in India’s space exploration capabilities, solidifying its position as a leading player in the global space industry. The successful completion of the RLV LEX-03 mission marks a historic moment for ISRO and paves the way for future developments in reusable launch vehicle technology.