India’s ISRO Lands ‘Pushpak’: A Game-Changer in Space Exploration
India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), recently accomplished a remarkable feat with the successful landing of ‘Pushpak,’ the nation’s premier Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV). This achievement is a significant milestone in India’s journey towards more affordable and sustainable access to space.
#ISRO triumphs as '#Pushpak ', the nation's premier Reusable Launch Vehicle, completes its landing successfully. pic.twitter.com/PzMGkYtPGT
— Mumbai Pulse (@PulseMumbai) March 22, 2024
Key Points:
– ISRO achieved successful landing of ‘Pushpak,’ its first Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV).
– ‘Pushpak’ is an all-rocket, fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit vehicle.
– Its design was approved in 2012, and it underwent its maiden flight in 2016.
The historic landing took place at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Challakere, Karnataka, near Chitradurga. Led by ISRO chairman S. Somanath and senior officials, the launch witnessed ‘Pushpak’ being carried by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter and released from an altitude of 4.5 km.
#ISRO successfully carries out landing experiment of Indian space shuttle demonstrator #Pushpak today! pic.twitter.com/CHnlAra2LG
— AoI Ventures (@aoiventures) March 22, 2024
Demonstrating remarkable precision and autonomy, ‘Pushpak’ autonomously approached the runway, making necessary corrections before landing precisely. Equipped with advanced systems like brake parachute, landing gear brakes, and nose wheel steering, ‘Pushpak’ safely came to a halt after landing.
The development of ‘Pushpak’ represents years of research aimed at creating an all-rocket, fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle. Inspired by technological demonstrators like the X-33, X-34, and DC-XA, ‘Pushpak’ aims to revolutionize space access.
This successful landing marks the third flight of ‘Pushpak’ after extensive testing to perfect its robotic landing capabilities. In the previous year, ‘Pushpak’ demonstrated its autonomous landing after release from an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter, marking a crucial milestone towards achieving orbital re-entry capabilities.
Named after the mythical ‘Pushpak Viman’ from the Ramayana, ISRO’s ‘Pushpak’ symbolizes prosperity and innovation. It serves as a flying testbed for evaluating hypersonic flight, autonomous landing, and powered cruise flight technologies.
With an investment exceeding Rs 100 crore, the ‘Pushpak’ RLV project not only showcases India’s technological prowess but also sets the stage for ambitious goals such as establishing the Bhartiya Antariksha Station by 2035, further solidifying India’s position in the global space arena.
