Pushpak, ISRO’s reusable launch vehicle, clears test

Science & Technology

Analysis and Explanation of the News

Introduction

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of the third reusable launch vehicle landing experiment (RLV LEX). This experiment was conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka, and marks a critical advancement in ISRO’s efforts to develop reusable launch vehicle (RLV) technology. The experiment demonstrated the autonomous landing capability of the vehicle under challenging conditions, showcasing the robustness and precision of the technology developed by ISRO.

Key Highlights of the Experiment

1.     Successful Completion of RLV LEX-03:

o   The experiment was conducted at 7.10 a.m. on a Sunday morning.

o   This was the third and final test in a series aimed at validating the autonomous landing capabilities of the RLV.

o   The vehicle, named Pushpak, was released from an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter at an altitude of 4.5 km.

2.     Autonomous Landing and Performance:

o   Pushpak autonomously executed cross-range correction manoeuvres, approached the runway, and performed a precise horizontal landing at the runway centerline.

o   The landing was achieved under more challenging release and severe wind conditions compared to previous tests.

3.     Technical Specifications and Performance:

o   The vehicle’s aerodynamic configuration, characterized by a low lift-to-drag ratio, resulted in a landing velocity exceeding 320 kmph.

o   For comparison, commercial aircraft typically land at around 260 kmph, and fighter aircraft at around 280 kmph.

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

o   Pushpak utilized its rudder and nose-wheel steering system to maintain stability and precision during the ground roll phase.

4.     Technological Validation and Reusability:

o   The mission simulated the high-speed landing conditions and approach interface for a vehicle returning from space.

o   This reaffirmed ISRO’s expertise in critical technologies required for developing an RLV.

o   An advanced guidance algorithm for correcting longitudinal and lateral plane errors, essential for future orbital re-entry missions, was validated.

o   The LEX-03 mission reused the winged body and flight systems from the previous LEX-02 mission without any modifications, demonstrating the robustness and reusability of ISRO’s design.

5.     Technological Tools and Sensors:

o   The experiment employed various sensors, including an inertial sensor, radar altimeter, flush air data system, and NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation).

o   These sensors were crucial for ensuring the precision and autonomy of the landing process.

Significance and Future Implications

1.     Advancement in Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology:

o   The successful completion of RLV LEX-03 is a major step forward in developing reusable launch vehicles.

o   Reusable launch technology can significantly reduce the cost of access to space by allowing the same vehicle to be used multiple times.

2.     Validation of Critical Technologies:

o   The experiment validated advanced guidance algorithms and high-speed landing techniques, which are essential for future missions involving orbital re-entry.

o   The reuse of flight systems from previous missions without modifications demonstrates the reliability and efficiency of the technology.

3.     ISRO’s Growing Expertise and Confidence:

o   Consistent success in these experiments boosts ISRO’s confidence in handling critical technologies for future space missions.

o   ISRO’s ability to autonomously land reusable vehicles paves the way for more complex and cost-effective space missions in the future.

Conclusion

The successful completion of the RLV LEX-03 experiment by ISRO marks a significant milestone in the development of reusable launch vehicle technology. This achievement not only showcases ISRO’s technological prowess but also lays the foundation for more cost-effective and sustainable space missions. The advancements validated in this experiment are crucial for future orbital re-entry missions, positioning ISRO as a formidable player in the global space arena.

MCQs

Question 1

What was the altitude at which Pushpak was released during the RLV LEX-03 experiment?

A. 2.5 km
B. 3.5 km
C. 4.5 km
D. 5.5 km

Answer: C. 4.5 km

Question 2

Which aircraft was used to release Pushpak for the RLV LEX-03 experiment?

A. Boeing 747
B. Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter
C. HAL Tejas
D. ISRO's PSLV

Answer: B. Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter

Question 3

What was the landing velocity of Pushpak during the RLV LEX-03 experiment?

A. 220 kmph
B. 260 kmph
C. 280 kmph
D. 320 kmph

Answer: D. 320 kmph

Question 4

Which system was used to reduce the velocity of Pushpak after touchdown?

A. Reverse thrust
B. Brake parachute
C. Rocket boosters
D. Air brakes

Answer: B. Brake parachute

Question 5

What type of guidance algorithm was validated during the RLV LEX-03 mission?

A. Vertical plane error correction
B. Longitudinal and lateral plane error corrections
C. Horizontal plane error correction
D. Circular plane error correction

Answer: B. Longitudinal and lateral plane error corrections

Mains Practice Qn

Discuss the significance of ISRO’s successful completion of the third reusable launch vehicle landing experiment (RLV LEX-03). How does this achievement contribute to the future of space exploration and technology?

Answer

Introduction

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently marked a significant milestone by successfully completing the third reusable launch vehicle landing experiment (RLV LEX-03) at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka. This experiment demonstrated the autonomous landing capability of the reusable launch vehicle, Pushpak, under challenging conditions. This accomplishment is a pivotal step toward advancing reusable space technology, which promises to revolutionize space exploration by making it more cost-effective and sustainable.

Significance of RLV LEX-03

1.     Validation of Autonomous Landing Technology:

o   The RLV LEX-03 experiment validated the autonomous landing capabilities of Pushpak. This includes the ability to perform cross-range correction maneuvers, approach the runway accurately, and execute a precise horizontal landing.

o   This technology is crucial for future missions involving reusable vehicles, as it ensures safe and reliable landings without manual intervention.

2.     Technological Advancements:

o   The successful landing under more challenging release conditions and severe wind conditions demonstrates the robustness of ISRO's technology.

o   The advanced guidance algorithm for correcting longitudinal and lateral plane errors was validated, which is essential for future orbital re-entry missions.

3.     Cost-Effectiveness and Sustainability:

o   Reusable launch vehicles significantly reduce the cost of space missions by allowing the same vehicle to be used multiple times. This is a departure from the traditional single-use rockets, which are more expensive and less sustainable.

o   The reuse of the winged body and flight systems from the previous LEX-02 mission without modifications highlights the durability and reliability of ISRO’s design, further enhancing cost savings.

4.     Enhanced Capabilities for Future Missions:

o   The success of RLV LEX-03 boosts ISRO’s confidence in handling critical technologies essential for more complex space missions. This includes future missions involving orbital re-entry and the development of more advanced reusable launch systems.

o   The ability to autonomously land vehicles returning from space is a significant step toward the goal of developing fully reusable launch vehicles, which can support a wide range of space missions, including satellite deployment, space tourism, and interplanetary exploration.

Contributions to the Future of Space Exploration

1.     Paving the Way for Advanced Space Missions:

o   The development of reusable launch vehicles like Pushpak is essential for the future of space exploration. These vehicles can undertake multiple missions, reducing the turnaround time between launches and increasing the frequency of missions.

o   This capability is critical for ambitious projects such as establishing permanent human presence on the Moon or Mars, where repeated and reliable access to space is required.

2.     Global Competitiveness:

o   With the successful demonstration of reusable launch technology, ISRO joins the ranks of a few elite space agencies globally, such as NASA and SpaceX, that are developing similar technologies.

o   This enhances India's position in the global space industry, attracting international collaborations and commercial opportunities.

3.     Stimulating Technological Innovation:

o   The success of RLV LEX-03 encourages further research and development in related technologies, including advanced materials, propulsion systems, and autonomous navigation.

o   It stimulates innovation within the Indian scientific community and fosters the development of a robust ecosystem supporting space technology advancements.

4.     Environmental and Economic Benefits:

o   Reusable launch vehicles offer environmental benefits by reducing space debris and minimizing the environmental impact of manufacturing and launching new rockets for each mission.

o   Economically, the reduced cost of access to space opens up opportunities for smaller companies and startups to enter the space sector, fostering economic growth and technological advancement.

Conclusion

The successful completion of the RLV LEX-03 experiment by ISRO is a landmark achievement in the field of space technology. It validates critical autonomous landing capabilities and paves the way for more cost-effective and sustainable space missions. This milestone not only enhances ISRO’s technological prowess but also contributes significantly to the future of space exploration, positioning India as a key player in the global space industry. The advancements achieved through this experiment promise to revolutionize space exploration, making it more accessible, sustainable, and economically viable.