ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organisation, continues to make remarkable strides in space exploration. In its latest achievement, Isro has successfully carried out the third mission of its Reusable Launch Vehicle ISRO, known as “Pushpak.” The mission, which forms a crucial part of ISRO’s ongoing efforts to advance essential technologies, aims to enable low-cost access to space. This accomplishment underscores India’s determination to make space exploration more affordable and sustainable.

ISRO: An Overview

The Indian Space Research Organisation, or ISRO, is India’s national space agency responsible for launching various satellites and spacecraft into space. It has been the driving force behind India’s numerous space missions, including the Mars Orbiter, Chandrayaan, and Gaganyaan missions. Thanks to ISRO’s constant efforts to generate new ideas and explore, India has become a world leader in space travel.

The Birth of Pushpak Mission

The Pushpak mission is crucial to ISRO’s ongoing efforts to develop advanced technologies for a fully reusable launch vehicle. The mission is named “Pushpak” after the legendary spaceship from the Indian epic Ramayana. India’s launch of Pushpak is a bold attempt to make access to space more affordable and sustainable.

The Pushpak RLV: Cutting-Edge Technology

The Pushpak Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) is an all-rocket, fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle. It incorporates advanced elements from previous demonstrators, such as the X-33, X-34, and the upgraded DC-XA. The car features a fuselage, a nose cap, double delta wings, twin vertical tails, and active control surfaces known as Elevons and Rudder.

The Journey of Pushpak Reusable Launch Vehicle

ISRO had successfully carried out the first two RLV missions in 2016 and the previous year. The most recent launch took place at the Chalakere Runway. After being carried to an altitude of approximately 4.5 km by an Indian Air Force helicopter, the Pushpak RLV was released after achieving predetermined conditions.

Mission’s Significance

ISRO Chairperson S Somanath highlighted the significance of this mission, emphasizing that the RLV represents India’s futuristic approach. The most expensive component, the upper stage, which houses crucial electronics, can be safely returned to Earth and made reusable. This technology could enable refuelling in-orbit satellites or retrieving satellites for refurbishment, thereby minimizing space debris.

The Successful Landing

The successful landing of the Pushpak RLV marks a critical milestone in the development of reusable launch vehicle technology. The RLV demonstrated its autonomous landing capabilities from non-standard initial conditions upon release from the helicopter, showcasing India’s technological prowess.

The Future of ISRO’s RLV Technology

The future of ISRO’s RLV technology looks promising. With an investment exceeding ₹100 crore, the project showcases India’s technological prowess and sets the stage for future endeavours, including the ambitious goal of establishing the Bhartiya Antariksha Station by 2035.

Enabling Low-Cost Access to Space

The Pushpak mission is a significant step towards enabling low-cost access to space. By making the most expensive part of the launch vehicle reusable, ISRO aims to reduce the cost of launching satellites and other payloads into space. This could revolutionize the space industry and make space exploration more accessible to countries with smaller budgets.

A Look at the Past and Future Missions

ISRO had conducted successful RLV missions in 2016 and April of the previous year. During a recent visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Trivandrum, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed by Somanath about the RLV mission.

The successful landing of the Pushpak RLV is a testament to ISRO’s continuous efforts to push the boundaries of space exploration. It marks a significant milestone in India’s journey to make space exploration more affordable and sustainable. As ISRO continues to innovate and explore, we can expect even more groundbreaking achievements.

ISRO’s Mission: A Beacon of Hope

ISRO Rocket successful mission is a beacon of hope for future space explorations. It exemplifies India’s commitment to making space exploration more affordable and accessible. With its innovative approach and relentless efforts, ISRO is paving the way for a new era of space exploration.