Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone with its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), Pushpak, completing its third landing test.
The test, named RLV LEX-03, took place at 07:10 IST at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka, following delays due to weather conditions.
Credit : ISRO
This success follows previous achievements of ISRO’s RLV LEX-01 and LEX-02 missions, showcasing consistent progress in landing technology.
Pushpak, released from an Indian Air Force Chinook Helicopter at 4.5 km altitude, autonomously executed cross-range corrections and achieved a precise horizontal landing at the runway centreline.
The aerodynamically configured Pushpak landed at a velocity exceeding 320 kmph, surpassing speeds of commercial aircraft and typical fighter planes.
Post-touchdown, Pushpak utilized a brake parachute to reduce speed to about 100 kmph, followed by braking with landing gear to halt on the runway.
The RLV LEX-03 mission tested more challenging conditions, including a wider cross-range of 500 meters and severe wind conditions, validating advanced guidance algorithms.
ISRO’s mission reaffirms its capability in crucial technologies for developing reusable launch vehicles, including multisensory fusion and precise navigation systems.
Led by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the mission involved coordination among multiple ISRO centres, the Indian Air Force, and various research establishments and partners.