Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for its third landing experiment with Pushpak, the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV).
ISRO officials have confirmed that all preparations are in place, including the Pushpak prototype and the Chinook helicopter. However, the mission’s timing might be influenced by weather conditions.
The landing test, named RLV-LEX3, is scheduled at the Aeronautical Test Range in Challakere, Karnataka. Weather permitting, the experiment could take place next week.
Preceding this, ISRO achieved success with RLV-LEX2 on March 22. During this test, Pushpak demonstrated autonomous landing capabilities despite off-nominal conditions.
RLV-LEX3 presents greater challenges with an intentional cross-range error of about 500 meters, compared to 150 meters in LEX2. The prototype will be released out of the direct line of the runway, requiring precise alignment and course correction for touchdown.
This mission introduces an advanced guidance algorithm capable of correcting errors simultaneously in both longitudinal and lateral planes. It enhances precision and control compared to previous experiments.
To ensure a softer landing and reduce touchdown impact, the sink rate of the main landing gear has been lowered to less than 1 meter per second, down from 1.5 meters per second in LEX2.
A new smoke marker system has been integrated to trace the descent trajectory visually. This provides essential data for analysis and future improvements.
Successful completion of RLV-LEX3 will mark significant progress for ISRO’s reusable launch vehicle and human spaceflight programs, showcasing advancements in technology aimed at sustainable and cost-effective space missions.