ISRO Makes History with Third and Final ‘Pushpak’ RLV Landing Experiment

The Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO has said that the third and final landing experiment of its Reusable Launch Vehicle ‘Pushpak’ was successful today.

The landing experiment was conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka this morning. The ISRO tweet on social media site X says RLV LEX-03 which stands for Reusable Launch Vehicle Landing Experiment 3, re-demonstrated the autonomous landing capability under more severe wind conditions.

The Chinook helicopter released the Reusable Launch Vehicle Pushpak at an altitude of 4.5 kms from the runway.

After the aerial release, Pushpak autonomously executed cross-range correction manoeuvres and approached the runway and accomplished a precise horizontal landing at the runway centre line.

Pushpak approached the runway with a speed of 320 kmph as against 280 kmph of a typical fighter aircraft due to the low lift-to-drag ratio aerodynamic configuration.

After the touchdown, Pushpak’s velocity was reduced to nearly 100 kmph using its brake parachute. After which the landing gear brakes were employed for deceleration and stop on the runway. Pushpak utilised its rudder and nose wheel steering system to autonomously maintain a stable and precise ground roll along the runway.

ISRO release says that the experiment has reaffirmed its expertise in acquiring the most critical technologies required for the development of a reusable launch vehicle. This will cut launch costs and help advance space exploration in the coming years. Pushpak used multi-sensory fusion including an inertial sensor, radar altimeter, flush air data system, Pseudolite system and NavIC navigation system.

Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Prahlad Joshi has lauded the effort of the Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO for completing the final trial of the Reusable Landing Vehicle ‘Pushpak’ today.

In a social media post mentioned to ISRO, Mr. Joshi said that ISRO’s relentless pursuit of innovation continues to propel India to new heights in space exploration. He added that it is a proud moment for the nation.