GUWAHATI: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed the Reusable Launch Vehicle Landing Experiment (RLV-LEX-02). Conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka, on March 22, 2024, at 7:10 a.m. IST, the experiment marks an advancement in the field of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) technology.
Building on the success of the RLV-LEX-01 mission completed last year, RLV-LEX-02 showcased the autonomous landing capability of the RLV from off-nominal initial conditions upon release from a helicopter. Named "Pushpak," the winged vehicle underwent challenging manoeuvres with dispersions, accurately correcting both cross-range and downrange parameters to achieve a precise landing on the runway in fully autonomous mode.
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Pushpak, lifted by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter, was released from an altitude of 4.5 kilometres. As it approached the runway from a distance of 4 kilometres, it autonomously adjusted its trajectory, making necessary corrections for cross-range displacement. The vehicle then executed a precise landing on the runway, using a combination of its brake parachute, landing gear brakes, and nose wheel steering system.
The success of the RLV-LEX-02 mission validates the indigenous technologies developed by ISRO, including navigation, control systems, landing gear, and deceleration systems required for high-speed autonomous landings of space-returning vehicles. Notably, the same winged body and flight systems used in the RLV-LEX-01 mission were reused in RLV-LEX-02 after undergoing necessary certifications and clearances, showcasing ISRO's capability for hardware and system reuse.
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Based on insights gained from the RLV-LEX-01 mission, ISRO strengthened the airframe structure and landing gear to withstand higher landing loads. The mission was executed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in collaboration with the Liquid Propulsion System Centre (LPSC) and the ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU), along with contributions from various agencies including the Indian Air Force (IAF), Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Armament Design and Development Establishment (ADRDE), and Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC).
Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space (DOS), S Somanath, commended the team for the execution of the complex mission. Director of VSSC, S Unnikrishnan Nair, highlighted the significance of mastering terminal phase manoeuvring, landing, and energy management in fully autonomous mode, crucial for future orbital re-entry missions.
Guided by Programme Director Sunil P and led by Project Director J Muthupandian and Deputy Project Director B Karthik, the RLV-LEX-02 mission marks a milestone in ISRO's journey.
