ISRO’s Pushpak Successfully Lands in RLV Test with Indian Air Force’s Help
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved another milestone with the successful landing of its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) named ‘Pushpak’ in the RLV LEX-03 mission. Conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka, the test demonstrated the vehicle’s autonomous landing capabilities under challenging conditions.
Details of the Mission
The third and final test in the series of LEX (03) was conducted at 07:10 IST. The winged vehicle, ‘Pushpak’, was released from an Indian Air Force Chinook Helicopter at an altitude of 4.5 km. It autonomously executed cross-range correction maneuvers and performed a precise horizontal landing at the runway centerline.
Due to its low lift-to-drag ratio aerodynamic configuration, the landing velocity exceeded 320 kmph. After touchdown, the vehicle’s velocity was reduced to nearly 100 kmph using its brake parachute, followed by landing gear brakes for deceleration and stop on the runway.
Technological Achievements
This mission simulated the approach and landing interface and high-speed landing conditions for a vehicle returning from space. It validated the advanced guidance algorithm essential for future Orbital Re-entry Missions. The RLV-LEX uses multisensor fusion, including sensors like an Inertial sensor, Radar altimeter, Flush air data system, Pseudolite system, and NavIC.
Notably, the RLV-LEX-03 mission reused the winged body and flight systems from the LEX-02 mission, demonstrating ISRO’s robust design and reuse capabilities.
Collaborative Effort
The mission, led by VSSC, involved multiple ISRO centers and significant support from the Indian Air Force, Aeronautical Development Establishment, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Regional Centre for Military Airworthiness, National Aerospace Laboratories, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Indian aerospace industrial partners, Indian Oil Corporation of India, and Airport Authority of India.
Leadership Praise
S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO/Secretary, Department of Space, congratulated the team for their efforts. Dr S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of VSSC, emphasized that this consistent success boosts ISRO’s confidence in critical technologies for future orbital re-entry missions.
