ISRO successfully lands 'Pushpak'
In a groundbreaking achievement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully landed ‘Pushpak’, India’s first reusable launch vehicle (RLV) on March 22. This is a big milestone in Bharat’s space’s history.
Dubbed the “Swadeshi space shuttle,” Pushpak, an SUV-sized winged rocket, touched down on a runway in Karnataka this morning, following a meticulously planned test conducted by ISRO.
The test, which involved dropping the rocket from an Air Force helicopter, yielded “excellent and precise” outcomes, according to sources within ISRO. The mission simulated the approach and high-speed landing conditions of an RLV returning from space, successfully validating the vehicle’s robotic landing capabilities.
In a statement released by ISRO, the agency detailed the test’s execution, stating, “The winged vehicle, called Pushpak, was lifted by an Indian Airforce Chinook helicopter, and was released from 4.5 km altitude. After release at a distance of 4km from the runway, Pushpak autonomously approached the runway along with cross-range corrections. It landed precisely on the runway and came to a halt using its brake parachute, landing gear brakes, and nose wheel steering system.”
Pushpak’s successful landing marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of cost-effective access to space. ISRO Chairman S Somanath emphasised the vehicle’s potential impact, stating, “Pushpak launch vehicle is India’s bold attempt to make access to space most affordable.” He added, “It is India’s futuristic Reusable Launch Vehicle, where the most expensive part, the upper stage, which houses all the expensive electronics, is made reusable by bringing it back safely back to Earth.”
The RLV project, initiated a decade ago by a dedicated team of engineers and scientists, aims to minimise space debris and revolutionise satellite deployment and maintenance. With the ability to retrieve satellites from orbit for refurbishment and potentially refuel in-orbit satellites, Pushpak represents a significant stride towards sustainable space exploration.
Pushpak’s name draws inspiration from the ‘Pushpak Viman’ mentioned in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayan, believed to be the celestial vehicle of the God of Wealth, Kuber.
Notably, this successful landing follows previous tests conducted by ISRO, including a virtual runway landing in the Bay of Bengal in 2016 and an airborne drop test from a Chinook Helicopter in 2023.
The completion of this milestone event underscores India’s growing prowess in space technology and its commitment to advancing space exploration capabilities. As ISRO continues to push boundaries and innovate in the field of space science, the successful landing of Pushpak heralds a new era of cost-effective and sustainable space missions for the nation.
The government has invested over Rs 100 crore in the development of Pushpak, highlighting its strategic importance in India’s space exploration roadmap. With Pushpak’s successful landing, ISRO sets its sights on further advancing its capabilities and solidifying its position as a global leader in space exploration.
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