Pushpak is a reusable launch vehicle developed by India, aimed at reducing the cost of access to space through its ability to be used multiple times, thus increasing the efficiency and affordability of space missions.
Tags: GS Paper – 3- Space Technology- Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology
Context :
- ISRO has successfully carried out the landing mission of ‘Pushpak’ Reusable Landing Vehicle Landing Experiment (RLV LEX) 02 from the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Challakere near Karnataka’s Chitradurga.
- The RLV LEX 02 landing experiment is the second of the series of experiments conducted by the space agency under the Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) programme.
- RLV-LEX-02 demonstrated the autonomous landing capability of RLV off-nominal initial conditions at the release from a Chinook helicopter.
- The winged body and all flight systems used in RLV-LEX-01 were reused in the RLV-LEX-02 mission.
What is the ‘Pushpak’?
- Pushpak, dubbed the “swadeshi space shuttle” is India’s futuristic Reusable Launch Vehicle.
- The rocket’s name comes from the ‘Pushpak Viman’ of the Ramayana, which is known as the Vehicle of Kuber, Lord of Wealth.
- It is designed as an all-rocket, fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle, incorporating several major elements such as the X-33 advanced technology demonstrator, the X-34 testbed technology demonstrator and the upgraded DC-XA flight demonstrator.
- In it, the most expensive part, the upper stage, which houses all the expensive electronics, is made reusable by bringing it back safely back to Earth.
- Later, it could even do refuelling of in-orbit satellites or retrieving satellites from orbit for refurbishment.
- It is also a step towards India’s aim of “minimising space debris” and sets the stage for establishing the Bhartiya Antariksh Station by 2035.
Development Efforts:
- Engineering Teams: A collaborative effort involving 750 engineers from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, National Aeronautical Laboratory, and Indian Institute of Science worked on the design and development of the Pushpak (RLV-TD) and associated rocket.
- Technical Specifications: The Pushpak (RLV-TD) has a mass of 1.75 tonnes, a wingspan of 3.6 metres, and an overall length of 6.5 metres (excluding the rocket). It features delta wings and angled tail fins for aerodynamic stability.
- Thermal Protection: The vehicle is equipped with 600 heat-resistant tiles on its undercarriage to withstand the intense heat during atmospheric reentry.
Engine Development:
- Scramjet Technology: ISRO completed the design, development, and testing of a scramjet (supersonic ramjet) engine at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram in January 2006.
- Flight Test: The new sounding rocket ATV-D01, carrying a passive scramjet engine, was successfully flight-tested on March 3, 2010, achieving supersonic speeds and demonstrating stable supersonic combustion.
Cost and Future Plans:
- Project Cost: The total cost of the Pushpak (RLV-TD) project was approximately ₹95 crore.
- Future Developments: ISRO aims to continue testing and development, including the implementation of an air-breathing propulsion system, leveraging atmospheric oxygen during flight.
Key Experiments under RLV-TD:
- Hypersonic Flight Experiment (HEX):
- Objective: Validate aerodynamic characteristics, induced loads, and structural materials performance during hypersonic flight.
- Technological Focus: Test aerodynamic design, carbon fiber construction, and first-stage separation sequencing.
- Outcome: Successful validation of critical technologies like autonomous navigation and reusable thermal protection system.
- Landing Experiment (LEX):
- RLV-LEX-01:
- Objective: Validate landing parameters and precision landing capabilities resembling a space re-entry vehicle.
- Execution: Mid-air release from 4.6 km downrange, landing at Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range.
- Outcome: Successful validation of landing parameters and sinking rate of landing gears.
- RLV-LEX-02:
- Objective: Demonstrate autonomous precision landing after release from an off-nominal position.
- Execution: Release from 4.5 km altitude, correcting cross-range and down-range deviations for autonomous landing.
- Outcome: Demonstrated autonomous correction and precise landing using nosewheel steering, landing gear brakes, and drogue parachute.
Future Experiments:
- OREX (Orbital Return Flight Experiment): Planned to demonstrate controlled landing after orbital re-entry.
- SPEX (Scramjet Propulsion Experiment): Planned to test scramjet propulsion systems leveraging atmospheric oxygen for enhanced performance.
Conclusion:
Hence, The successful landing experiment of the RLV-TD program represents a remarkable achievement in India’s space technology advancement. This milestone underscores the program’s significance in realising cost-effective access to space, promising substantial benefits for India’s space endeavours in the times ahead.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q:1 With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (2018)
- PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
- Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
- GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors, and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 2
- 3 only
Ans: (a)
FAQs on Reusable Launch Vehicle ‘Pushpak’:
Q: What is the Reusable Launch Vehicle ‘Pushpak’?
The Reusable Launch Vehicle ‘Pushpak’ is an innovative spacecraft developed by [Country’s Space Agency] designed to carry payloads into space and return to Earth for reuse. It aims to significantly reduce the cost of space missions by reusing the vehicle multiple times.
Q: How does ‘Pushpak’ achieve reusability?
‘Pushpak’ achieves reusability through advanced engineering and technology. It utilizes a combination of reusable components, such as a robust thermal protection system and a powered landing system, allowing it to return safely to Earth after completing its mission.
Q: What payloads can ‘Pushpak’ carry?
‘Pushpak’ is designed to carry a variety of payloads, including satellites, scientific instruments, and cargo destined for orbit. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of missions, from deploying satellite constellations to conducting scientific research in space.
Q: What are the benefits of using ‘Pushpak’ for space missions?
The primary benefits of using ‘Pushpak’ include reduced launch costs, increased mission frequency, and enhanced sustainability. By reusing the vehicle multiple times, space agencies and commercial entities can achieve significant cost savings while increasing access to space.
Q: Is ‘Pushpak’ environmentally friendly?
Yes, ‘Pushpak’ is designed with environmental sustainability in mind. By minimizing the need for expendable rocket stages, it reduces the amount of space debris generated during launches. Additionally, its reusable design aligns with efforts to promote sustainable practices in space exploration.
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