2nd leg to RLV to be experimented by ISRO later this week / (Image - ISRO)

Following the triumphant maiden landing endeavor, LEX-01, of Pushpak (RLV-TD), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised to embark on the second leg of its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) journey later this week. 

Confirmations from ISRO spaceflight's X indicate that the eagerly awaited second landing trial, LEX-02 of Pushpak (RLV-TD), is slated to unfold in the coming days, in Karnataka. 

With aspirations to establish an Indian space station by the year 2035, ISRO remains steadfast in its pursuit of pioneering technologies essential for the realization of a fully reusable launch vehicle. This mission aims to democratize access to space, ushering in an era of cost-effective space exploration and discovery. 
 

The second landing experiment LEX-02 of Pushpak/RLV-TD is now expected to take place this week!!

In LEX-01, RLV-TD was aligned with the runway when it was dropped from the Chinook. But this time, Chinook will take a detour & RLV will have to make turns to align itself. #ISRO pic.twitter.com/lcVXHmBjot

— ISRO Spaceflight (@ISROSpaceflight) March 19, 2024

Unlike previous procedures where the Chinook helicopter aligned the RLV-TD with the runway before release, a novel approach is reportedly being adopted for the upcoming trial. This time, the Chinook will deviate from its usual course, necessitating the RLV to autonomously navigate and align itself with the runway by executing strategic turns.

This endeavor underscores ISRO's steadfast commitment to advancing pivotal technologies essential for the realization of a fully reusable launch vehicle, a cornerstone in its ambitious vision to democratize access to space. With aspirations to establish a space station by 2035, ISRO's endeavors in this domain hold profound implications for the future of space exploration and scientific endeavors.

The outcome of this upcoming landing test holds the promise of shaping the trajectory of space exploration, heralding a new era of innovation, and discovery propelled by the indomitable spirit of human ingenuity. The winged technology demonstrator RLV has been adapted to serve as a flying test platform for the assessment of diverse technologies, including hypersonic flight, autonomous landing, and powered cruise flight.

During his recent visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a comprehensive briefing from ISRO chief S. Somnath regarding the progress of the vehicle's development. In January 2012, the design of ISRO's RLV spacecraft received approval from the National Review Committee. Subsequently, following this clearance, the inaugural prototype was constructed and designated as the RLV-TD (Technology Demonstrator).

Through the utilization of advanced supercomputer simulations and the development of heat-resistant materials, facilitated by the collaborative efforts of the National Aerospace Laboratory and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the RLV embarked on its inaugural flight in 2016, fortified against the rigors of atmospheric re-entry.

A pivotal moment in the journey of the Pushpak RLV occurred on April 2, 2023, with the successful execution of an autonomous landing mission, signifying a significant stride toward attaining orbital re-entry capabilities. This milestone experiment underscored the vehicle's adeptness in executing high-speed, unmanned, and precise landings, replicating the demanding conditions encountered during space re-entry.

Conceived as an all-rocket, fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle, the RLV amalgamates several key components, drawing inspiration from renowned predecessors such as the X-33 advanced technology demonstrator, the X-34 testbed technology demonstrator, and the upgraded DC-XA flight demonstrator.

Comprising a fuselage (body), a nose cap, double delta wings, and twin vertical tails, the technology demonstrator vehicle incorporates symmetrically positioned active control surfaces known as Elevons and Rudder.

Positioned as a transformative force within the sector, the reusable launch vehicle vows to dramatically reduce launch expenses by approximately 80%, thereby fostering enhanced accessibility and sustainability in space exploration.