Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully completed an autonomous test landing mission for its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka. ISRO, in collaboration with DRDO, accomplished the Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV LEX) at the ATR early on April 2, 2023. The RLV took off at 7:10 am by a Chinook Helicopter of the Indian Air Force. The autonomous release of the RLV, followed by its landing at 7:40 am, was carried out using the Integrated Navigation, Guidance & Control System.
According to the ISRO statement, this achievement marks a major milestone in the successful landing of a space vehicle with precision under the same conditions as that of a Space Re-entry vehicle`s landing high speed, unmanned, and accurate landing from the same return path as if the vehicle arrives from space. The RLV LEX mission utilized several indigenous systems, including Localized Navigation systems, instrumentation, and sensor systems, developed by ISRO.
India 🇮🇳 achieved it!
ISRO, joined by @DRDO_India @IAF_MCC, successfully conducted the Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV LEX)
at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), Chitradurga, Karnataka in the early hours on April 2, 2023.
— ISRO (@isro) April 2, 2023
ISRO had previously demonstrated the re-entry of its winged vehicle RLV-TD in the HEX mission in May 2016, which marked a significant breakthrough in developing reusable launch vehicles. The LEX mission began with an Integrated Navigation test in 2019, followed by multiple Engineering Model Trials and Captive Phase tests in subsequent years.
Apart from ISRO, the Indian Air Force (IAF), Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), and Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) also contributed to the success of this test. The teams were guided by Dr S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, VSSC, and Shyam Mohan N, Programme Director, ATSP, while Dr Jayakumar M, Project Director, RLV, was the Mission Director, and Muthupandian J, Associate Project Director, RLV, was the Vehicle Director for the mission. Ramakrishna, Director, ISTRAC, was present on the occasion, and Chairman, ISRO/Secretary, DOS Somanath witnessed the test and congratulated the team.
With the successful completion of the RLV LEX mission, the dream of an Indian Reusable Launch Vehicle arrives one step closer to reality, as per the ISRO officials.
What is Space Re-entry vehicle ?
A space reentry vehicle is a spacecraft designed to return to Earth’s atmosphere after being launched into space. Its purpose is to transport humans, animals, or cargo safely back to the Earth’s surface. The vehicle must be able to withstand the extreme heat and pressure generated during reentry, and must also have a method for slowing down and landing safely. These vehicles are used for a variety of purposes, including space exploration, scientific research, and military applications.
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