The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for its third landing experiment with the Pushpak Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV). Officials have confirmed that all preparations, including the readiness of Pushpak and the Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter, are in place. However, the mission might face a delay due to weather conditions, potentially pushing the attempt to next week.
The upcoming landing experiment, named RLV-LEX3, is set to take place at the Aeronautical Test Range in Challakere, Karnataka. This follows the successful RLV-LEX2 mission on March 22, where the winged prototype ‘Pushpak’ demonstrated its capability to autonomously land under off-nominal conditions.
RLV-LEX3 poses greater challenges compared to its predecessor. It will intentionally introduce a cross-range error of approximately 500 meters, a significant increase from the 150 meters tested during LEX2. This test aims to validate the vehicle’s ability to correct its trajectory and align for a precise touchdown despite being dropped away from the runway’s line of sight.
Key advancements in RLV-LEX3 include the implementation of an advanced guidance algorithm. This algorithm can simultaneously correct errors in both longitudinal and lateral planes, enhancing precision and control during landing. Furthermore, modifications have been made to the main landing gear to achieve a softer landing with a reduced sink rate of less than 1 meter per second.
Additionally, a smoke marker system has been incorporated to trace the descent trajectory visually. This system will provide crucial data for analysis and future enhancements to the landing technology.
During RLV-LEX2, Pushpak was released from a Chinook helicopter at an altitude of 4.5 kilometers. It autonomously navigated towards the runway, making cross-range corrections along the way. The vehicle executed a precise landing on the runway and deployed its brake parachute, landing gear brakes, and nose wheel steering system to come to a controlled stop.
The RLV-LEX series is pivotal for ISRO’s efforts to develop and validate technologies for reusable launch vehicles. These advancements aim to significantly reduce the costs associated with space missions while ensuring sustainability in future space exploration endeavors.
The successful execution of RLV-LEX3 will mark a significant milestone for ISRO’s ambitious programs, including reusable launch vehicles and preparations for human spaceflight missions. It underscores India’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing aerospace engineering for global scientific and exploratory missions.