Pushpak 'Viman' lands successfully

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) successfully completed the "Pushpak" Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) landing mission on Friday. 

The mission was launched from the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) close to Challakere, which is next to Chitradurga in the state of Karnataka. S. Somanath, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation, were present at the launch site.

"Isro has achieved success once more! According to a space organisation post on X, the winged vehicle known as Pushpak (RLV-TD) was launched from an off-nominal location and made a precise, autonomous landing on the runway.

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Pushpak was lifted by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter and dropped from a height of 4.5 miles. Once it was launched, Pushpak moved towards the runway while simultaneously carrying out cross-range repairs, which was four kilometres away from the runway. As per the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the vehicle's nose wheel steering mechanism, landing gear brakes, and braking parachute enabled it to precisely come to a stop. Everything about the landing went well.

The Pushpak RLV is intended to be a single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle that is entirely reusable and made of rockets. The X-33 advanced technology demonstrator, the X-34 testbed technology demonstrator, and the modified DC-XA flight demonstration are some of its essential parts.

Pushpak has completed a battery of tests designed to improve its autonomous landing capability in ever more difficult environments, as it prepares for its third mission launch.

After a decade of preparation, the vehicle was finally able to land autonomously in April of last year after being hoisted from a Chinook helicopter in the Indian Air Force. This major step brought the Pushpak RLV closer to its goal of being able to re-enter Earth's orbit, marking the beginning of its voyage.

The modern aeroplane, a representation of wealth and innovation, was invented by Isro. The famous "Pushpak Viman" from the Ramayana was the inspiration for its name.

Hypersonic flight, powered cruise flight, and autonomous landing are just a few of the technologies that will be tested on this purpose-built flying test bed. The RLV is a wing-equipped vehicle that showcases technology.

Spending over 100 crore rupees, the initiative showcases India's scientific prowess and lays the groundwork for bolder endeavours such as the Bhartiya Antariksha Station, which is set to be built by 2035.