ISRO’s Successful Pushpak Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) LEX 02 Landing Experiment

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful landing of Pushpak, India’s first Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), during the RLV-LEX-02 landing experiment at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga on March 22, 2024. This accomplishment marks a continuation of ISRO’s success in space exploration and technology advancement.

RLV-LEX-02 Experiment Details

Autonomous Landing Showcase:

• The RLV-LEX-02 experiment demonstrated the autonomous landing capabilities of Pushpak from non-standard initial conditions upon release from a helicopter, showcasing its advanced technology.

Challenging Maneuvers:

• Pushpak underwent challenging maneuvers, correcting both cross-range and downrange dispersions to autonomously land on the runway, highlighting its adaptability and precision.

Helicopter Release:

• An Indian Air Force helicopter lifted Pushpak to an altitude of 4.5 km before releasing it, initiating the autonomous navigation towards the runway.

Autonomous Navigation:

• Pushpak autonomously navigated towards the runway, making cross-range corrections, showcasing its ability to adapt to dynamic conditions and navigate accurately.

Precise Landing:

• Utilizing its brake parachute, landing gear brakes, and nose wheel steering system, Pushpak executed a precise landing on the runway and came to a complete stop, demonstrating its efficiency and control mechanisms.

Technological Achievements

Simulation of Space Return Conditions:

• ISRO’s RLV-LEX-02 mission successfully simulated the approach and high-speed landing conditions of an RLV returning from space, validating essential technologies including navigation, control systems, landing gear, and deceleration systems.

Technology Revalidation:

• The winged body and all flight systems utilized in the RLV-LEX-01 mission were reused in the RLV-LEX-02 mission after proper certification and approvals, demonstrating ISRO’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability in space exploration.