NEWS – Isro accomplished the objectives of its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Landing Experiment (LEX) programme. The third and final landing test, RLV LEX-03, was conducted successfully at the aeronautical test range in Challakere near Chitradurga.

HIGHLIGHTS

Helicopter Release and Landing

• The winged-body RLV ‘Pushpak’ was released from an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter at an altitude of 4.5 km.
• Pushpak autonomously executed cross-range correction maneuvers, approached the runway, and performed a precise horizontal landing.

Autonomous Landing Capability

• Isro demonstrated Pushpak’s autonomous landing capability under challenging release conditions and severe wind conditions.
• It showcased Isro’s expertise in critical technologies essential for an RLV, particularly in orbital re-entry missions.

Reusability and Design Validation

• Isro reused the winged body and flight systems from the previous mission (RLV LEX-02) without modification, validating design capability for multiple missions.
• The success of the mission validated advanced guidance algorithms for longitudinal and lateral plane error corrections, crucial for orbital re-entry missions.

Landing Details

• The landing velocity of Pushpak exceeded 320 kmph due to its low lift-to-drag ratio aerodynamic configuration.
• The vehicle’s brake parachute reduced velocity to nearly 100 kmph, followed by the use of landing gear brakes for deceleration and stop on the runway.

Future Initiatives and Confidence Boost

• Isro’s success in the RLV LEX programme boosts confidence for future orbital re-entry missions.
• It paves the way for developing an Orbital Reusable Vehicle capable of staying in orbit, returning, and landing on a runway.