Background
- ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has been working on a reusable launch vehicle (RLV) program since 2013.
- The goal is to develop a launch vehicle that can be recovered and reused, reducing the cost of access to space
Key Features of RLV
- RLV is a wing-body design, with a lifting body shape and delta wings
- It is 6.5 meters long and 1.75 meters in diameter
- It has a mass of 1.5 tons and is powered by a liquid-fueled engine
Landing Experiment (LEX) Series
- The LEX series is a set of tests to demonstrate the RLV’s landing capabilities
- LEX-01: First landing test, successfully demonstrated the RLV’s ability to land vertically (2016)
- LEX-02: Second landing test, demonstrated the RLV’s ability to land horizontally (2022)
- LEX-03 (Pushpak): Third landing test, successfully demonstrated the RLV’s ability to land precisely on a runway centerline (2023)
Significance of RLV
- RLV can significantly reduce the cost of launching satellites into space
- Can be used for various applications, including satellite launches, space tourism, and space exploration
- Demonstrates India’s capabilities in advanced space technology
Future Plans
- ISRO plans to conduct more tests to demonstrate the RLV’s reusability and orbital capabilities
- Aims to develop a fully operational RLV system in the near future.