The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved yet another milestone in space technology with the successful conduct of the reusable launch vehicle (RLV) autonomous landing mission (RLV-LEX) at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga. The space agency used a scaled-down version of the RLV technology demonstrator (RLV—TD) for the test.
ISRO's RLV is essentially a space plane that is designed to be reusable, with a low lift-to-drag ratio requiring an approach at high glide angles, which necessitates a landing at high velocities of 350kmph. The RLV technology is a significant development in the field of space exploration as it can significantly reduce the cost of space travel by making it more economical and efficient.
During the test, for the first time in the world, a winged body was carried to an altitude of 4.5km by a helicopter and then released for carrying out an autonomous landing on a runway. This was a significant achievement for ISRO as it demonstrated the capability of the RLV to land safely without the need for a pilot or human intervention.
ISRO plans to use the RLV technology for launching satellites and other payloads into space, which will reduce the cost of space launches significantly. The RLV will also make space travel more accessible, enabling more countries and organizations to explore space.
The RLV-LEX mission was a stepping stone towards developing an indigenous space shuttle by ISRO. The actual vehicle will be 1.6 times larger than the prototype used in the test, and it is expected to be ready for launch by 2030. The successful conduct of the RLV-LEX mission has boosted ISRO's confidence in developing the space shuttle and its ability to conduct autonomous landings safely.
ISRO has been making significant strides in space technology in recent years, with several successful missions, including the Chandrayaan-2 mission to the moon and the Mars Orbiter Mission. The agency has also been working on developing the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space.
In conclusion, the successful conduct of the RLV-LEX mission is a significant achievement for ISRO and a step towards developing an indigenous space shuttle. The RLV technology has the potential to make space travel more accessible and cost-effective and can significantly contribute to space exploration in the future.
#isro #spacetravel #space #rlvideo #rlv #nasa #spacex
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