ISRO completes crucial landing test of space plane RLV.
In a major step towards developing a low-cost spaceflight system, ISRO has conducted the final demonstration test of its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) technology demonstrator at Chitradurga in Karnataka.
Dubbed Pushpak, the winged spaceplane aims to cut costs for satellite launches through reusability. On Sunday, it underwent RLV-LEX-03 tests simulating a returning vehicle’s challenging high-speed landing conditions under varying parameters.
Compared to the previous 150m cross-range release, this test was conducted at a 500m range in severe wind scenarios, closer to realistic space missions. Access to space remains prohibitively expensive, hampering exploration goals – but reusable systems hold promise for affordability.
Since 2016, ISRO has been rigorously testing Pushpak to validate its runway approach and landing capabilities. While expendable rockets still serve application-specific requirements, RLVs are central to the long-term vision of low-cost space access enabling more frequent launches.
Having successfully demonstrated different landing scenarios over four years, ISRO moves closer to demonstrating an autonomous mission in the coming phases. Once operationalized, the technology is slated to revolutionize satellite delivery economics compared to single-use boosters.
The maiden orbital demonstrations remain next critical steps before reusable rockets transition into practical commercial operations. ISRO’s consistent progress on this front reflects its pioneering R&D to galvanize India’s space aspirations.
