In this operation, known as RLV LEX, a winged body is lifted by a helicopter to a height of 4.5 kilometers before being released to make an autonomous runway landing.
The ISRO’s recyclable launch vehicle prototype was unveiled on April 2. (Indian Space Research Organization) underwent an autonomous landing test, often known as an air-drop landing experiment. RLV LEX was the name of the mission, which was carried out early at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) on Sunday, Chitradurga, Karnataka, in cooperation with the Defense Space Research Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF).
ISRO Launch :
In this operation, a winged body was lifted by a helicopter to a height of 4.5 kilometers before being set free to perform an independent arrival on a runway.
On May 23, 2016, from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, ISRO carried out the maiden experimental mission of its RLV-TD (Reusable Launch Vehicle – Technology Demonstrator). Part of this experimental mission was the demonstration of crucial technology such reusable thermal security systems and autonomous navigation, guidance, and control. ISRO needed to demonstrate the crucial technology of a prototype reusable launch vehicle making an independent landing on a runway. As part of the RLV-LEX mission, the Indian Space Research Organization achieved this milestone. For the prototype reusable launch vehicle, this was the second stage of the demonstration missions.
At 7:10 am IST, the RLV-TD was transported by an Indian Air Force Chinook Helicopter as a stubber load for the mission. As per the ISRO mission update, the RLV-TD attained an altitude of 4.5 kilometers above the average sea level. The RLV-TD was discharged into the atmosphere after the necessary criteria were satisfied. Ten factors, including position, velocity, altitude, and body rates, were part of the release conditions.
RLV-TD was autonomously released. After being let off, it used its Integrated Navigation, Control, and Guidance System to do approach and landing manoeuvres.
At 7:40 a.m. IST, RLV-TD successfully accomplished an automated touchdown upon this ATR air strip. With all this, ISRO has done successfully an automated spacecraft landing.
The precise circumstances needed for a spacecraft which has re-entered the atmosphere were met during the independent landing of RLV-TD.
The vehicle’s speed was approximated so that it matched what it would have been while travelling from space.
An orbital re-entry spacecraft’s return path’s landing parameters, such as ground relative velocity, the sinking rate of the landing gears, and exact body rates, were also taken into account.
The vehicle successfully executed an independent landing at an impressive speed of 350 kilometers per hour.
According to the space agency’s website, the RLV-TD is one of ISRO’s most technically difficult efforts to develop key technologies for a fully reusable launch vehicle to provide affordable access to space.
The RLV-TD has a configuration similar to an aircraft, combining the complexities of both launch vehicles and aircraft. The wings of RLV-TD are designed to function as a test bed for numerous technologies such as powered cruise flight, autonomous landing, and hypersonic flight.
RLV-TD will eventually be expanded to serve as the first stage of an Indian reusable two-stage orbital launch vehicle.
RLV-TD measures 6.5 meters in length and 3.6 meters in breadth. The RLV-TD comprises a fuselage or body, a nose cap, double-delta wings, twin vertical tails, and symmetrical active control surfaces called Elevons and Rudder. The RLV-TD comes with a typical solid booster (HS9) that is made for low burn rates.
The technology demonstrator was created by highly experienced workers employing specialized alloys, composites, and insulating materials.
Evaluations of integrated flight management, autonomous navigation, guidance and control systems, and thermal protection systems are among the goals of RLV-TD.
