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{{short description|Indian reusable rocket technology demonstration programme.}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox space programme
| name = RLV Technology Demonstration Programme
| image = RLV-TD HEX01, TDV being hoisted.jpg
| caption = Technology Development Vehicle (TDV) for RLV Programme
| image_size = 300px
| country = [[India]]
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| duration = 2012–present<ref>{{cite web | url=https://spacenews.com/34979isro-to-begin-flights-of-reusable-launcher-test-bed/ | title=ISRO to Begin Flights of Reusable Launcher Test Bed }}</ref>
| firstflight = 01:30 UTC, 23 May 2016 <ref name='HEXlaunched'>{{cite news|title=India's First-Ever Indigenous Space Shuttle RLV-TD Launched Successfully|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-all-set-to-launch-its-own-space-shuttle-today-1408943|access-date=2016-05-23|archive-date=2016-05-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523081541/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-all-set-to-launch-its-own-space-shuttle-today-1408943|url-status=live}}</ref>
| lastflight
| successes =
3 Landing flights
| launchsite = {{bullet list | [[Satish Dhawan Space Centre]] (HEX)| [[Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range]] (
| launcher = Modified-[[Geosynchronous_Satellite_Launch_Vehicle#GSLV_Mark_II|GSLV Mark II]] L40 stage
| organisation = Indian Space Research Organisation
}}
'''Reusable Launch Vehicle–Technology Demonstration Programme''' is a series of [[technology demonstration]] missions that has been conceived by
For this purpose, a winged reusable launch vehicle technology demonstrator (
▲'''Reusable Launch Vehicle–Technology Demonstration Programme''' is a series of [[technology demonstration]] missions that has been conceived by the [[ISRO|Indian Space Research Organisation]] (ISRO) as a first step towards realising a [[Two Stage To Orbit]] (TSTO) [[reusable launch vehicle]], in which the second stage is a [[spaceplane]].<ref>{{cite web |date=2 June 2015 |title=Indian Space Research Organisation to test its reusable RLV spacecraft |url=http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/isro/indian-space-research-organisation-to-test-its-reusable-rlv-spacecraft/ |work=SpaceFlight Insider |access-date=8 June 2015 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108114851/https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/isro/indian-space-research-organisation-to-test-its-reusable-rlv-spacecraft/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
▲For this purpose, a winged reusable launch vehicle technology demonstrator ([[#RLV-TD|RLV-TD]]) has been configured. The RLV-TD acted as a flying test bed to evaluate various technologies like powered cruise flight, [[hypersonic flight]], and autonomous landing using air-breathing propulsion. Application of these technologies would bring down the launch cost by a factor of 10.<ref name="Presentation">{{cite web |url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/T25O2kOeVcOL2vRfml0baK/Isros-small-steps-towards-developing-its-own-reusable-rocke.html |title=Tuesday, December 22, Isro's small steps towards developing its own reusable rocket [Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)] program |work=LIVE MINT, IN |date=2015 |access-date=2015-12-23 |archive-date=2016-05-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526125339/http://www.livemint.com/Politics/T25O2kOeVcOL2vRfml0baK/Isros-small-steps-towards-developing-its-own-reusable-rocke.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This project has no connection with the [[Avatar (spacecraft)|Avatar]] spaceplane concept by India's [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]].<ref name="Avatar is DRDO">{{cite web |url=http://dos.gov.in/sites/default/files/USQ251.pdf |title=Government of India Department of Space |date=March 14, 2012 |access-date=2016-04-27 |quote=Feasibility study of project "AVATAR)" has been done by a group of scientists in DRDO. ISRO has no connection with the project. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805065726/http://dos.gov.in/sites/default/files/USQ251.pdf |archive-date=August 5, 2016 }}</ref>
== History ==
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In 2006 the [[Indian Space Research Organisation]] (ISRO) performed a series of ground tests to demonstrate stable supersonic combustion for nearly 7 seconds with an inlet Mach number of 6.<ref>{{Cite web| title = Welcome to Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre - ISRO_Supersonic Combustion Tech| url = http://www.vssc.gov.in/VSSC_V4/index.php/2006/79-press-release-articles/631-isro-supersonic-combustion-tech| access-date = 2015-12-23| archive-date = 2016-03-04| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304135953/http://www.vssc.gov.in/VSSC_V4/index.php/2006/79-press-release-articles/631-isro-supersonic-combustion-tech| url-status = dead}}</ref>
In March 2010, ISRO conducted the flight testing of its new sounding rocket: Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV-D01), weighing 3 tonnes at lift-off, a diameter of {{convert|.56|m|abbr=on}}, and a length of ~{{convert|10|m|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web| url = http://www.ias.ac.in/public/Resources/meetings/annmeet/73am_talks/bnsuresh/img12.html| title = "Space Transportation Systems: What the future beholds" by Dr. B N Suresh| date = 2 November 2007| access-date = 23 December 2015| archive-date = 1 August 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200801153241/https://www.ias.ac.in/public/Resources/meetings/annmeet/73am_talks/bnsuresh/img12.html| url-status = live}}</ref> It carried a passive [[scramjet]] engine combustor module as a test-bed for demonstration of air-breathing propulsion technology.<ref>{{Cite web| title = Successful flight testing of advanced sounding rocket - ISRO| url = http://www.isro.gov.in/update/03-mar-2010/successful-flight-testing-of-advanced-sounding-rocket| website = www.isro.gov.in| access-date = 2015-12-06| archive-date = 2016-09-09| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160909115917/http://www.isro.gov.in/update/03-mar-2010/successful-flight-testing-of-advanced-sounding-rocket| url-status = dead}}</ref>
In January 2012, ISRO announced that a scaled prototype, called '''Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator''' ('''RLV-TD'''), was approved to be built and tested.<ref name="Design Approval">{{cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report-isro-s-design-of-reusable-launch-vehicle-approved-1633779/ |title=ISRO's design of reusable launch vehicle approved |access-date=2015-12-25 |archive-date=2020-08-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801153214/https://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report-isro-s-design-of-reusable-launch-vehicle-approved-1633779 |url-status=live }}</ref> The aerodynamics characterization on the RLV-TD prototype was done by the [[National Aerospace Laboratories]] in India. The RLV-TD is in the last stages of construction by a Hyderabad-based private company called CIM Technologies. The fixed landing gear for the RLV-TD was supplied by Timetooth Technologies. The full-scale RLV is expected to use retractable landing gear.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-06-26 |title=RLV re-entry mission to use GSLV with PSLV last stage; landing gear to change & more |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rlv-re-entry-mission-to-use-gslv-with-pslv-last-stage-landing-gear-to-change-more/articleshow/111267553.cms |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
By May 2015, engineers at the [[Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre]] (VSSC) in [[Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station]] were installing thermal tiles on the outer surface of the RLV-TD to protect it against the intense heat during [[Atmospheric entry|atmospheric reentry]].<ref name="FinalTouches2015">{{cite news|title=Navigation satellite system by March|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/navigation-satellite-system-by-march/article7821248.ece|access-date=2015-12-24|archive-date=2020-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108180935/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/navigation-satellite-system-by-march/article7821248.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> This prototype weighs around 1.5 tonnes and flew to an altitude of 65 km<ref name="FinalTouches2015"/> mounted on top of an expendable solid booster HS9.<ref name="MVD">{{Cite web|title = Modeling &Control of Launch Vehicles|url = http://www.sc.iitb.ac.in/~pdsc2014/MVD_talk.pdf|website = www.sc.iitb.ac.in|access-date = 2015-12-06|archive-date = 2015-12-24|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151224052512/http://www.sc.iitb.ac.in/~pdsc2014/MVD_talk.pdf|url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="Brahmand 2010">{{cite web |url=http://www.brahmand.com/news/Reusable-Launch-Vehicles-%EF%BF%BD-The-future-of-space-missions/5595/3/15.html |title=Reusable Launch Vehicles |work=Brahmand.com |date=November 25, 2010 |access-date=2014-10-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101073815/http://www.brahmand.com/news/Reusable-Launch-Vehicles-%EF%BF%BD-The-future-of-space-missions/5595/3/15.html |archive-date=November 1, 2014 }}</ref>
On August 28, 2016, ISRO successfully tested its scramjet engine on second developmental flight of its Advanced Technology Vehicle ATV-D02 from the [[Satish Dhawan Space Centre]] for 28 August 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.isro.gov.in/update/28-aug-2016/successful-flight-testing-of-isros-scramjet-engine-technology-demonstrator|title=Successful Flight Testing of ISRO's Scramjet Engine Technology Demonstrator|access-date=2016-08-28|archive-date=2016-09-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914004452/http://www.isro.gov.in/update/28-aug-2016/successful-flight-testing-of-isros-scramjet-engine-technology-demonstrator|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Indian rockets to soon use atmospheric oxygen as fuel|url = http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/indian-rockets-to-soon-use-atmospheric-oxygen-as-fuel/article441392.ece}}</ref> The scramjet engine will be integrated to the RLV at a later stage of development.<ref name='Nov 2015'>{{Cite news| title = ISRO set to test scramjet engine| url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/isro-set-to-test-scramjet-engine/article7926216.ece| newspaper = The Hindu| date = 2015-11-28| access-date = 2015-12-06| issn = 0971-751X| language = en-IN| archive-date = 2020-11-08| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201108125039/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/isro-set-to-test-scramjet-engine/article7926216.ece| url-status = live}}</ref>
In February 2024, [[IIT Kanpur]] built and evaluated the Hypervelocity Expansion Tunnel Test Facility, referred to as S2, in the Department of Aerospace Engineering's Hypersonic Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory (HEAL). Scramjet flights and extreme hypersonic conditions such as [[atmospheric entry]] can be replicated at the S2 facility. It is anticipated that the facility will support RLV Technology Demonstration Programme.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tripathi |first=Sibu Kumar |date=2024-02-05 |title=Hypervelocity facility at IIT Kanpur: How it will propel India's high-speed dreams |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/hypervelocity-facility-at-iit-kanpur-how-it-will-propel-indias-high-speed-dreams-2497864-2024-02-05 |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>
==Pushpak (RLV-TD)==
[[File:RLV-TD HEX01 at First Launch Pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota (SDSC SHAR) before launch 03.jpg|thumb|253x253px|RLV-TD HEX01|left]]
'''Pushpak''' ([[Sanskrit]], [[ISO 15919|ISO]]: {{transliteration|sa|Puṣpaka}}, {{literal translation|Little Flower}}, [[Namesake]]: [[Pushpaka Vimana]])<ref>{{Cite web |title=India's Reusable Launch Vehicle to be called Pushpak, PM reviews progress |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/india-reusable-landing-vehicle-to-be-called-pushpak-pm-reviews-progress-2507692-2024-02-27 |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=India Today |date=27 February 2024 |language=en}}</ref> (also known as '''RLV-TD''' or '''Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator''') is India's first [[uncrewed spacecraft|uncrewed]] flying [[testbed]] developed for the ISRO's RLV Technology Demonstration Programme started in 2012. It is a scaled down [[prototype]] of an eventual [[two-stage-to-orbit]] (TSTO) [[reusable launch vehicle]].
In January 2012, the design of ISRO's [[reusable launch vehicle]] was approved by the National Review Committee and clearance was granted to build the vehicle. The vehicle was named 'Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator' (RLV-TD).<ref name="Launch vehicle approved">{{cite news|title=Launch vehicle approved|publisher=[[Daily News and Analysis|DNA India]]|access-date=23 May 2016|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report-isro-s-design-of-reusable-launch-vehicle-approved-1633779|archive-date=11 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911044601/http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report-isro-s-design-of-reusable-launch-vehicle-approved-1633779|url-status=live}}</ref> ISRO aims to bring down the cost of [[payload]] delivery to [[low Earth orbit]] by 80% from existing $20,000/kg to $4,000/kg.<ref name="Make In India Gets Wings With Successful Launch Of Swadeshi Space Shuttle">{{cite news|title=Make In India Gets Wings With Successful Launch Of Swadeshi Space Shuttle|publisher=[[The Free Press Journal]]|access-date=24 May 2016|url=http://www.freepressjournal.in/make-in-india-gets-wings-with-successful-launch-of-swadeshi-space-shuttle/856065|archive-date=25 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525125001/http://www.freepressjournal.in/make-in-india-gets-wings-with-successful-launch-of-swadeshi-space-shuttle/856065|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="India Just Launched A Mini Space Shuttle">{{cite news| title=India Just Launched A Mini Space Shuttle| publisher=sciencealert.com| access-date=24 May 2016| url=http://www.sciencealert.com/india-just-launched-a-mini-space-shuttle| archive-date=17 September 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917171853/http://www.sciencealert.com/india-just-launched-a-mini-space-shuttle| url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Breakthrough in Supersonic combustion technology">{{cite news|title=Breakthrough in Supersonic combustion technology|publisher=[[Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre]] website|access-date=23 May 2016|url=http://www.vssc.gov.in/VSSC_V4/index.php/2006/79-press-release-articles/631-isro-supersonic-combustion-tech|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304135953/http://www.vssc.gov.in/VSSC_V4/index.php/2006/79-press-release-articles/631-isro-supersonic-combustion-tech|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The RLV-TD was developed with an objective to test various aspects such as [[hypersonic flight]], [[autoland]], powered [[cruise flight]], hypersonic flight using the [[air-breathing engine]] [[propulsion]] and Hypersonic Experiment.
A series of four RLV-TD test flights have been planned by ISRO:<ref name="Launch vehicle approved"/><ref name="Demonstration program">{{cite news|title=Demonstration program|publisher=[[ISRO]] website|access-date=23 May 2016|url=http://www.isro.gov.in/technology-development-programmes/reusable-launch-vehicle-technology-demonstration-program-rlv-td|archive-date=23 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523073038/http://www.isro.gov.in/technology-development-programmes/reusable-launch-vehicle-technology-demonstration-program-rlv-td|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Low cost access">{{cite news|title=Low cost access|publisher=bharat-rakshak.com|access-date=23 May 2016|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/media/33219-5/IMG_0024.JPG|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165739/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/media/33219-5/IMG_0024.JPG|url-status=live}}</ref>
* HEX (Hypersonic Flight Experiment) - '''Completed''' * LEX (Landing Experiment) - '''Completed''' * REX (Return Flight Experiment), later renamed to OREX (Orbital Return Flight Experiment) - ''Planned'' * SPEX (Scramjet Propulsion Experiment) - ''Planned'' A team of 750 engineers at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, [[National === Air Breathing Propulsion Project ===
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On 3 March 2010, ISRO successfully conducted the [[flight test]] of its new sounding rocket ATV-D01 from [[Satish Dhawan Space Centre]] in [[Sriharikota]]. ATV-D01 weighed 3 tonnes at lift-off and was the heaviest sounding rocket ever developed by ISRO at the time. It was mounted with a passive [[Scramjet]] engine. The [[rocket]] flew for 7 seconds, achieved [[Mach number]] 6 + 0.5 and dynamic pressure 80 + 35 [[kPa]].<ref name="Flight testing of advanced sounding rocket">{{cite news|title=Flight testing of advanced sounding rocket|publisher=[[ISRO]] website|access-date=23 May 2016|url=http://www.isro.gov.in/update/03-mar-2010/successful-flight-testing-of-advanced-sounding-rocket|archive-date=9 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909115917/http://www.isro.gov.in/update/03-mar-2010/successful-flight-testing-of-advanced-sounding-rocket|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Khul Ke l708">{{cite web | title=ISRO Progresses Towards a Swadeshi Space Plane | website=Khul Ke | url=https://www.khulke.com/roundtable/recorded/642eeb22714e9eae0bbcc7d7 | access-date=2023-09-07 | archive-date=2023-09-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907091949/https://www.khulke.com/roundtable/recorded/642eeb22714e9eae0bbcc7d7 | url-status=live }}</ref>
On 28 August 2016, ISRO tested scramjet engine with a five-minute flight. At a height of 20 kilometers, the scramjet engine attached to the [[Advanced Technology Vehicle]] was fired. It burnt fuel for five seconds, an important milestone in the development of [[Dual Mode Ramjet]] (DMR)
On 23 July 2024, ISRO effectively concluded the second experimental flight demonstration of air breathing propulsion technology. Air Breathing Propulsion systems were symmetrically placed on both sides of the [[Rohini_(rocket_family)#RH-560|Rohini RH-560]] sounding rocket used in the experiment. The Air Breathing propulsion systems were ignited successfully and the test performed satisfactorily. 110 parameters were extensively watched during the flight to evaluate the propulsion system's performance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-23 |title=Isro successfully conducts second test of Air Breathing Propulsion Technology |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/isro-successfully-conducts-second-test-of-air-breathing-propulsion-technology-2570706-2024-07-23 |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>
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=== Hypersonic Flight Experiment ===
{{For|Japan's Hypersonic Flight Experiment|HYFLEX}}
The Reusable Launch Vehicle Hypersonic Flight Experiment or '''RLV HEX''' was the first test flight in the RLV Technology Demonstration Programme. HEX was successfully conducted on 23 May 2016.<ref name='HEXlaunched' /><ref>[https://www.isro.gov.in/update/23-may-2016/india%E2%80%99s-reusable-launch-vehicle-technology-demonstrator-rlv-td-successfully India’s Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD), Successfully Flight Tested] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209034327/https://www.isro.gov.in/update/23-may-2016/india%E2%80%99s-reusable-launch-vehicle-technology-demonstrator-rlv-td-successfully |date=2021-02-09 }}. 23 May 2016. ISRO.</ref><ref name=RLV-TD-1>[https://www.isro.gov.in/launcher/rlv-td RLV-TD] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417233754/https://www.isro.gov.in/launcher/rlv-td |date=2021-04-17 }}. ISRO. 23 May 2016. Includes diagrams.</ref> RLV-TD consists of a fuselage (body), a nose cap, double delta wings and twin vertical rudders. It has active control surfaces called Elevons and Rudders.<ref name="RLV-TD-1" /> Apart from the twin rudders it is similar in shape and operation to a small Space Shuttle Orbiter. TDV uses 600 or so heat resistant silica tiles and Flexible External Insulation, nose-cap is made out Carbon-Carbon composite with SiC coating. The leading edges of twin rudders are Inconel-718, wing leading edges of 15CDV6.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kumar |first1=Kiran |title="Indigenous Development of Materials for Space Programme" |date=28 April 2016 |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/ISRO/comments/4grmoe/indigenous_development_of_materials_for_space/ |access-date=30 June 2020 |archive-date=30 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630171158/https://old.reddit.com/r/ISRO/comments/4grmoe/indigenous_development_of_materials_for_space/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=SILICA TILES AS A THERMAL PROTECTION FOR RLV-TD |url=http://www.aerojournalindia.com/2017%20contents/Abstract%20of%20VSSC%20Special%20Issue_2017/Abstract%20of%20M_R_A_R_G_C_V_M_M_P_R.pdf |access-date=30 June 2020 |archive-date=30 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630175238/http://www.aerojournalindia.com/2017%20contents/Abstract%20of%20VSSC%20Special%20Issue_2017/Abstract%20of%20M_R_A_R_G_C_V_M_M_P_R.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Current Science Volume 114 - Issue 01 |url=http://www.currentscience.ac.in/php/toc.php?vol=114&issue=01 |access-date=30 June 2020 |archive-date=30 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630233024/https://www.currentscience.ac.in/php/toc.php?vol=114&issue=01 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The technology behind India's Reusable Launch Vehicle |date=12 November 2018 |url=https://www.spacetechasia.com/technology-behind-indias-reusable-launch-vehicle/ |access-date=30 June 2020 |archive-date=30 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630173633/https://www.spacetechasia.com/technology-behind-indias-reusable-launch-vehicle/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=A Deep Dive Into ISRO's Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology – Part I |url=http://delhidefencereview.com/2020/02/24/a-deep-dive-into-isros-reusable-launch-vehicle-technology-part-i/ |access-date=30 June 2020 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628170038/http://delhidefencereview.com/2020/02/24/a-deep-dive-into-isros-reusable-launch-vehicle-technology-part-i/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=A Deep Dive Into ISRO's Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology – Part II |url=http://delhidefencereview.com/2020/05/04/a-deep-dive-into-isros-reusable-launch-vehicle-technology-part-ii/ |access-date=30 June 2020 |archive-date=3 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703121307/http://delhidefencereview.com/2020/05/04/a-deep-dive-into-isros-reusable-launch-vehicle-technology-part-ii/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>▼
[[File:RLV-TD HEX01 Logo.svg|thumb|RLV-HEX01 flight badge]]
▲The Reusable Launch Vehicle Hypersonic Flight Experiment or '''RLV HEX''' was the first test flight in the RLV Technology Demonstration Programme. HEX was successfully conducted on 23 May 2016.<ref name=
HEX was the first test flight of a reusable launch vehicle developed by India. The test flight objectives included:<ref name="hindu.com">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/An-Indian-space-shuttle-takes-shape/article16607270.ece |title=''An Indian space shuttle takes shape'' 2009 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=31 March 2009 |access-date=2023-04-24 |archive-date=2023-04-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404081839/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/An-Indian-space-shuttle-takes-shape/article16607270.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>
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* Demonstrate first stage separation sequencing
The vehicle was tracked during its flight from ground stations at Sriharikota and a shipborne terminal. The total flight duration from launch to [[splashdown]] lasted about 773.6 seconds.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Yadav|first1=Sandeep|last2=Jayakumar|first2=M.|last3=Nizin|first3=Aziya|last4=Kesavabrahmaji|first4=K.|last5=Shyam Mohan|first5=N.|date=2017-12-01|title=Final Phase Flight Performance and Touchdown Time Assessment of TDV in RLV-TD HEX-01 Mission|url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s40032-017-0403-9|journal=Journal of the Institution of Engineers (India): Series C|language=en|volume=98|issue=6|pages=679–688|doi=10.1007/s40032-017-0403-9|bibcode=2017JIEIC..98..679Y|s2cid=115904439|issn=2250-0553|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The unit was not planned to be recovered.<ref name="India's Reusable Launch Vehicle Successfully Flight Tested">{{cite news| title=India's Reusable Launch Vehicle Successfully Flight Tested| publisher=[[ISRO]] website| access-date=23 May 2016| url=http://www.isro.gov.in/update/23-may-2016/india%E2%80%99s-reusable-launch-vehicle-technology-demonstrator-rlv-td-successfully| archive-date=14 September 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914011950/http://www.isro.gov.in/update/23-may-2016/india%E2%80%99s-reusable-launch-vehicle-technology-demonstrator-rlv-td-successfully| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=ISRO successfully launches Indias first ever indigenous space shuttle| publisher=[[The Economic Times]]| access-date=24 May 2016| url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/isro-successfully-launches-indias-first-ever-indigenous-space-shuttle/articleshow/52393846.cms| archive-date=28 August 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828165702/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/isro-successfully-launches-indias-first-ever-indigenous-space-shuttle/articleshow/52393846.cms| url-status=live}}</ref> ISRO plans to construct an airstrip greater than 4km long in [[Sriharikota]] island in the "near future". Critical technologies such as autonomous navigation, guidance & control, reusable thermal protection system, and descent mission management were validated in this flight.<ref name="Indian Express">{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/ISRO-Gears-up-for-6-Major-Missions-This-Year/2015/05/30/article2839810.ece|title=ISRO Gears up for 6 Major Missions This Year|work=Express News Service|date=30 May 2015|access-date=8 June 2015|archive-date=10 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910194845/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/ISRO-Gears-up-for-6-Major-Missions-This-Year/2015/05/30/article2839810.ece|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Landing Experiment===
The Reusable Launch Vehicle Landing Experiment or '''RLV-LEX''' was the second test flight in the RLV Technology Demonstration Programme following the Hypersonic Flight Experiment. The demonstration trials will pave the way for the [[two-stage-to-orbit]] (TSTO) fully reusable launch vehicle. Furthermore, more test similar to RLV-LEX will be conducted to test other conditions like wind, different failure conditions and other factors to finalise the testing of the vehicle.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |title=Landing experiment likely in Challakere next week |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/indias-isro-to-conduct-reusable-launch-vehicle-rlv-landing-experiment-in-challakere/articleshow/108535242.cms |access-date=2024-03-16 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Three such tests were performed in between April 2023 and June 2024. A drogue chute was used to bring the speed down to 100kmph and nose wheel brakes were used to bring the vehicle to a stop.<ref>{{cite web|title=Launch Vehicles Space Transportation of ISRO |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/NSPD2024/assets/pdf/Launch%20Vehicles-Pagewise.pdf|publisher=ISRO|access-date=February 23, 2025}}</ref>
[[File:Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Experiment RLV-LEX.webm|thumb|Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV-LEX-01)]]
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* Validating the landing parameters such as the ground relative velocity, the sinking rate of landing gears and precise body rates as might be experienced by an orbital re-entry space vehicle on its return path
After the successful completion of the mission, [[S. Somanath]], chairman of [[Indian Space Research Organization|ISRO]], said to the media that they are currently planning to conduct more such landing tests to check the readiness of software and hardware under different conditions. The reported test will include the vehicle being dropped from an altitude of about 4.5 kilometres and at a lateral difference following which the vehicle must automatically guide itself for a landing.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-04-02 |title=Isro reusable launch vehicle's landing experiment successful; RLV closer to orbital re-entry mission |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-reusable-launch-vehicles-landing-experiment-successful-rlv-closer-to-orbital-re-entry-mission/articleshow/99181950.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402033622/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-reusable-launch-vehicles-landing-experiment-successful-rlv-closer-to-orbital-re-entry-mission/articleshow/99181950.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2023-04-02 |access-date=2023-04-02 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The test
▲After the successful completion of the mission, [[S. Somanath]], chairman of [[Indian Space Research Organization|ISRO]], said to the media that they are currently planning to conduct more such landing tests to check the readiness of software and hardware under different conditions. The reported test will include the vehicle being dropped from an altitude of about 4.5 kilometres and at a lateral difference following which the vehicle must automatically guide itself for a landing.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-04-02 |title=Isro reusable launch vehicle's landing experiment successful; RLV closer to orbital re-entry mission |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-reusable-launch-vehicles-landing-experiment-successful-rlv-closer-to-orbital-re-entry-mission/articleshow/99181950.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402033622/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-reusable-launch-vehicles-landing-experiment-successful-rlv-closer-to-orbital-re-entry-mission/articleshow/99181950.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2023-04-02 |access-date=2023-04-02 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The test will now be retroactively referred to as RLV-LEX-01
==== RLV-LEX-02 ====
Another landing experiment was conducted at Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range on 22 March 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Chethan |date=2024-03-22 |title=Isro completes 2nd key landing experiment of reusable launch vehicle |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-completes-2nd-key-landing-experiment-of-reusable-launch-vehicle/articleshow/108692653.cms |access-date=2024-03-22 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
▲Another landing experiment was conducted at Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range on 22 March 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Chethan |date=2024-03-22 |title=Isro completes 2nd key landing experiment of reusable launch vehicle |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-completes-2nd-key-landing-experiment-of-reusable-launch-vehicle/articleshow/108692653.cms |access-date=2024-03-22 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Four kilometres from the runway, at a height of 4.5 km, the Boeing CH-47 Chinook of Indian Air Force hoisted and released the test vehicle. The vehicle had to correct both cross-range and down-range deviations before landing autonomously on the runway due to the experiment's more difficult manoeuvres and dispersions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bagla |first=Pallava |date=22 March 2024 |title=Watch: India's 21st Century Pushpak 'Viman' Successfully Launched |url=https://www.ndtv.com/science/isro-successfully-lands-pushpak-indias-first-reusable-launch-vehicle-5287362 |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> The vehicle used its [[Nosewheel steering|nosewheel steering system]], landing gear brakes, and [[drogue parachute]] to help it come to a precise halt on the runway after making the required cross-range modifications. RLV-LEX-02 made use of the same Flight Demonstrator Vehicle as RLV-LEX-01. [[Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre|Liquid Propulsion System Centre]] (LPSC), [[ISRO Inertial Systems Unit]] (IISU), Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, and the Indian Air Force worked together with the [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] (ADE), [[Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment]] (ADRDE), and other agencies to complete the mission.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-22 |title=ISRO nails it again! Landing mission of Reusable Launch Vehicle 'Pushpak' conducted successfully in Karnataka – See Pictures |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/life/science-isro-nails-it-again-landing-mission-of-reusable-launch-vehicle-pushpak-conducted-successfully-in-karnataka-see-pictures-3433579/ |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-22 |title=ISRO achieves another milestone, successfully lands Pushpak reusable launch vehicle |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/photos/india/isro-achieves-another-milestone-successfully-lands-pushpak-reusable-launch-vehicle-12507131.html |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=Moneycontrol}}</ref>
==== RLV-LEX-03 ====
ISRO completed the preparation for the third and last RLV landing experiment, RLV-LEX-03. At the Mission Readiness Review meet on 7 June 2024, [[S. Unnikrishnan Nair]], Director of the [[Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre|Vikram Sarabhai Space Center]], certified the mission for the first half of June at the [[Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range]], subject to weather conditions. In contrast to LEX-02, where the altitude was the same but the lateral distance from the runway was 150 meters, Pushpak will be flown by an IAF Chinook helicopter to a height of 4.5 kilometers and 500 meters to one side of the runway in LEX-03 before being released. The goal of the LEX-03 mission is to investigate methods for lowering the sink rate, or rate of descent, in order to lessen the impact weight. Pushpak will carry an onboard real-time kinematics (RTK) package. The test will also determine how well Pushpak performs in scenarios with a tailwind.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Rajwi |first=Tiki |date=2024-06-08 |title=ISRO all set for third reusable launch vehicle landing experiment |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/isro-all-set-for-third-reusable-launch-vehicle-landing-experiment/article68266926.ece |access-date=2024-06-09 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>[[File:Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Experiment (RLV LEX-03).webm|thumb|New onboard kinematics package in LEX-03 improved [[NavIC]] accuracy through multi-sensor fusion, enabling real-time error correction for autonomous landing.]]The date of the test was shifted to the end of 2nd week of June due to poor weather conditions. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-17 |title=ISRO's reusable launch vehicle, made for low-cost space missions, set for 3rd test landing this week |url=https://theprint.in/science/isros-reusable-launch-vehicle-made-for-low-cost-space-missions-set-for-3rd-test-landing-this-week/2134892/ |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> The test was successfully conducted on 23rd June from Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range. Pushpak was released from an Indian Air Force Chinook Helicopter at an altitude of 4.5 km.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Isro's reusable launch vehicle completes 3rd landing test, paving way for orbital re-entry |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isros-reusable-launch-vehicle-completes-3rd-landing-test-paving-way-for-orbital-re-entry/
Pushpak automatically carried out cross-range correction maneuvers during the LEX-03 mission, approached the runway, and made a precise horizontal touchdown at the centerline of the runway.
The mission replicated high-speed landing conditions, as well as the approach and landing interface, for a vehicle returning from space. Validation of the sophisticated guidance system that addresses both lateral and longitudinal plane error corrections which is necessary for the next Orbital Return Flight Experiment. The test vehicle was equipped with a [[Pseudolite|pseudolite system]], [[inertial sensor]], [[radar altimeter]], flush [[Air data computer|air data system]], and [[NavIC|NavIC receiver]], among other multi-sensor fusion devices. The RLV-LEX-03 demonstrated the robustness and adaptability of flight systems for multiple missions by reusing the winged body and flight systems from the LEX-02 without any modifications.<ref name=":2" />
=== Future ===
Two more experiments are planned by ISRO: '''OREX''' (Orbital Return Flight Experiment) and '''SPEX''' (Scramjet Propulsion Experiment).<ref name="FinalTouches2015" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/media/33219-5/IMG_0024.JPG |title=Poster on the RLV-TD |access-date=2009-07-30 |archive-date=2016-03-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165739/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/media/33219-5/IMG_0024.JPG |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.isro.gov.in/technology-development-programmes/reusable-launch-vehicle-technology-demonstration-program-rlv-td| title=Reusable Launch Vehicle - Technology Demonstration Program (RLV-TD) - ISRO| work=isro.gov.in| access-date=2015-06-08| archive-date=2016-05-23| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523073038/http://www.isro.gov.in/technology-development-programmes/reusable-launch-vehicle-technology-demonstration-program-rlv-td| url-status=dead}}</ref> The OREX will launch on a [[Geosynchronous_Satellite_Launch_Vehicle|GSLV]] rocket with [[Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle#Fourth stage|PS-4]] stage instead of its [[Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle#Third stage|CUS]] [[upper stage]]s (due to decreased performance required for a suborbital flight unlike a regular GSLV launch) and [[RLV-TD|Orbital Re-entry vehicle]] (ORV)
== Gallery ==
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==External links==
* [http://www.isro.gov.in/technology-development-programmes/reusable-launch-vehicle-technology-demonstration-program-rlv-td Home page for RLV-TD at ISRO] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523073038/http://www.isro.gov.in/technology-development-programmes/reusable-launch-vehicle-technology-demonstration-program-rlv-td |date=2016-05-23 }}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzn5XaKYdJ8 RLV-TD test flight animation] at YouTube
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[[Category:Reusable spaceflight technology]]
[[Category:Partially reusable space launch vehicles]]
[[Category:Indian inventions]]
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