RLV Technology Demonstration Programme: Difference between revisions

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'''Reusable Launch Vehicle—Technology Demonstration Programme''' or '''RLV–TD''' is a series of technology demonstration missions that has been conceived by [[ISRO]] as a first step towards realising a [[Two Stage To Orbit]] (TSTO) re-usable launch vehicle, an intermediate step towards the creation of an [[Single-stage-to-orbit|SSTO]] [[Avatar (spacecraft)|Avatar spaceplane]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/isro/indian-space-research-organisation-to-test-its-reusable-rlv-spacecraft/|title=Indian Space Research Organisation to test its reusable RLV spacecraft|work=SpaceFlight Insider}}</ref>

For this purpose, a Wingedwinged [[Reusable launch system|Reusable Launch Vehicle]] technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) has been configured. The RLV-TD will act as a flying test bed to evaluate various technologies like hypersonic flight, autonomous landing, powered cruise flight and hypersonic flight using air-breathing propulsion.<ref>http://www.isro.org/rep2009/citizens.htm</ref>

==Development==

===Background===

In the 1990s India hadinitiated plans to develop a small space shuttle named ''Hyperplane'' that would to be orbited by non-reusable launchers.{{Citation needed|date=July 2013}} Then plans changed to project [[Avatar (spacecraft)|Avatar]] as a single-stage system. The [[Indian Space Research Organisation]] indicates that this vehicle was planned for development after 2010.<ref name=RIANOVOSTI>{{cite web|url=http://en.rian.ru/world/20070813/71203530.html|title=India plans to launch first space shuttle in 2010 - space official|author=Sputnik|date=13 August 2007|work=rian.ru}}</ref><ref name=TOI>[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-12-12/india/27815394_1_space-capsule-recovery-experiment-polar-satellite-launch-vehicle-rlv Isro set to test reusable space vehicle]. ''[[Times of India]]''</ref>

In parallel, India has more realistic and currentlybeen working the programme ofa manned spaceflights programme from 2014 to 2015 with non-reusable conventional spacecraft [[ISRO Orbital Vehicle|Orbital Vehicle]] spacecraft launched by the non-reusable launcher [[GSLV]].{{Citation needed|date=July 2013}}

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In 2011, ISRO gave more details on its shuttle programme.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/soon-india-to-have-its-own-space-shuttle-123239|title=Soon, India to have its own space shuttle|date=31 July 2011|work=NDTV.com}}</ref> -->

In 2011, ISRO gave more details on its shuttle programme.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/soon-india-to-have-its-own-space-shuttle-123239|title=Soon, India to have its own space shuttle|date=31 July 2011|work=NDTV.com}}</ref>

===Test missions===

A total of four RLV-TD flights are planned by ISRO.<ref>http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/media/33219-5/IMG_0024.JPG</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}}</ref>