In a span of 15 months, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed all three autonomous landing tests of its spaceplane 'Pushpak' at the Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga, Karnataka.

Big landmark for India's space capabilities, Pushpak's landing sets stage for orbital test

ISRO achieves final landing tests; Pushpak, India's unmanned space plane, makes key breakthrough

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<p>On March 22, the Indian Air Force and ISRO tested "Pushpak," an SUV-sized winged rocket aimed to make space travel more affordable. The test involved dropping the rocket from a helicopter onto the Aeronautical Test Range in&nbsp;<a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/topic/chitradurga" target="_blank">Chitradurga</a>, Karnataka from 15,000 feet of altitude.</p>

<p>The Indian Air Force released an incredible video showing the rocket called "Swadeshi Space Shuttle" descent from inside the helicopter. Sharing the video on social media platform X, the Indian Air Force wrote, "Airlifted to an altitude of 4.5 kms, IAF Air Warriors were part of the successful mission. IAF heartily congratulates ISRO on achieving this milestone. IAF will contribute and collaborate in future as well, for many such undertakings."</p>

<h2><strong>Puspak's advanced capabilities</strong></h2>

<p>The rocket was airlifted to an altitude of 4.5 kilometers before being released. It autonomously approached the runway and landed precisely, showcasing its advanced landing capabilities. The Indian Air Force congratulated ISRO on this milestone and pledged future collaboration for similar missions. The test aimed to demonstrate the rocket's ability to autonomously land, which was deemed "excellent and precise."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Utilising the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IAF</a> Chinook helicopter for its airlift and subsequent positioning at a predefined altitude and location, <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> successfully demonstrated the autonomous landing capability of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) 'PUSHPAK' as part of its RLV-LEX 2 mission.<br />
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Airlifted to… <a href="https://t.co/FCTGHk51wO">pic.twitter.com/FCTGHk51wO</a></p>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1771126619815682402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"This mission successfully simulated the approach and high-speed landing conditions of an RLV returning from space. With the RLV-LEX-02, Isro has re-validated its indigenously developed technologies in areas such as navigation, control systems, landing gear, and deceleration systems, which are essential for performing a high-speed autonomous landing of a space-returning vehicle," a press release by ISRO read.</p>

<p>While this was the third test flight, operational deployment of Pushpak is expected to take several more years. ISRO chief S Somanath had previously said.</p>

<h2><strong>What's the history behind Pushpak's name?</strong></h2>

<p>The rocket's name, "Pushpak," is inspired by the mythical "Pushpak Viman" from the Ramayana, associated with the Lord of Wealth, Kubera. According to Ramayana, after defeating Ravana, lord Ram returned to Ayodhya on "Pushpak Viman."</p>

<h2><strong>Pushpak's development timeline</strong></h2>

<p>The making of Pushpak began a decade ago with a dedicated team of engineers and scientists. The 6.5-meter craft weighs 1.75 tons and utilises small thrusters for precise landing. The government has invested over ₹100 crore in this project, reflecting its commitment to advancing space technology.</p>


On March 22, the Indian Air Force and ISRO tested "Pushpak," an SUV-sized winged rocket aimed to make space travel more affordable. The test involved dropping the rocket from a helicopter onto the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka from 15,000 feet of altitude.

On March 22, the Indian Air Force and ISRO tested "Pushpak," an SUV-sized winged rocket aimed to make space travel more affordable. The test involved dropping the rocket from a helicopter onto the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka from 15,000 feet of altitude. The Indian Air Force released an incredible video showing the rocket called "Swadeshi Space Shuttle" descent from inside the helicopter. Sharing the video on social media platform X, the Indian Air Force wrote, "Airlifted to an altitude of 4.5 kms, IAF Air Warriors were part of the successful mission. IAF heartily congratulates ISRO on achieving this milestone. IAF will contribute and collaborate in future as well, for many such undertakings." Puspak's advanced capabilities The rocket was airlifted to an altitude of 4.5 kilometers before being released. It autonomously approached the runway and landed precisely, showcasing its advanced landing capabilities. The Indian Air Force congratulated ISRO on this milestone and pledged future collaboration for similar missions. The test aimed to demonstrate the rocket's ability to autonomously land, which was deemed "excellent and precise." Utilising the #IAF Chinook helicopter for its airlift and subsequent positioning at a predefined altitude and location, @isro successfully demonstrated the autonomous landing capability of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) 'PUSHPAK' as part of its RLV-LEX 2 mission. Airlifted to… pic.twitter.com/FCTGHk51wO — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 22, 2024 × "This mission successfully simulated the approach and high-speed landing conditions of an RLV returning from space. With the RLV-LEX-02, Isro has re-validated its indigenously developed technologies in areas such as navigation, control systems, landing gear, and deceleration systems, which are essential for performing a high-speed autonomous landing of a space-returning vehicle," a press release by ISRO read. While this was the third test flight, operational deployment of Pushpak is expected to take several more years. ISRO chief S Somanath had previously said. What's the history behind Pushpak's name? The rocket's name, "Pushpak," is inspired by the mythical "Pushpak Viman" from the Ramayana, associated with the Lord of Wealth, Kubera. According to Ramayana, after defeating Ravana, lord Ram returned to Ayodhya on "Pushpak Viman." Pushpak's development timeline The making of Pushpak began a decade ago with a dedicated team of engineers and scientists. The 6.5-meter craft weighs 1.75 tons and utilises small thrusters for precise landing. The government has invested over ₹100 crore in this project, reflecting its commitment to advancing space technology.

ISRO's swadeshi space shuttle Pushpak gracefully survives 15,000 feet drop | Watch

ISRO successfully conducts RLV LEX 02 landing experiment, showcasing autonomous landing capability of reusable vehicle. Watch to know more.

ISRO successfully tests 'Pushpak' launch vehicle

ISRO successfully executes landing mission of RLV 'Pushpak'

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<p>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday (Mar 22) successfully completed the landing test of 'Pushpak', its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) from the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Challakere in Karnataka's Chitradurga.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the testing, ISRO chairman S Somanath as well as other senior officials were present at the site.</p>

<p>Taking to X, the space organisation wrote, "Isro nails it again! Pushpak (RLV-TD), the winged vehicle, landed autonomously with precision on the runway after being released from an off-nominal position."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-finalises-48-backup-sites-for-safe-landing-of-gaganyaan-astronauts-report-696829">ISRO finalises 48 backup sites for safe landing of Gaganyaan astronauts: Report</a></p>

<p>"Pushpak was lifted by an Indian Airforce Chinook helicopter and was released from 4.5 km altitude. After release at a distance of 4 km from the runway, Pushpak autonomously approached the runway along with cross-range corrections. It landed precisely on the runway and came to a halt using its brake parachute, landing gear brakes and nose wheel steering system," it added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Huge milestone for India's space program!<br />
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ISRO's Pushpak, India's first reusable launch vehicle, successfully completes its test landing. 🚀<br />
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReusableRockets?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReusableRockets</a> <a href="https://t.co/j7J09tZQo5">pic.twitter.com/j7J09tZQo5</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1771056274001543446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Touchdown! India's space agency, ISRO, successfully conducts the RLV Landing experiment with 'Pushpak', in a giant leap towards reusable launch vehicles<br />
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pushpak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pushpak</a> <a href="https://t.co/cTK7KqfwD0">pic.twitter.com/cTK7KqfwD0</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1771005544259530937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>All about Pushpak RLV - a milestone in reusable launch vehicle</strong></h2>

<p>The scientists have designed the Pushpak RLV as an all-rocket and fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle. It includes several important elements like the X-34 testbed technology demonstrator, the X-33 advanced technology demonstrator, as well as the upgraded DC-XA flight demonstrator.</p>

<p>This is Pushpak's third flight after a series of tests were carried out by the scientists with the aim of perfecting the vehicle's robotic landing capabilities amid complex conditions.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">RLV-LEX-02 Experiment:<br />
🇮🇳ISRO nails it again!🎯<br />
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Pushpak (RLV-TD), the winged vehicle, landed autonomously with precision on the runway after being released from an off-nominal position.<br />
<br />
🚁<a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a> <a href="https://t.co/IHNoSOUdRx">pic.twitter.com/IHNoSOUdRx</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1770996593292136953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The project, which took a decade to develop, was first successfully tested in April last year when it was able to demonstrate an autonomous landing after getting released from the Chinook helicopter of the Indian Air Force.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The test was a major milestone in the development of the Pushpak RLV as it demonstrated that the vehicle is near to achieving orbital re-entry capabilities.</p>

<p>The vehicle's name has been inspired by the Ramayana's mythical 'Pushpak Viman' since this modern-day aircraft stands as a symbol of innovation and prosperity.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;ISRO's LVM3 rocket engines tested and ready to ferry Gaganyaan astronauts</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/isros-lvm3-rocket-engines-tested-and-ready-to-ferry-gaganyaan-astronauts-693653/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The winged technology shows that the scientists have configured the RLV as a flying test bed for evaluating different technologies, like powered cruise flight, autonomous landing and hypersonic flight.</p>

<p>The project, which has an&nbsp;investment of Rs 1 billion or $11.99 million, not only displays the country's technological prowess but also sets the stage for future endeavours, which includes the ambitious goal of setting up the Bhartiya Antariksha Station by 2035.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday (Mar 22) successfully completed the landing test of 'Pushpak', its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) from the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Challakere in Karnataka's Chitradurga.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday (Mar 22) successfully completed the landing test of 'Pushpak', its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) from the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Challakere in Karnataka's Chitradurga. During the testing, ISRO chairman S Somanath as well as other senior officials were present at the site. Taking to X, the space organisation wrote, "Isro nails it again! Pushpak (RLV-TD), the winged vehicle, landed autonomously with precision on the runway after being released from an off-nominal position." Also Read: ISRO finalises 48 backup sites for safe landing of Gaganyaan astronauts: Report "Pushpak was lifted by an Indian Airforce Chinook helicopter and was released from 4.5 km altitude. After release at a distance of 4 km from the runway, Pushpak autonomously approached the runway along with cross-range corrections. It landed precisely on the runway and came to a halt using its brake parachute, landing gear brakes and nose wheel steering system," it added. Huge milestone for India's space program! ISRO's Pushpak, India's first reusable launch vehicle, successfully completes its test landing. 🚀 . . . . .#ISRO #Space #ReusableRockets pic.twitter.com/j7J09tZQo5 — WION (@WIONews) March 22, 2024 × Touchdown! India's space agency, ISRO, successfully conducts the RLV Landing experiment with 'Pushpak', in a giant leap towards reusable launch vehicles . . . .#ISRO #Gaganyaan #Pushpak pic.twitter.com/cTK7KqfwD0 — WION (@WIONews) March 22, 2024 × All about Pushpak RLV - a milestone in reusable launch vehicle The scientists have designed the Pushpak RLV as an all-rocket and fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle. It includes several important elements like the X-34 testbed technology demonstrator, the X-33 advanced technology demonstrator, as well as the upgraded DC-XA flight demonstrator. This is Pushpak's third flight after a series of tests were carried out by the scientists with the aim of perfecting the vehicle's robotic landing capabilities amid complex conditions. RLV-LEX-02 Experiment: 🇮🇳ISRO nails it again!🎯 Pushpak (RLV-TD), the winged vehicle, landed autonomously with precision on the runway after being released from an off-nominal position. 🚁@IAF_MCC pic.twitter.com/IHNoSOUdRx — ISRO (@isro) March 22, 2024 × The project, which took a decade to develop, was first successfully tested in April last year when it was able to demonstrate an autonomous landing after getting released from the Chinook helicopter of the Indian Air Force. The test was a major milestone in the development of the Pushpak RLV as it demonstrated that the vehicle is near to achieving orbital re-entry capabilities. The vehicle's name has been inspired by the Ramayana's mythical 'Pushpak Viman' since this modern-day aircraft stands as a symbol of innovation and prosperity. Watch: ISRO's LVM3 rocket engines tested and ready to ferry Gaganyaan astronauts The winged technology shows that the scientists have configured the RLV as a flying test bed for evaluating different technologies, like powered cruise flight, autonomous landing and hypersonic flight. The project, which has an investment of Rs 1 billion or $11.99 million, not only displays the country's technological prowess but also sets the stage for future endeavours, which includes the ambitious goal of setting up the Bhartiya Antariksha Station by 2035. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: ISRO successfully completes landing of 'Pushpak', country's first Reusable Launch Vehicle

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