Why is it in the news?
- On June 23, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) accomplished the third and final test of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Landing Experiment (LEX) series at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka.
- It was designated as RLV LEX-03.
More about the news
- The mission simulated the high-speed landing conditions for a vehicle returning from space, showcasing ISRO’s capability in developing critical technologies for a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV).
- The success of the mission validated advanced guidance algorithms essential for future Orbital Re-entry Missions.
- Moreover, the RLV-LEX-03 mission reused the winged body and flight systems from the previous LEX-02 mission without modification and used multisensor fusion, including inertial sensors, radar altimeters, flush air data systems, Pseudolite system, and NavIC.
| What is a Re-Usable Landing Vehicle (RLV)?
· A Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) is designed to withstand multiple launches and landings, aiming to reduce costs associated with space missions. It features a durable structure using lightweight, robust materials capable of enduring spaceflight conditions. Key Features: · The RLV operates like a space plane with a low lift-to-drag ratio, enabling high glide angles during descent and landing speeds up to 350 kmph. · The primary goal of RLV is to recover expensive rocket boosters used in launching spacecraft, potentially enabling their refueling and reuse for future space missions. |
