Context

• Recently, Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO successfully landed its 'Reusable Launch Vehicle' Pushpak Viman at Chitradurga Test Range in Karnataka.

Key Points

• This 'Pushpak' aircraft was launched from an Air Force helicopter Chinook from a height of 4.5 kilometers.
• ISRO has once again demonstrated indigenous technologies in the areas of navigation, control systems, landing gear and deceleration systems with the successful landing of the spacecraft RLV-LEX-02.
• The RLV made a successful landing with the help of brake parachute, landing gear brake and nose wheel steering system.
•   It was operated in the spacecraft's fully automatic mode.
• It is noteworthy that ISRO has achieved another major success in the reusable launch vehicle landing experiment through this aircraft. Now it can be brought back to earth and reused.
• Earlier, landing tests of RLV were conducted in 2016 and 2023.
• The winged rocket with a sleek body and SUV shape has been named Pushpak Viman. Its weight is about 1.75 tonnes.
• Pushpak can help in robotic landings in more complex situations.

Related Institute

• The mission was carried out by Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) along with Liquid Propulsion Systems Center (LPSC) and ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU).
• The Pushpak Viman Mission team was guided by Sunil P, Program Director, Advanced Technology and Systems Programme, VSSC.

Benefits

• This is India's effort towards reducing the increasing debris in space.
• Apart from this, it is India's futuristic reusable launch vehicle.
• Pushpak (RLV-Reusable Launch Vehicle) technology will significantly reduce the cost of sending satellites into space.
• Apart from this, this vehicle will be able to perform more difficult manoeuvres and land on the runway in completely autonomous mode.

Important Facts For Exam

ISRO

• Founder: Vikram Sarabhai
• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Current Chairman: Shri S. Somnath

Space Center and Units

• Vikram Sarabhai Space Center - Thiruvananthapuram
• ISRO Satellite Center - Bengaluru
• Space Applications Centre- Ahmedabad
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre-Sriharikota

Note - ISRO has set a target of building a station in space by the year 2035.