Context

Tamil Nadu-based startup 'Space Zone India' launched its first reusable hybrid rocket 'RHUMI-1' on August 24, 2024 under the 'RHUMI-2024 mission'. 

Key Highlights

• This is the world's first mobile launch of a hybrid rocket.
• Launch site: Thiruvidanthai (off East Coast Road near Chennai)

RHUMI-1

• A common fuel-based hybrid motor and electrically powered parachute deployer.
• Length: It is a 3.5-metre-long rocket.
• Nomenclature: RHUMI is named after Rumitharan, son of Anand Megalingam, founder and CEO of Space Zone India.
• Development & Design: By Space Zone India and Martin Group
• Payload: 3 Cube Satellites and 50 PICO Satellites
• PICO Satellites: These satellites have been launched to study various atmospheric aspects such as accelerometer readings, altitude and ozone level to understand environmental dynamics.

Key Features:

• Adjustable Launch Angle: The rocket can be precisely adjusted from 0 to 120 degrees, allowing careful control of its trajectory.
• Educational Impact: Students and government schools in India have actively participated in free workshops on rocket and satellite technology.
• CO2-Triggered Parachute System: An innovative, cost-effective and environmentally friendly parachute system ensures the safety of rocket components.
• Applications beyond Space Exploration: It can be applied to areas such as agriculture, environmental monitoring and disaster management apart from space exploration.

ISRO's 'RLV (Reusable Launch Vehicle) project'

This is an ambitious project of ISRO, which aims to make space travel more affordable as well as establish India as a world leader in the field of space technology.   

Phases of the RLV Project:

• RLV-TD: In this phase, the hypersonic aerodynamic characteristics of the RLV were evaluated.
• RLV-LEX: In this phase, flight tests of RLV were conducted.
• RLV- Technology Demonstrator: In this phase, various technologies of RLV were demonstrated.

Importance of RLV project:

• Cost reduction: Currently, rockets are disposed of after one use, making space missions quite expensive. The vehicle being developed under the RLV project will be able to be used multiple times, which will significantly reduce the cost of space missions.
• India's access to space: With the success of the RLV project, India can reach space more frequently and more affordably.
• Development of new technologies: Through this project, India is developing several new space technologies, such as hypersonic flight, autonomous navigation, and thermal protection.