REUSABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE–TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMME

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Context

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is aiming to carry out a landing experiment (LEX).
LEX is a critical component of the Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstration (RLV-TD) programme.

About

Reusable Launch Vehicle–Technology Demonstration Programme is a series of technology demonstration missions that has been conceived by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
It is s a first step towards realizing a Two Stage To Orbit (TSTO) re-usable launch vehicle.

A two-stage-to-orbit (TSTO) or two-stage rocket launch vehicle is a spacecraft in which two distinct stages provide propulsion consecutively in order to achieve orbital velocity. It is intermediate between a three-stage-to-orbit launcher and a hypothetical single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) launcher.

For this purpose, a winged reusable launch vehicle technology demonstrator (RLV-TD) has been configured.
The RLV-TD acted as a flying test bed to evaluate various technologies like powered cruise flight, hypersonic flight, and autonomous landing using air-breathing propulsion.

The experiment

RLV-LEX involves taking an unmanned, winged prototype to an altitude of about 2.3 km to 2.4 km on a helicopter and releasing it to land at a airstrip at Chitradurga, Karnataka.
The prototype will be released 3.7 km away from the airstrip.
It must travel the distance autonomously, gain velocity, maintain control and come in like any typical aircraft, touching down with the rear wheels first. A parachute will then be deployed for braking.
LEX will be repeated a number of times in the months ahead for testing various parameters.

Significance-Cost-effective

A major hurdle in space exploration is the prohibitive cost, which can be slashed if the launch vehicle is a reusable one. This means the vehicle will return to earth intact after a mission.
The RLV-TD programme comprises a series of experimental missions aimed at making India's dream of owning a reusable, two-stage-to-orbit (TSTO) vehicle, come true.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/isro-to-conduct-rlv-landing-experiment-soon/article65344990.ece