Reusable Launch Vehicle, RHUMI-1

• 05 Sep 2024

Source: TH

Why in News?

India recently launched its first reusable hybrid rocket, RHUMI-1, developed by the Tamil Nadu-based start-up Space Zone India, to collect data for research purposes on global warming and climate change.

• The rocket, carrying 3 Cube Satellites and 50 PICO Satellites, was launched into a suborbital trajectory using a mobile launcher.

Note:

• Cube satellites are nano satellites that weigh between 1 to 10 kg.
• Pico satellites are smaller satellites, with weights ranging from 0.1 to 1 kg.

What are the Key Features of RHUMI-1?

• Hybrid Propulsion System: The RHUMI-1 integrates both solid and liquid propellants, enhancing efficiency and lowering operational costs.
• Adjustable Launch Angle: The engine allows for precise trajectory control with adjustable angles ranging from 0 to 120 degrees.
• Electrically Triggered Parachute System: It has advanced and eco-friendly descent mechanism that ensures safe recovery of rocket components, offering both cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits.
• Environmentally Friendly: It is entirely free of pyrotechnics (fireworks) and TNT (Trinitrotoluene), an odourless yellow solid used in explosives, highlighting its commitment to sustainability.

Note:

• Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam Students Satellite Launch Mission: In 2023, this mission involved over 2,500 students from government, tribal, and public schools across India who contributed to designing and constructing a student satellite launch vehicle capable of carrying a payload of 150 Pico Satellites research experiment cubes.

What are Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs)?

• About:
  • Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs) are spacecraft designed to be launched, recovered, and launched again multiple times.
• Advantages:
  • Cost Savings: Up to 65% cheaper than building a new rocket for every launch.
  • Reduce Space Debris: By minimising discarded rocket components.
  • Increased Launch Frequency: Lesser turnaround time enables the rocket to be used more frequently.
• Different from Multi-Stage Rocket:
  • In a typical multi-stage rocket, the first stage is discarded after its fuel is exhausted to reduce weight, allowing the remaining stages to continue propelling the payload into orbit.
  • However, RLVs recover and reuse the first stage. After separating from the upper stages, the first stage descends back to Earth using engines or parachutes for a controlled landing.

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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q. With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (2018)

1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors, and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 3 only

Ans: (a)