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The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
is designing a Reusable Launch Vehicle
(RLV) to place satellites in orbit,
reenter earth’s atmosphere, and use
parachutes to land as an airplane.
This development will substantially
reduce cost of satellite launch,
increase launch margins, and will make
India a more attractive destination
for the lucrative satellite launch
business.
According to the annual report of ISRO,
“conceptual design of auxiliary
power systems” for RLV and
“initiation of studies for the
development of 2000 kN thrust
semi-cryogenic engine” has started.
Simultaneously, aerodynamic and
baseline characterization, reference
trajectory for the mission, avionics
configuration, structural design and
fabrication process studies have also
been completed.
However, a host of other
technologies will have to be
developed. Specifically, metallurgical
studies will get a major fillip, as
the RLV must withstand reentry
friction and speeds. Such technologies
may also facilitate multiple spin-off
technologies that can then be
harnessed by the corporate world to
increase their global competitiveness.
This is the probably the first time
that India has embarked on a visionary
project way ahead of its competitors
and developed world. |
