While the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark 3 to launch four-ton satellites as well as the medium lift Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to launch smaller payloads, rivals are constantly raising the bar on their launch capabilities.
Source: ISRO
For a long time, ISRO has focused on developing its RLV technology with a goal of developing an aerodynamic vehicle that generates lift as it moves ahead. The plan is to exploit the craft’s form to produce lift during descent while the delta wing provides stability during landing. This lessens the requirement for a substantial heat shield and results in a lighter, more efficient vehicle.
ISRO in May 2016 utilising an expendable rocket. The RLV-TD survived atmospheric re-entry after disengaging from the rocket, gliding back to Earth to touch down on a fictitious runway in the Bay of Bengal, where it was collected.
The RLV-ORE (Orbital Re-Entry Experiment), in which the RLV remains in orbit for a while before re-entering the atmosphere and landing autonomously, would be the spacecraft’s next test now that the RLV-LEX has confirmed its auto landing performance. The RLV test bed might then be built up to construct the first stage of a reusable Two-Stage To Orbit (TSTO) launcher once that has been accomplished.
However, ISRO needs to perform a lot of research to address the engineering issues before the final version of the TSTO RLV gets off the drawing board. Scientists must develop materials that can survive temperatures of up to 1,600 degrees Celsius for the thermal protection system, for example, which must withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures encountered during re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.
Source: World Affairs
Creating a scramjet engine and air-breathing propulsion systems to safely launch the RLV to the edge of space and return it to Earth is another formidable hurdle. This will enable hypersonic flight and boost the payload capability.
The RLV’s prospective uses enable ISRO to dream large and anticipate exciting new chapters in space exploration like space tourism, space mining, and interplanetary missions by making space more accessible and inexpensive.
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