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#20 by catdlr on 22 Mar, 2024 08:13
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https://twitter.com/ISROSpaceflight/status/1771092790820082028Quote
RLV LEX-02 Mission Accomplished! 🎯
Today at 7:10 am, an IAF Chinook dropped #Pushpak from an altitude of 4.5 km & 4 km dist. from runway.
Pushpak autonomously made turns to align itself as it glided down & successfully touched down on the runway! #ISRO -
#21 by ethan829 on 22 Mar, 2024 10:24
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#22 by FutureSpaceTourist on 22 Mar, 2024 15:11
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#23 by sanman on 22 Mar, 2024 17:01
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#24 by catdlr on 22 Mar, 2024 19:31
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Just some added video not in the cut post above
https://twitter.com/ISROSpaceflight/status/1771138156785770687QuoteFull video of RLV-TD aka #Pushpak LEX-02 from airlift to drop from an IAF Chinook helicopter followed by landing! 🚁 #ISRO
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#25 by sanman on 24 Mar, 2024 04:09
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#26 by sanman on 10 Jun, 2024 03:48
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LEX-03 flight coming up, according to this NOTAM:Quote
A1649/24 - GPS RADIO SONDE BALLOON ASCENTS WILL TAKE PLACE FM
AERONAUTICAL TEST RANGE, VARAVINA KAVAL, CHITRADURGA,
AS PER THE FLW DETAILS.
LAUNCH SITE: AERONAUTICAL TEST RANGE, VARAVINA KAVAL,
CHITRADURGA, 142313N 0763337E.
BALLOON COLOUR: WHITE.
WT: 600 GRAMS.
BALLOON DIAMETER AFTER HELIUM GAS FILLING: 2M.
PAYLOAD WT: 125 GRAMS.
THREAD LEN: 15M.
BALLOON HGT: UP TO 30 KM.
BALLOON ASCENT RATE: 5MPS OR 18 KMH.
BALLOON ASCENT DUR: 01HR 20MIN.
BALLOON DESCENT RATE: 15 TO 20MPS.
BALLOON TRANSMITTING FREQ: 400MHZ TO 406MHZ.
BALLOON LAUNCH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 2330 0100 AND 0230.
LAST BALLOON TOUCHDOWN BEFORE 0430. GND - UNL, BTN 2330-0430, 28 MAY 23:30 2024
UNTIL 14 JUN 04:30 2024. CREATED: 28 MAY 11:05 2024
This 3rd and final landing experiment should happen in the next 4 days -
#27 by sanman on 10 Jun, 2024 03:53
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https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-all-set-for-third-reusable-launch-vehicle-landing-experiment/article68266926.eceQuote
ISRO All Set for Third Reusable Launch Vehicle Landing Experiment
...
RLV-LEX missions involve taking an unmanned winged prototype, christened Pushpak, to a designated height and releasing it to land safely under varying conditions. In LEX-03, Pushpak will be carried to a height of 4.5 km and 500 metres to one side of the runway using an IAF Chinook helicopter and released. In LEX-02, the second mission, the altitude was the same but the lateral distance from the runway was 150 metres.
“It has to autonomously approach the runway, manoeuvre by making crossrange, downrange and altitude corrections to touch down on the runway,” he said. The LEX-03 mission will look at how the sink rate, or the rate of descent, can be cut down to reduce the impact load. It will also have on board a real-time kinematics (RTK) package. Yet another challenge before the upcoming mission is handling tailwind conditions.
...
In the next stage of tests under the RLV-TD, the ISRO will use an unmanned Orbital Re-entry Vehicle (ORV). The vehicle used will be 1.6 times the size of ‘Pushpak’‘ used for LEX. It will be placed in a 400 km orbit around earth using a modified Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). This mission is expected in two years time. “Various experiments will be carried out in orbit. It will have, among other things, a thermal protection system for safe re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere and a retractable landing gear. The ISRO has started work on the ORV,” Dr. Unnikrishnan Nair said.
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#28 by FutureSpaceTourist on 14 Jun, 2024 06:41
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https://twitter.com/chethan_dash/status/1801489495830773987Quote
#Update #space
Weather permitting, @isro will attempt the #RLV 3rd landing experiment (#RLVLEX3) as early as next week. And, “issues” with the chopper are delaying #IADT (integrated air-drop test) part of #Gaganyaan. RLV test in Challakere, Karnataka, IADT in Sriharikota. 1/n
Isro, which had completed #RLVLEX02 on March 22, is gearing up for LEX3, which will build upon LEX-02 aimed at improving the vehicle’s performance, guidance, and landing capabilities. 2/n
“We are waiting. The helicopter is there but weather is bad. It is expected to improve by 14th & if that happens we can conduct the experiment next week. This'll be the last landing experiment. Next, we’ll attempt orbital re-entry,” VSSC director S Unnikrishnan Nair told me. 3/n
Compared to the previous LEX, Nair said, #RLVLEX3 will be more challenging as the “intentional cross-range error of around 500m will be tested, compared to around 150m during LEX2. 4/n
“The velocity azimuth with respect to the runway centre has been adjusted to 2°, deviating from the previous mission's 0° alignment,” he said. 5/n
The mission will have another advancement: Implementation of advanced guidance algorithm that can simultaneously correct errors in both longitudinal & lateral planes. This decoupled algorithm, improvement over LEX02’s approach, will be utilised to enhance precision & control. 6/n
Also, to ensure a softer landing and reduce touchdown loads, the main landing gear (MLG) sink rate has been reduced to less than 1m/second, compared to the 1.5m/second limit during LEX2. 7/n
Additionally, a smoke marker system has been introduced to trace the descent trajectory, providing visual data for analysis and future improvements. Isro will also evaluate the performance of its real-time kinematics (RTK) system in a high-speed environment. 8/n
This system is crucial for future landing missions, as it can enhance the robustness of the hybrid navigation system, ensuring accurate and reliable guidance. 9/n
On the other hand, #IADT of a simulated crew module to validate the parachute system for #Gaganyaan, has been put on hold as need to revisit “some aspects” of the helicopter (Chinook) selected to carry out the test, arose. 10/n
During the test, crew module, weighing around 3tonne, will be dropped from the Chinook at an altitude of 3km, & a sequence of parachute deployments will occur before splashdown & recovery. Proposed IADT is part of several such tests to be part of Gaganyaan’s preparations. 11/n
I had reported in May that pre-mission trials had begun for this. “...During the pre-mission trials for the first IADT in Sriharikota, it was noticed that the helicopter may have ‘some issues’ that needed to be addressed. That is progressing now,” a source said. 12/n
IAF, whose helicopter Isro is using for the mission, is conducting an investigation “to understand what needs to be done”, the source said, adding that Isro was waiting for IAF to get back with its findings before moving ahead. 13/n
Isro plans to conduct 7 IADTs as per initial plans, with final number depending on test results. Alongside these, it's preparing for at least 1 uncrewed mission & the second test vehicle mission to test various abort conditions as part of #Gaganyaan this year. n/n
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#29 by FutureSpaceTourist on 23 Jun, 2024 05:21
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https://twitter.com/isro/status/1804695916617863425Quote
Hat-trick for ISRO in RLV LEX! 🚀
🇮🇳ISRO achieved its third and final consecutive success in the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Landing EXperiment (LEX) on June 23, 2024.
"Pushpak" executed a precise horizontal landing, showcasing advanced autonomous capabilities under challenging conditions.
With the objectives of RLV LEX accomplished, ISRO embarks into RLV-ORV, the orbital reusable vehicle.
@IAF_MCC @DRDO_India @CSIRNALOFFICIAL
@IITKanpur @IndianOilcl @AAI_OfficialQuoteRLV-LEX3 images
https://twitter.com/isro/status/1804709607576834363QuoteRLV-LEX3 Video
QuoteJune 23, 2024
ISRO completes its RLV technology demonstrations through LEX trio
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has proudly achieved a third consecutive success in the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Landing EXperiment (LEX) on June 23, 2024. The third and final test in the series of LEX (03) was conducted at 07:10 IST at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka.
Following the success of the RV LEX-01 and LEX-02 missions, RLV LEX-03 re-demonstrated the autonomous landing capability of the RV under more challenging release conditions (cross range of 500 m against 150 m for LEX-02) and more severe wind conditions. The winged vehicle, named 'Pushpak', was released from an Indian Air Force Chinook Helicopter at an altitude of 4.5 km. From a release point 4.5 km away from the runway, Pushpak autonomously executed cross-range correction manoeuvres, approached the runway and performed a precise horizontal landing at the runway centreline. Due to this vehicle's low lift-to-drag ratio aerodynamic configuration, the landing velocity exceeded 320 kmph, compared to 260 kmph for a commercial aircraft and 280 kmph for a typical fighter aircraft. After touchdown, the vehicle velocity was reduced to nearly 100 kmph using its brake parachute, after which the landing gear brakes were employed for deceleration and stop on the runway. During this ground roll phase, Pushpak utilises its rudder and nose wheel steering system to autonomously maintain a stable and precise ground roll along the runway.
This mission simulated the approach and landing interface and high-speed landing conditions for a vehicle returning from space, reaffirming ISRO's expertise in acquiring the most critical technologies required for the development of a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV). Through this mission, the advanced guidance algorithm catering to longitudinal and lateral plane error corrections, which is essential for the future Orbital Re-entry Mission has been validated. The RLV-LEX uses multisensor fusion including sensors like Inertial sensor, Radar altimeter, Flush air data system, Pseudolite system and NavIC. Notably, the RLV-LEX-03 mission reused the winged body and flight systems as such without any modification, from the LEX-02 mission, demonstrating the robustness of ISRO's capability of design to reuse flight systems for multiple missions.
This mission simulates the approach & landing interface and high-speed landing conditions for a vehicle returning from space, which will reaffirm ISRO's expertise in acquiring the most critical technologies required for the development of a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV).
The mission, led by VSSC, was a collaborative effort involving multiple ISRO centres SAC, ISTRAC, SDSC-SHAR, with significant support from the Indian Air Force (IAF), Aeronautical Development
Certification (CEMILAC), National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Indian aerospace industrial partners, Indian Oil Corporation of India and Airport Authority of
Director of VSSC, emphasised that this consistent success boosts ISRO's confidence in the critical technologies essential for future orbital re-entry missions.
Shri. J Muthupandian is the Mission Director and Shri. B Karthik is the Vehicle Director for this successful mission.
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#30 by FutureSpaceTourist on 23 Jun, 2024 05:43
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https://twitter.com/chethan_dash/status/1804698007364858166Quote
#JUSTIN #Space #Update
@isro, which on March 22 did the 2nd landing experiment of reusable launch vehicle (#RLV) — “#RLVLEX02” — today conducted the 3rd & last landing test (#RLVLEX03), paving the way for an orbital re-entry test. 1/n
Pic: Isro (from lex2). New pics awaited
The test was conducted at 7.10am at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) at Challakere in Chitradurga district, some 220km from Bengaluru. 2/n
The RLV project is an important programme that will demonstrate one of the technologies needed to meet India’s ambitions of sustained human presence in space. 3/n
The RLV-LEX-03, built upon RLV-LEX-02, was aimed at improving the vehicle’s performance, guidance, and landing capabilities. I’d reported last week that, weather permitting, Isro would attempt to achieve this milestone in the development of RLV technology this week. 4/n
VSSC director S Unnikrishnan Nair had told me that compared to LEX02, LEX3 will be more challenging as the “intentional cross-range error of around 500m will be tested, compared to around 150m during LEX02. 5/n
On Sunday, Isro said: “LEX03 re-demonstrated the autonomous landing capability of the RLV under more challenging release conditions (cross range of 500m) & more severe wind conditions. RLV, named 'Pushpak, was released from an IAF Chinook helicopter at an altitude of 4.5km.” 6/n
From a release point, the vehicle autonomously executed cross-range correction manoeuvres, approached the runway and performed a precise horizontal landing at the runway centreline. 7/n
“Due to its low lift-to-drag ratio aerodynamic configuration, the landing velocity exceeded 320kmph, compared to 260kmph for a commercial aircraft and 280 kmph for a typical fighter aircraft.,” Isro said. 8/n
After touchdown, the vehicle velocity was reduced to nearly 100kmph using its brake parachute, after which the landing gear brakes were employed for deceleration and stop on the runway. 9/n
“During this ground roll phase, the vehicle utilised its rudder and nose wheel steering system to autonomously maintain a stable and precise ground roll along the runway, Isro said. 10/n
It added that the mission simulated the approach and landing interface and high-speed landing conditions for a vehicle returning from space,” Isro said. 11/n
The mission had another advancement: Implementation of an advanced guidance algorithm that can simultaneously correct errors in both the longitudinal and lateral planes — essential for the future orbital re-entry mission. 12/n
This decoupled algorithm, an improvement over LEX-02’s approach, will be utilised to enhance the reusable launch vehicle’s precision and control. 13/n
“The RLV-LEX uses multisensor fusion including sensors like inertial sensor, radar altimeter, flush air data system, pseudolite system and NaviC… 14/n
…Notably, the mission reused the winged body and flight systems as such without any modification, from the LEX-02 mission, demonstrating the robustness of Isro’s capability of design to reuse flight systems for multiple missions,” Isro said. 15/n
This mission simulated the approach & landing interface and high-speed landing conditions for a vehicle returning from space, which will reaffirm Isro’s expertise in acquiring the most critical technologies required for the development of an RLV. n/n
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#31 by FutureSpaceTourist on 23 Jun, 2024 06:07
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#32 by FutureSpaceTourist on 26 Jun, 2024 13:35
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https://twitter.com/chethan_dash/status/1805918663226048520Quote
#Space #Update
With 3rd & final landing experiment having been completed on June 23, #RLV will go through several modifications to qualify for the planned Orbital Re-entry Test/Flight. 1/n
Read on for details. Also Watch: shorturl.at/2Fgjr
The orbital re-entry demonstration will involve vertical launching of #RLV into space and bringing it back safely to land on a runway. Isro may need to carry out multiple orbital re-entry tests and RLV will be 6 times the size of the #RLVTD. 2/n
The GSLV that will carry the scaled-up RLV, expected to weigh around 3.5 tonne to 4 tonne, to space will forego its cryogenic upper stage (CUS), which will be replaced by a rejigged version of the PS4 — the last stage of #PSLV. 3/n
S Unnikrishnan Nair, director, VSSC told me: “Although overall size will increase, increase in mass won’t increase six times. Therefore, given the weight of the vehicle, we wouldn’t need the energy the GSLV can produce with the cryo stage, that’s why we are using the PS4.” 4/n
The scaled-up RLV would also have enhanced thermal protection, which is crucial to prevent burning up of the vehicle during the re-entry phase. “Take off and landing are very critical for any aircraft… 5/n
…For us, take off will be vertical. For landing to be smooth, we’ll have to work on various systems that enable re-entry, approaching runway, touching correct place & aligning with centre line, deployment of parachutes etc. Software will have to be written too,” Nair said. 6/n
During re-entry, the belly of the vehicle needs to be shown to increase the drag and reduce the speed — that is, energy manoeuvring from orbit to touchdown. 7/n
Aside from modifications of thermal protection systems, enhanced software and NGC (navigation, guidance and control) and other sub-systems, the vehicle will need a different landing gear. 8/n
For the prototype (RLV-TD), Isro had used a fixed landing gear supplied by Bengaluru-based Timetooth Technologies, which will have to be replaced by a deployable one. 9/n
And, Timetooth, which has supplied around five fixed landing gear systems for the programme so far, is optimistic of bagging the new order as well. 10/n
The firm’s co-founder, Girish Mudgal, said: “We’re very optimistic. We’ve been working on a retractable version of the landing gear… 11/n
…We don’t know Isro’s exact plans for the orbital re-entry version, but we’ve built an extreme amount of trust and reputation for Isro to see us as a reliable partner for this programme.” 12/n
Other than Isro, Timetooth has supplied landing gears to DRDO as well. “...As far as we’re aware, we are India’s only company which has worked on the long endurance or large drones landing systems… 13/n
…We supplied our system for DRDO’s Rustom (now Tapas) drone, which had its maiden flight in 2016. And after that, there have been about over 200 flights,” Mudgal said. 14/n
Besides, Isro will also need to look for a larger runway to accommodate the landing of the orbital re-entry vehicle. And initially, it will have to rely on the Indian Air Force (IAF) to find a suitable runway. 15/n
“The landing site will have to be decided as it cannot happen in Chitradurga. We need a location that allows us to fly mostly over sea & requires minimal flying over land and populated areas. Flight over landmass must be minimal. We’ll have to discuss it with IAF,” Nair said. n/n