An Overview of Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator

After the successful operationalization of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and Geo Synchronous Launch Vehicle, the Indian Space Research Organisation is in the process of developing Reusable Launch Vehicle technologies to achieve low-cost access to space. Towards this programme, a winged body configuration was conceived, which can fly at subsonic, supersonic and hypersonic Mach number regime, re-enter into the earth’s atmosphere and simulate the landing manoeuvre. The aerodynamic design, analysis and wind-tunnel testing, aerothermal and structural design, analysis and testing were carried out. Suitable solid motor with slow burn rate propellant was developed. Mission design, guidance and control schemes were implemented. In order to meet the above objectives, certain technologies and infrastructure were developed. The entire subsystems were integrated and a large number of flight measurements were made in the maiden successful flight of Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator in May 2016. The flight measurements and flight performance indicated that the design philosophy, testing schemes and approaches followed are in order, thus providing confidence to proceed to the next logical step in the development of Reusable Launch Vehicle Technologies.