The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully landed a model of the reusable rocket RLV LEX-02. According to a report published by the organization, "ISRO tested the reusable rocket for the first time in April 2023. The other test was conducted on Friday, March 15, at 07:10 local time (04:10 Moscow time) at the air force testing ground near the city of Chitradurga in Karnataka."
The RLV LEX-02 model demonstrated the independent landing capabilities of the RLV under challenging conditions after being dropped from a helicopter, requiring the rocket to perform various maneuvers and adjust its flight distance and side deviations. This led to a successful landing.
The report indicated that the model, named Pushpak, was dropped from an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter flying at an altitude of 4.5 kilometers and a distance of 5 kilometers from the runway. The model landed on the runway using a brake parachute, a main braking system, and a descent system. The experiment simulated conditions similar to re-entry from space at high velocity.
It is noted that the body of a previous model was used, confirming the potential for the repeated use of such rocket models. India has been developing reusable systems for several years. In 2019, ISRO announced its intention to recover the first and second stages of the rocket after launch, which would help reduce the costs associated with launching rockets.
