Pushpak viman is launched!With Swadeshi Space Shuttle, ISRO takes bold step into reusable rockets

ISRO has achieved a major milestone with the successful launch and landing of Pushpak viman, an SUV-sized winged rocket popularly known as ‘Swadeshi Space Shuttle’. The test was conducted in Karnataka and Pushpak Viman landed on the runway with precision after being released from the Air Force helicopter. This achievement marks a major step forward in India’s efforts to enter the field of reusable rockets and a welcome progress in the country’s space exploration efforts.

ISRO chief S Somanath expressed satisfaction with the results, calling them “excellent and precise”, once again demonstrating the agency’s technical expertise and proficiency. The mission was designed to simulate the approach and high-speed landing conditions of a reusable launch vehicle (RLV) returning from space, and Pushpak demonstrated its capabilities with stunning accuracy.

ISRO’s autonomous landing capability

Pushpak Viman was able to successfully land even after being released from an abnormal position, demonstrating its autonomous landing capabilities. The rocket was lifted off by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter and autonomously navigated to the runway, making necessary lateral corrections before landing. Precision landing is achieved by a combination of braking parachutes, landing gear brakes and nose wheel steering.

The successful experiment marked Pushpak’s third flight and demonstrated its robotic landing capabilities in complex scenarios. While operational deployment could take years, Pushpak represents India’s bold attempt to make space access more affordable and sustainable. ISRO aims to make the upper stages of launch vehicles reusable, thereby reducing costs and minimizing space debris. Potential applications for Pushpak include refueling satellites in orbit and recovering satellites for refurbishment.

government investment

Named after the mythical ‘Pushpak Viman’ from Ramayana, the project was started a decade ago by a dedicated team of engineers and scientists. The 6.5-meter-long, airplane-like vehicle weighs 1.75 tons and is equipped with small thrusters to enable precise navigation during descent.Government investment exceeds $100 crore underlines the importance of the project in India’s space undertaking.

Pushpak Viman’s success adds a new chapter to ISRO’s legacy, making India a key player in the global space sector.