ISRO Achieves Major Milestone with Third Successful RLV Technology Test

The final test in this series, LEX-03, took place early in the morning at 07:10 IST at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka. Following the earlier successes of the RLV LEX-01 and LEX-02 missions, RLV LEX-03 demonstrated the autonomous landing capability of the RLV under even tougher conditions. The winged vehicle, named 'Pushpak,' was released from an Indian Air Force Chinook Helicopter at an altitude of 4.5 km.

Pushpak successfully navigated challenging cross-range correction manoeuvres and landed precisely on the runway center line, showcasing ISRO's expertise in managing high-speed landings for vehicles returning from space. This mission was crucial as it validated an advanced guidance algorithm needed for future orbital re-entry missions. 

Pushpak managed a high landing velocity of over 320 kmph. After touchdown, its speed was reduced using a brake parachute and landing gear brakes, with the rudder and nose wheel steering system maintaining stability during the ground roll phase. Importantly, this mission also confirmed the reliability of a multisensor fusion system, which includes inertial sensors, radar altimeter, a flush air data system, pseudolite system, and NavIC. 

Remarkably, the winged body and flight systems from the LEX-02 mission were reused without any modifications, proving the robustness of ISRO's reusable flight systems. 

 The success of the LEX-03 mission was a collaborative effort involving multiple ISRO centers, including VSSC, SAC, ISTRAC, and SDSC-SHAR. Significant support also came from the Indian Air Force, Aeronautical Development Establishment, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Regional Centre for Military Airworthiness, National Aerospace Laboratories, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Indian aerospace industrial partners, Indian Oil Corporation, and the Airport Authority of India.