Why Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle is in the news? -UPSC Current Affairs 2024

The ‘Pushpak’ Reusable Landing Vehicle is making headlines because the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the second experiment, named RLV LEX 02. This experiment demonstrates the vehicle’s ability to autonomously land even under challenging conditions after being released from a Chinook helicopter. This development is a major topic to cover under UPSC Current Affairs 2024.

What is Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle?

The Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle is a spacecraft developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for experimental purposes. It is designed to autonomously land on a runway after being released from a carrier vehicle, demonstrating India’s capability in developing reusable space technologies for future missions.

Features

Here are a few key features of the Pushpak landing vehicle:

1. Winged Design

Pushpak looks like a small airplane with double delta wings and twin vertical tails. This design allows it to generate lift during re-entry and glide towards a runway landing, similar to a traditional aircraft.

2. Autonomous Landing

Pushpak is equipped with advanced navigation and control systems that enable it to perform precision landings without human intervention. This is crucial for a reusable launch vehicle as it needs to handle the high speeds and challenges of returning from space.

3. Reusable Body

Pushpak is designed to be a single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle. This means the entire vehicle, including the engine and heat shield, is reusable, significantly reducing launch costs compared to traditional expendable rockets.

4. Compact Size

The Pushpak currently under testing is a technology demonstrator with a length of about 6.5 meters and a weight of 1.75 tons. This size allows for easier transport and testing but future versions are expected to be larger for operational purposes.

Applications

The Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle has various potential applications, including:-

1. Satellite deployment: It can be used to deploy satellites into orbit and return to Earth for reuse, reducing the cost of satellite launches.
2. Cargo delivery: Pushpak could transport cargo to and from space stations or other orbital platforms.
3. Space tourism: It might facilitate space tourism by providing safe transportation to and from space for passengers.
4. Scientific missions: Pushpak could support scientific missions by enabling the retrieval of experiments or samples from space.
5. Lunar and planetary exploration: It may aid in the exploration of the Moon and other planets by providing a means of landing and returning from these celestial bodies.

What are Reusable Landing Vehicles? – Reusable Landing Vehicle UPSC

Definition

Reusable Landing Vehicles (RLVs) are spacecraft designed to return safely to Earth after completing their mission in space. These vehicles are built to withstand the stresses of re-entry and landing, allowing them to be reused multiple times.

Characteristics

1. Reusability: RLVs can be used for multiple missions, reducing the need for building new spacecraft for each launch.
2. Advanced Heat Shielding: They incorporate advanced heat shielding materials to withstand the high temperatures experienced during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
3. Landing Gear: RLVs are equipped with landing gear systems to facilitate safe touchdown on Earth’s surface.
4. Propulsion Systems: They feature propulsion systems for controlled descent and landing.
5. Autonomy: RLVs are designed to autonomously execute landing maneuvers without human intervention.

Features

1. Robust Construction: RLVs are built with durable materials to withstand the stresses of space travel and re-entry.
2. Aerodynamic Design: They are streamlined to minimize air resistance during re-entry, enhancing their stability and control.
3. Thermal Protection Systems: RLVs incorporate advanced heat shield technologies to protect against the extreme heat of atmospheric re-entry.
4. Precision Landing Systems: They employ precise navigation and landing systems for accurate touchdown on designated landing sites.
5. Modular Design: RLVs may feature modular components for ease of maintenance and upgrades between missions.

Functions

1. Launch and Deployment: RLVs can transport payloads such as satellites, cargo, or crew into space.
2. Orbital Operations: They may perform tasks such as satellite servicing, maintenance, or repair while in orbit.
3. Re-entry and Landing: RLVs execute controlled re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere and land safely on designated runways or landing sites.
4. Cargo Retrieval: RLVs can retrieve cargo, experiments, or samples from space and return them to Earth.
5. Human Spaceflight: Some RLVs are designed to transport astronauts to and from space stations or other orbital platforms.

Specialties

1. Reusability: RLVs offer significant cost savings by enabling multiple missions with a single vehicle.
2. Sustainability: Their reusable nature reduces the environmental impact of space missions by minimizing space debris.
3. Accessibility: RLVs make space exploration more accessible by lowering the barrier to entry for commercial and scientific missions.
4. Rapid Turnaround: The ability to quickly refurbish and relaunch RLVs allows for more frequent and efficient space operations.
5. Innovation: RLV development drives advancements in aerospace technologies, benefiting various industries and scientific research.

Benefits

1. Cost Savings: RLVs reduce the overall cost of space missions by eliminating the need for building new spacecraft for each launch.
2. Increased Accessibility: Their reusable nature makes space exploration more accessible to commercial entities, research institutions, and governments.
3. Sustainability: RLVs contribute to the reduction of space debris and promote sustainable space exploration practices.
4. Efficiency: The ability to rapidly refurbish and relaunch RLVs enables more frequent and efficient space operations.
5. Technological Advancement: RLV development drives innovation in aerospace technologies, benefiting various industries and scientific research.

Scope

1. Commercial Space Industry: RLVs open up opportunities for commercial space transportation, satellite deployment, and space tourism.
2. Scientific Research: They facilitate scientific missions by providing cost-effective access to space for experiments, observations, and data collection.
3. Government Missions: RLVs support government agencies in conducting space exploration, satellite deployment, and national security missions.
4. Space Tourism: RLVs offer the potential for space tourism, allowing private individuals to experience space travel.
5. International Collaboration: RLV technology can be leveraged for international space missions, collaborations, and partnerships.

Cost

Initial development costs for RLVs can be significant. The cost of a reusable launch vehicle (RLV) varies from $200 to $2,000 per kilogram, significantly lower than the cost of an expendable launch vehicle, which can range from $15,000 to $20,000 per kilogram.

Applications

1. Satellite Deployment: RLVs transport satellites into orbit for communication, navigation, Earth observation, and scientific purposes.
2. Cargo Delivery: They deliver cargo, supplies, and equipment to space stations or other orbital platforms.
3. Crew Transportation: RLVs transport astronauts to and from space stations, enabling human spaceflight missions.
4. Scientific Exploration: They support scientific missions by providing access to space for experiments, observations, and data collection.
5. Space Tourism: RLVs offer the potential for commercial space tourism, allowing private individuals to experience space travel.

FAQs – UPSC Questions on Reusable Landing Vehicles – Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle UPSC Questions

Questions-1: What is the Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle?

Answer. The Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle is a spacecraft developed by ISRO for experimental purposes, designed to autonomously land on Earth after completing its mission in space.

Questions-2: How does the Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle relate to UPSC?

Answer. Understanding the Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle and its technological advancements can be relevant for aspirants preparing for the UPSC examination, especially in the field of science and technology.

Questions-3: Where can I find complete details about the Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle?

Answer. You can find comprehensive information about the Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle in official documents released by ISRO or reputable space exploration sources.

Questions-4: What are the features of the Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle?

Answer. The Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle is equipped with advanced heat shielding, precise landing gear, autonomous navigation systems, and robust construction materials.

Questions-5: What are the applications of the Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle?

Answer. The Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle can be used for satellite deployment, cargo delivery, space tourism, scientific missions, and exploration of celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars.

Questions-6: What are Reusable Landing Vehicles in general?

Answer. Reusable Landing Vehicles are spacecraft designed to return safely to Earth after completing their missions in space, offering advantages in cost-effectiveness and sustainability compared to expendable launch vehicles.

Questions-7: What are the functions of Reusable Landing Vehicles?

Answer. Reusable Landing Vehicles launch payloads into space, perform orbital operations, execute controlled re-entry and landing, retrieve cargo or samples from space, and support human spaceflight missions.

Questions-8: What is the scope of Reusable Landing Vehicles?

Answer. Reusable Landing Vehicles have a wide scope, including commercial space industry applications, scientific research missions, government missions, space tourism, and international collaborations.

Questions-9: What are the benefits of Reusable Landing Vehicles?

Answer. Benefits of Reusable Landing Vehicles include cost savings, increased accessibility to space, sustainability, efficiency in space operations, and technological advancement.

Questions-10: How much do Reusable Landing Vehicles cost?

Answer. The cost of Reusable Landing Vehicles varies depending on factors like development, maintenance, and operational expenses, but generally ranges from $200 to $2,000 per kilogram, significantly lower than expendable launch vehicles.