IAF Eyes ISRO's RLV for Testing Cutting-Edge Space Tech

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made remarkable strides towards developing a cost-effective and reusable space transportation system. The successful autonomous landing of its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) technology demonstrator, named "LEX," is a significant leap forward in this endeavor.

The RLV LEX is a winged space plane designed for vertical takeoff, orbital missions, satellite deployment, and autonomous runway landings upon return to Earth.

This reusability sets it apart from traditional expendable rockets, offering the potential to drastically reduce launch costs. The recent ISRO mission validated the vehicle's ability to navigate and land autonomously, proving its capability to operate under demanding conditions.

ISRO's ambitions don't stop at landing tests. Next, they plan to develop a Reusable Launch Vehicle – Orbital Re-entry Vehicle (ORV). This evolved version will use a launch vehicle based on existing GSLV and PSLV stages to reach orbit. After spending a designated period in orbit, the ORV will execute a controlled return and autonomous runway landing.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has expressed keen interest in the RLV program, envisioning its potential as the Indian Air and Space Force (IASF) evolves. The IAF views the space plane as an ideal platform for testing cutting-edge sensors and satellite technologies directly in the challenging environment of space. This collaboration between the IAF and ISRO could lead to substantial advancements in India's military space capabilities.

While the IAF's interest adds a strategic dimension, ISRO's primary driver behind the RLV is straightforward: to drastically decrease the cost of accessing space.

A reusable launch vehicle system promises low-cost, reliable, and on-demand access to space. This will allow for more frequent space missions and open up a wider range of space exploration possibilities.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

Tyres were borrowed from an autorickshaw for testing purposes.

 

[Amit]

Good if IAF thinks beyond normal technologies...IAF needs to be proactive and techie for next generation wars

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

I think the tech for autonomous landing even when dropped from any altitude is excellent for IAF. It can be used in any drone or loyal wingman program.

 

[Sandeep]

Bharat is making a lot of progress in designing and developing our own indigenous equipment and technology that is made in India as well. We have to develop this technology and capabilities as nobody else is going to give it to us.

 

[పవన్కుమార్]

IAF and DRDO request ISRO to Use RLV LEX Ability to " autonomously navigate and land under challenging conditions " to incorporate into AMCA fighter jet and SWIFT . To make a unique ability into AMCA using AI Coading.

 

[Varaaah]

The rocket for launching it is the biggest cost factor. This system does need the rocket any how. So what is the real gain when you have to build a rocket each time?

 

[skyin]

Tyres were borrowed from an autorickshaw for testing purposes.

Looks you were the owner of the autorickshaw 😛

 

[skyin]

The rocket for launching it is the biggest cost factor. This system does need the rocket any how. So what is the real gain when you have to build a rocket each time?

Technology like autonomous landing is the real gain here and it can be used for any purpose including defence. Also yes it does require atleast first stage booster from existing SLV's to shoot it up.

 

[ryan]

ISRO just reinventing the 80's era space shuttle technology & calling it a "breakthrough"

 

[Tomar]

ISRO just reinventing the 80's era space shuttle technology & calling it a "breakthrough"

US space shutle was developed in the '80s and used till 2011,we hear ! why did they discontinue it ?

 

[Pink Panther]

I think the tech for autonomous landing even when dropped from any altitude is excellent for IAF. It can be used in any drone or loyal wingman program.

There are many uses, we could make a bigger plane like a bomber, take it to space to launch MIRV capable missiles without being hit by any missile defense system, use these planes as temp satellites with SAR for monitoring and Navigation during wars,