India closer to developing its own space shuttle

[anant_s]

Isro's 1.5-tonne vehicle is undergoing final preparations and is expected to make its maiden flight towards the end of July or August. (Representative picture)

MUMBAI: India is on the cusp of developing its own reusable space launch vehicle, popularly known as a space shuttle. Isro's 1.5 tonne vehicle resembling an aircraft is provisionally slated to make its maiden flight towards the end of July or August from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Officially known as the reusable launch vehicle (RLV-TD), it is undergoing final preparations at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. Its primary role will be to reduce the cost of access to space. The cost of placing 1kg of object in space is about $5,000, which scientists are hoping will come down to about $500 with the RLV.

As of now, there are no plans to use it for a manned mission. Speaking to TOI, those connected with the nearly Rs 100-crore project said that the spacecraft will initially be carried by a single solid rocket booster with nine tonnes of propellants.

After lift off, it will zoom to an altitude of 70km and then execute a soft landing in the Bay of Bengal. The duration of this sub-orbital mission is expected to be around 900 seconds.

The most anticipated moment will be when the vehicle re-enters the Earth's atmosphere at five times the speed of sound. An Isro engineer told TOI: "To prevent the vehicle from getting damaged (due to heat), its nose has been protected by carbon-carbon and there are about 600 heat-resistant tiles placed around the vehicle. These tiles will be able to withstand a temperature to about 1,200 degrees Celsius."

The space-qualified tiles have been procured from Tamil Nadu.

Interestingly, after it splashes down, the vehicle will sink to the bottom of the sea and for now there are no plans to recover it.

"We have simulated different scenarios and we know what can happen. But, we have kept other options open. If there is a change of thinking at the last moment, we may seek the help of the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard to recover it," the engineer said.

Isro ultimately plans to develop technology to land the shuttle on a runway.

The mission, which will attract global interest, will evaluate technologies such as hypersonic flight, autonomous landing, powered cruise flight and hypersonic flight using air-breathing propulsion.

These technologies will be developed in phases through a series of experimental flights. The first in the series is the hypersonic flight experiment followed by the landing experiment, return flight experiment and scramjet propulsion experiment.

India closer to developing its own space shuttle - The Times of India

 

[anant_s]

Reusable Launch Vehicle - Technology Demonstration Program (RLV-TD)

The cost of access to space is the major deterrent in space exploration and space utilization. A reusable launch vehicle is the unanimous solution to achieve low cost, reliable and on-demand space access.

Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstration Program or RLV-TD is a series of technology demonstration missions that have been considered as a first step towards realizing a Two Stage To Orbit (TSTO) fully re-usable vehicle. A Winged Reusable Launch Vehicle technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) has been configured to act as a flying test bed to evaluate various technologies, namely, hypersonic flight, autonomous landing, powered cruise flight and hypersonic flight using air-breathing propulsion.

These technologies will be developed in phases through a series of experimental flights. The first in the series of experimental flights is the hypersonic flight experiment (HEX) followed by the landing experiment (LEX), return flight experiment (REX) and scramjet propulsion experiment (SPEX). Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator Hypersonic Experiment (RLV-TD HEX1) wherein the hypersonic aero-thermo dynamic characterization of winged re-entry body along with autonomous mission management to land at a specified location and characterization of hot structures are planned to be demonstrated.
Reusable Launch Vehicle - Technology Demonstration Program (RLV-TD) - ISRO

 

[Guynextdoor2]

this is a test run which won't test automated landing.

 

[anant_s]

this is a test run which won't test automated landing.

They are starting to test the flight profile, materials, controls etc. Once these technologies mature, automated landing can be incorporated. It one milestone in long journey for a manned space flight program.

 

[topgun047]

Aren't reusable shuttles riskier than rockets though?
This was the official reason for closure of US shuttle profram.

 

[The Great One (Mod ver)]

Aren't reusable shuttles riskier than rockets though?
This was the official reason for closure of US shuttle profram.

US shuttles had a limited useful life. Each shuttle could be launched 100 times. When it finished, they were retired. Also they are mind-boggingly expensive. If safety were the issue, they would have retired after Columbia or Challenger.

 

[Optimos Prime IA]

Good development . If possible in future these ships should be armed with missiles with thrust vector for Anti Satellite missions ?

Why not ?

 

[Moon]

Good development . If possible in future these ships should be armed with missiles with thrust vector for Anti Satellite missions ?

Why not ?

Calm down Hitler, having weaponry is space by any nation is not allowed, it's against the international law... The PAROS.
Preventing an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS):

The overwhelming majority of UN member states are concerned that the weaponization of outer space will lead to an arms race and insist that a multilateral treaty is the only way to prevent such an arms race, emphasizing that this treaty would not limit space access, but would prevent such limitations. In 2006, Russia argued that if all states observe a prohibition on space weaponization, there will be no arms race. Russia and China also support establishing an obligation of no use or threat of use of force against space objects and have submitted a draft treaty to the UN on preventing the placement of weapons in outer space.

However missiles launched from surface to destroy satellites are very much allowed.

 

[Kinetic]

Isro's 1.5-tonne vehicle is undergoing final preparations and is expected to make its maiden flight towards the end of July or August. (Representative picture)

MUMBAI: India is on the cusp of developing its own reusable space launch vehicle, popularly known as a space shuttle. Isro's 1.5 tonne vehicle resembling an aircraft is provisionally slated to make its maiden flight towards the end of July or August from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Officially known as the reusable launch vehicle (RLV-TD), it is undergoing final preparations at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. Its primary role will be to reduce the cost of access to space. The cost of placing 1kg of object in space is about $5,000, which scientists are hoping will come down to about $500 with the RLV.

As of now, there are no plans to use it for a manned mission. Speaking to TOI, those connected with the nearly Rs 100-crore project said that the spacecraft will initially be carried by a single solid rocket booster with nine tonnes of propellants.

After lift off, it will zoom to an altitude of 70km and then execute a soft landing in the Bay of Bengal. The duration of this sub-orbital mission is expected to be around 900 seconds.

The most anticipated moment will be when the vehicle re-enters the Earth's atmosphere at five times the speed of sound. An Isro engineer told TOI: "To prevent the vehicle from getting damaged (due to heat), its nose has been protected by carbon-carbon and there are about 600 heat-resistant tiles placed around the vehicle. These tiles will be able to withstand a temperature to about 1,200 degrees Celsius."

The space-qualified tiles have been procured from Tamil Nadu.

Interestingly, after it splashes down, the vehicle will sink to the bottom of the sea and for now there are no plans to recover it.

"We have simulated different scenarios and we know what can happen. But, we have kept other options open. If there is a change of thinking at the last moment, we may seek the help of the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard to recover it," the engineer said.

Isro ultimately plans to develop technology to land the shuttle on a runway.

The mission, which will attract global interest, will evaluate technologies such as hypersonic flight, autonomous landing, powered cruise flight and hypersonic flight using air-breathing propulsion.

These technologies will be developed in phases through a series of experimental flights. The first in the series is the hypersonic flight experiment followed by the landing experiment, return flight experiment and scramjet propulsion experiment.

India closer to developing its own space shuttle - The Times of India

Calm down Hitler, having weaponry is space by any nation is not allowed, it's against the international law... The PAROS.
Preventing an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS):

The overwhelming majority of UN member states are concerned that the weaponization of outer space will lead to an arms race and insist that a multilateral treaty is the only way to prevent such an arms race, emphasizing that this treaty would not limit space access, but would prevent such limitations. In 2006, Russia argued that if all states observe a prohibition on space weaponization, there will be no arms race. Russia and China also support establishing an obligation of no use or threat of use of force against space objects and have submitted a draft treaty to the UN on preventing the placement of weapons in outer space.

However missiles launched from surface to destroy satellites are very much allowed.

Who said missile launched from surface is allowed? Because China did that!!!

Its much easier to destroy satellite from a space-plane than launching huge missiles. Its matter of time that we integrate multiple kill vehicles with this than we will be able to launch havoc on enemy territory while keeping outside their SAM range.

Interestingly, after it splashes down, the vehicle will sink to the bottom of the sea and for now there are no plans to recover it.

"We have simulated different scenarios and we know what can happen. But, we have kept other options open. If there is a change of thinking at the last moment, we may seek the help of the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard to recover it," the engineer said.



Are they mad!!! This will make it easily on the hands of others!

 

[Optimos Prime IA]

Calm down Hitler, having weaponry is space by any nation is not allowed, it's against the international law... The PAROS.
Preventing an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS):

The overwhelming majority of UN member states are concerned that the weaponization of outer space will lead to an arms race and insist that a multilateral treaty is the only way to prevent such an arms race, emphasizing that this treaty would not limit space access, but would prevent such limitations. In 2006, Russia argued that if all states observe a prohibition on space weaponization, there will be no arms race. Russia and China also support establishing an obligation of no use or threat of use of force against space objects and have submitted a draft treaty to the UN on preventing the placement of weapons in outer space.

However missiles launched from surface to destroy satellites are very much allowed.

Am not saying India must arm these space shuttle and keep it hovering over our head .I just asked question whether we can arm them if needed .

And you must understand US Russia China already shot their satellite . India openly stated it can convert A5 with anti satellite war heads . Even though missile launch is a possible technology demonstrated Arming space shuttle and shooting at satellite will be more easier.

So again can shuttle be armed with missiles or not ? You don't need large missile with war head but a tiny missile can do the job . US already has this capabilities .But they can launch it like an aircraft . Which looks similar to Indian shuttle .

Who said missile launched from surface is allowed? Because China did that!!!

Its much easier to destroy satellite from a space-plane than launching huge missiles. Its matter of time that we integrate multiple kill vehicles with this than we will be able to launch havoc on enemy territory while keeping outside their SAM range.

Interestingly, after it splashes down, the vehicle will sink to the bottom of the sea and for now there are no plans to recover it.

"We have simulated different scenarios and we know what can happen. But, we have kept other options open. If there is a change of thinking at the last moment, we may seek the help of the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard to recover it," the engineer said.



Are they mad!!! This will make it easily on the hands of others!

May be not . Something is missing here . Why could they just leave it just like that ? Weird

Space plane: Mysterious US military plane returns to Earth - BBC.com
BBC - Homepage
An unmanned US plane on a top-secret, two-year mission to space has returned to Earth and landed ...

SO US CAN DESTROY EACH AND EVERY SATELLITE OF THEY WANT TO . By keep testing different mission for 2 years after 2 years they literally arming the space ?

 

[OrionHunter]

Aren't reusable shuttles riskier than rockets though?
This was the official reason for closure of US shuttle profram.

Nope! The reason was funding for NASA. Now private companies are taking on the mantle and have started using their own shuttles for supplying the ISS etc.

 

[Moon]

So again can shuttle be armed with missiles or not ?

Any thing can be armed, even a pressure cooker. But the point is that if a nation does it then others will follow, after that before you know it, nukes would be launched from space. But if others decide to sanction India for this, well India would definitely be in hot water.

 

[Optimos Prime IA]

Any thing can be armed, even a pressure cooker. But the point is that if a nation does it then others will follow, after that before you know it, nukes would be launched from space. But if others decide to sanction India for this, well India would definitely be in hot water.

Dude when you are about die you will care about sanctions ?
Again am not saying we must do it . But point was whether it can be armed .Since it can hover around orbit India can use it as retaliation in space war .

 

[My-Analogous]

Isro's 1.5-tonne vehicle is undergoing final preparations and is expected to make its maiden flight towards the end of July or August. (Representative picture)

MUMBAI: India is on the cusp of developing its own reusable space launch vehicle, popularly known as a space shuttle. Isro's 1.5 tonne vehicle resembling an aircraft is provisionally slated to make its maiden flight towards the end of July or August from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Officially known as the reusable launch vehicle (RLV-TD), it is undergoing final preparations at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. Its primary role will be to reduce the cost of access to space. The cost of placing 1kg of object in space is about $5,000, which scientists are hoping will come down to about $500 with the RLV.

As of now, there are no plans to use it for a manned mission. Speaking to TOI, those connected with the nearly Rs 100-crore project said that the spacecraft will initially be carried by a single solid rocket booster with nine tonnes of propellants.

After lift off, it will zoom to an altitude of 70km and then execute a soft landing in the Bay of Bengal. The duration of this sub-orbital mission is expected to be around 900 seconds.

The most anticipated moment will be when the vehicle re-enters the Earth's atmosphere at five times the speed of sound. An Isro engineer told TOI: "To prevent the vehicle from getting damaged (due to heat), its nose has been protected by carbon-carbon and there are about 600 heat-resistant tiles placed around the vehicle. These tiles will be able to withstand a temperature to about 1,200 degrees Celsius."

The space-qualified tiles have been procured from Tamil Nadu.

Interestingly, after it splashes down, the vehicle will sink to the bottom of the sea and for now there are no plans to recover it.

"We have simulated different scenarios and we know what can happen. But, we have kept other options open. If there is a change of thinking at the last moment, we may seek the help of the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard to recover it," the engineer said.

Isro ultimately plans to develop technology to land the shuttle on a runway.

The mission, which will attract global interest, will evaluate technologies such as hypersonic flight, autonomous landing, powered cruise flight and hypersonic flight using air-breathing propulsion.

These technologies will be developed in phases through a series of experimental flights. The first in the series is the hypersonic flight experiment followed by the landing experiment, return flight experiment and scramjet propulsion experiment.

India closer to developing its own space shuttle - The Times of India

First make LCA which is 90% less engineering then a shuttle. That is a problem of whole subcontinent we always talk big

 

[Donatello]

1.5 tonne? Is it going to carry rats into space?