[Watch] India Launches Its First Reusable Rocket: Know What’s Unique?

Chennai: India launched its first reusable hybrid rocket ‘RHUMI-1’ from Thiruvidandhai in Chennai on Saturday. It is carrying 3 Cube Satellites and 50 PICO Satellites, which will collect data for research purposes on global warming and climate change. It was launched into a suborbital trajectory using a mobile launcher.

#WATCH | India launches its first reusable hybrid rocket, RHUMI 1. The rocket, developed by the Tamil Nadu-based start-up Space Zone India and Martin Group was launched from Thiruvidandhai in Chennai using a mobile launcher. It carries 3 Cube Satellites and 50 PICO Satellites… pic.twitter.com/Io97TvfNhE

— ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2024

Developed by the Tamil Nadu-based start-up Space Zone India with Martin Group, it is equipped with a generic-fuel-based hybrid motor and electrically-triggered parachute deployer. The makers claimed that it 100% pyrotechnic-free and 0% TNT.

The mission RHUMI is led by Anand Megalingam, the founder of the Space Zone, under the mentorship of Mylswamy Annadurai, former Director of ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC).

The rocket combines the advantages of both liquid and solid fuel propellant systems for increased efficiency and reduced operational costs.

The RHUMI series of rockets, which includes RHUMI-1, RHUMI-2, and RHUMI-3, have been developed to reach altitudes ranging from 1 km to 500 km, reported the MoneyControl.

Features of RHUMI

1) It allows accurate trajectory control as the launch angle can be adjusted between 0 to 120 degrees precisely.

2) Its operation is cost-effective, innovative, and eco-friendly.

3) Its applications extend beyond space exploration. It can help in impacting fields such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.

4) The satellites sent using the rocket will monitor atmospheric conditions, including cosmic radiation, UV radiation, and air quality.

5) Pico satellites will analyse environmental factors like vibration, accelerometer data, altitude, ozone levels, toxic content, and molecular bonding, contributing to a deeper understanding of atmospheric dynamics.b