SOURCE: AFI
In a significant milestone for India’s burgeoning space industry, Space Zone India, in collaboration with the Martin Group, successfully launched its first reusable hybrid rocket, RHUMI 1, today. The launch took place from Thiruvidanthai beach, near Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, at 7 am. The RHUMI 1 rocket, a pioneering development in reusable rocket technology, carried three test satellites into a suborbital trajectory.
RHUMI 1 stands as a testament to India’s growing capabilities in space exploration and satellite deployment. With a height of 3.50 meters and a range of 80 kilometers, RHUMI 1 is designed to reach high altitudes while maintaining reusability—a key feature that sets it apart from traditional rockets. The rocket’s hybrid propulsion system combines elements of both solid and liquid rocket engines, allowing for greater control and efficiency during flight. This technology also contributes to significant cost savings, as the rocket can be recovered and reused for multiple launches, reducing the need for new rockets and thereby cutting costs.
The launch marks a significant achievement for Space Zone India and the Martin Group, highlighting their commitment to innovation and cost-effective solutions in space technology. The successful deployment of the three test satellites demonstrates the rocket’s capability to support a range of applications, from satellite communications to scientific research.
Key Features of RHUMI 1:
Applications Beyond Space Exploration:
While RHUMI 1’s primary focus is on space exploration, its applications extend far beyond this domain. The rocket and its associated technologies have potential uses in agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. For example, satellites launched by RHUMI 1 could be used to monitor crop health, track changes in land use, or provide early warning of natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes. This versatility makes RHUMI 1 a valuable tool not only for advancing space science but also for addressing critical challenges on Earth.
Adjustable Launch Angle:
One of the standout features of RHUMI 1 is its adjustable launch angle, which can be fine-tuned from 0 to 120 degrees. This flexibility allows for precise control over the rocket’s trajectory, making it adaptable to a variety of mission requirements. The adjustable launch angle is particularly beneficial for deploying payloads into specific orbits or conducting targeted suborbital experiments.
Educational Impact:
The RHUMI 1 project has also made a significant educational impact. Space Zone India has actively engaged students from across the country, including those from government schools, in free workshops focused on rocket and satellite technology. These workshops aim to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, providing them with hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge space technology. By involving students in the project, Space Zone India hopes to foster a deeper interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields and encourage the pursuit of careers in space science.
CO2-Triggered Parachute System:
The rocket is equipped with an innovative CO2-triggered parachute system, designed to ensure the safe recovery of rocket components. This descent mechanism is both cost-effective and eco-friendly, providing a reliable method for retrieving the rocket after its mission. The parachute system is a crucial component of RHUMI 1’s reusability, as it minimizes the risk of damage during descent and allows for the safe recovery and refurbishment of the rocket for future launches.
The launch of RHUMI 1 from a mobile launcher at Thiruvidanthai beach marked a new chapter in India’s space journey. The rocket carried a payload comprising three Cube Satellites and 50 PICO Satellites, which were placed into a suborbital trajectory. The successful deployment of these satellites demonstrates the versatility and reliability of RHUMI 1 as a platform for a wide range of missions.
Space Zone India has announced that the rocket will be recovered shortly, demonstrating the effectiveness of its reusability features. This successful recovery will pave the way for future launches, enabling the company to offer more cost-effective solutions for satellite deployment and other space missions.