ISRO developing technology to reuse first & second stages of rocket

ISRO developing technology to reuse first & second stages of rocket

News

ISRO is working on reusable launch vehicle technology for using the first and second stages of a rocket multiple times.

1. ISRO has successfully developed a scaled down (1:5) technology demonstration version of Reusable Launch Vehicle – Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) vehicle and carried out the first experimental mission in 2016
2. ISRO plans to conduct an advanced version of the reusable launch technology in June-July 2019

What is Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator (RLV TD)?

1. The RLV TD is a hybrid vehicle that combines the technologies of an aircraft and launch vehicle, one on top of the other
2. The main objectives of the RLV TD are to reduce cost of launch by increasing reusability and to increase reliability by achieving a Two Stage to Orbit (TSTO) capability.

Global Market

1. At present, SpaceX dominates the global market of satellite launches and has more than 50% share primarily because of it reusable technology where it uses first stage rocket multiple times
2. However, ISRO’s share in the global market is only 0.6%. Mastering RLV technology is expected to increase ISRO’s share significantly