India's Pioneering Reusable Hybrid Rocket Set to Launch

On August 24, a historic event will unfold on the Chennai coastline as Space Zone India, a dynamic startup based in the city, prepares to launch India's first reusable hybrid rocket. This groundbreaking mission, dubbed ‘Mission Rhumi -2024,’ marks a significant milestone in the nation's space exploration efforts.

The launch will occur around 7 a.m. from the TTDC Ground along East Coast Road, with the rocket poised to carry an impressive payload of three CubeSats and 50 PICO satellites. These small satellites are tasked with monitoring and collecting critical data on various atmospheric conditions, providing valuable insights for scientific research and technological advancements.

Guided by Mylswamy Annadurai, the esteemed former ISRO director and celebrated as the “Moon Man of India,” this mission underscores India's growing capabilities in space technology. Annadurai's involvement lends a distinguished touch to the project, highlighting its importance and potential impact.

Space Zone India's CEO, Anand Megalingam, has outlined some of the key features of the hybrid rocket. The rocket will be launched using a mobile hydraulic launcher mounted on a truck, showcasing a blend of innovation and practicality. All requisite government approvals have been secured, including those from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Air Force Tambaram, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Furthermore, the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) process has been duly initiated to ensure airspace safety during the launch.

What sets this rocket apart is its reusability. Unlike conventional rockets, which are typically discarded after a single use, this hybrid rocket is designed for recovery and reuse in future missions. Approximately 70% of its 80-kilogram components can be retrieved and repurposed, promoting an environmentally sustainable approach to space exploration.

The hybrid rocket employs a unique propulsion system, using a combination of solid wax fuel and semi-cryogenic nitrous oxide as the oxidizer. The nitrous oxide, stored at a chilling -80°C, is kept separate from the solid wax fuel until ignition. This separation minimizes the risk of accidental detonation and enhances the safety of the launch process.

The innovation represented by this reusable hybrid rocket has the potential to revolutionize space exploration. By lowering costs and reducing environmental impact, it paves the way for more sustainable and frequent missions. As India continues to make strides in space technology, the success of ‘Mission Rhumi -2024’ will undoubtedly be a significant milestone, reflecting the country's advancing capabilities and commitment to space research.