Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLV)

What is RLV?

• Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) is a space vehicle designed to recover and reuse major parts of a launch system for multiple missions.
• Conventional rockets are generally expendable, meaning they are discarded after a launch.
• Main aim: Reduce the cost of access to space and increase the frequency of launches.

How does RLV work?

• Launch: The vehicle carries a satellite or other payload into space.
• Separation: After completing its assigned function, the reusable component separates.
• Re-entry: It returns to Earth through the atmosphere at very high speed and temperature.
• Thermal protection: Special materials protect it from intense re-entry heating.
• Controlled descent: Aerodynamic surfaces and onboard systems control its trajectory.
• Landing: It performs a controlled/autonomous landing for recovery.
• Reuse: After inspection and refurbishment, the vehicle/component can be used again.

India’s RLV Programme

• Agency: ISRO
• RLV-TD: Reusable Launch Vehicle–Technology Demonstrator is an experimental vehicle developed to test technologies required for reusable launch systems.
• RLV-LEX: Reusable Launch Vehicle–Landing Experiment focuses particularly on landing and recovery technologies.
• RLV-LEX-01: Demonstrated autonomous landing capability.
• The vehicle was released from a helicopter and subsequently landed autonomously on a runway.
• The experiments are important steps towards developing a future reusable space transportation system.

Important Technologies

• Autonomous landing: Vehicle lands using onboard navigation and control systems without direct manual piloting.
• Aerodynamic control: Helps control the vehicle during atmospheric flight.
• Thermal protection system: Protects the vehicle against extreme heating during re-entry.
• Guidance and navigation: Ensures the vehicle follows the required trajectory.
• Controlled re-entry: Allows safe return to a predetermined landing location.

Why is RLV Important?

• Cost reduction: Expensive rocket hardware does not have to be manufactured for every launch.
• Higher launch frequency: Reusable components can support rapid turnaround.
• Commercial space: Lower launch costs can improve the competitiveness of the space-launch industry.
• Resource efficiency: Reduces wastage of launch hardware.

Prelims MCQ — English

Q. With reference to Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs), consider the following statements:

1. They are designed to recover and reuse major components of a launch system.
2. Thermal protection is important because of intense heating during atmospheric re-entry.
3. ISRO’s RLV-LEX programme is associated with reusable launch vehicle technology.
4. RLV technology necessarily requires complete reuse of every stage of a rocket.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:
RLVs are designed to recover and reuse major components, but complete reuse of every stage is not mandatory. Thermal protection is essential during atmospheric re-entry, and RLV-LEX is part of ISRO’s reusable launch vehicle technology programme.