The RHUMI mission is claimed to be the world’s first mobile launch of a hybrid rocket | Credit: X
Tamil Nadu-based startup Space Zone India on Saturday launched its first reusable hybrid rocket, Mission RHUMI-2024, aboard a mobile platform to conduct research on global warming and climate change.
The Indian Space Zone, based in the city, has been carrying out several projects under the RHUMI Mission for the past two years.
The RHUMI rocket, launched early in the day from Thiruvidanthai on the scenic East Coast Highway near Chennai, is powered by a generic fuel-based hybrid engine and an electrically activated parachute deployer.
“It is a 3.5-metre-tall rocket and was launched at around 7.25 am, when the lift-off was scheduled for 7 am,” said Space Zone India founder and CEO Anand Megalingam.
“It is more of a sounding rocket. It flew at an altitude of about 35 km and right now my team is there to pick it up as per our plan (as it is a reusable rocket),” he told PTI.
“Compared to an inclination of 89 degrees, we had launched the rocket at an inclination of 70 degrees due to strong wind and gusts,” he explained during the launch from the mobile launch platform near the coast.
The RHUMI mission is claimed to be the world’s first mobile launch of a hybrid rocket.
Anand Megalingam has said that RHUMI was named after his son Rhumitran.
The rocket launched today was carrying three CUBE satellites designed to monitor and collect data on atmospheric conditions, including cosmic radiation intensity, UV radiation, air quality, among others.
It also deployed 50 different Pico satellites to study various aspects of atmospheric conditions, such as accelerometer readings, altitude and ozone levels, to understand environmental dynamics.
“India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in space innovation, consistently launching groundbreaking missions that push the boundaries of what is possible. As our nation continues to make strides in this crucial sector, the need for sustainable and cost-effective solutions becomes more pressing. The RHUMI 2024 mission is a direct response to this need,” Megalingam said.
“By introducing a reusable hybrid rocket, we are not only reducing the financial burden of space exploration, but also minimising its environmental impact. This mission reflects our commitment to making space missions more accessible and sustainable for the future,” he said.
Dubbed as the ‘Moon Man of India’, the project director of India’s Lunar Mission ‘Chandrayaan’, Mylswamy Annadurai, is the mentor of Space Zone India.
“Launching a hybrid rocket through our hydraulic mobile launch platform is a pioneering initiative that sets a new benchmark in aerospace technology. This innovative system is designed to offer unprecedented flexibility and efficiency, allowing us to adapt to diverse launch scenarios with ease,” Annadurai said of today’s mission.
“With this cutting-edge technology, Space Zone India is poised to revolutionise the way we approach rocket launches, making them more dynamic and responsive to the needs of the future,” Annadurai said.
Diversified conglomerate Martin Group of Companies has supported Space Zone India in its latest RHUMI Mission 2024 through its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.
“We are always looking for innovative companies that push the boundaries of technology and contribute to a better future. Our commitment to corporate social responsibility drives us to support cutting-edge advancements with the potential to transform industries and inspire students in space science and space technology,” said Martin Group CEO Jose Charles Martin.
“Supporting Space Zone India aligns perfectly with our vision. Their dedication to sustainability and excellence in aerospace technology is truly inspiring. By supporting RHUMI Mission-2024, we are not only supporting a ground-breaking space mission but are also improving the lives of future generations,” he said on extending his support to Space Zone India.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been reworked by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
First published: August 24, 2024 | 12:31 pm IS
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