Lagatar24 Desk
Chennai: In a landmark achievement for India’s space sector, Tamil Nadu-based start-up Space Zone India successfully launched the country’s first reusable hybrid rocket, named RHUMI-1, on Saturday. The rocket was launched from a mobile platform in Thiruvidanthai, located near Chennai along the East Coast Road, and is designed to contribute to critical research on global warming and climate change.
The RHUMI-1 rocket, which ascended from Thiruvidanthai early in the morning, is powered by a hybrid motor that utilizes a generic fuel. A unique feature of the rocket is its electrically triggered parachute deployer, which enhances its reusability.
The primary mission of RHUMI-1 was to carry three CUBE satellites that are tasked with monitoring atmospheric conditions, including cosmic radiation intensity, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and air quality. In addition to these, the rocket also deployed 50 Pico satellites to gather data on various atmospheric factors such as accelerometer readings, altitude, and ozone levels. This data is crucial for gaining deeper insights into environmental dynamics, which can significantly aid in understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Anand Megalingam, the founder and CEO of Space Zone India, provided detailed information about the launch. The 3.5-meter-tall rocket was launched at approximately 7:25 am, slightly later than the initially planned 7:00 am. Although the rocket was designed primarily as a sounding rocket, it reached an impressive altitude of about 35 kilometers. The rocket was launched at a 70-degree inclination, a deviation from the planned 89 degrees, due to strong winds and gusts. The launch was executed using a mobile platform situated near the coast.
Mission RHUMI 2024, under which the RHUMI-1 rocket was developed and launched, is spearheaded by Anand Megalingam, with guidance from Mylswamy Annadurai, the former Director of ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC) and project director of India’s Moon Mission “Chandrayaan.” Space Zone India, the company behind this mission, is a Chennai-based aerospace technology firm focused on providing cost-effective, sustainable solutions in the space sector. The mission also enjoys the support of the Martin Group of Companies, which contributes through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
Speaking about the mission, Megalingam highlighted India’s growing prominence in space innovation, stating, “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 advances in this crucial sector, the need for sustainable and cost-effective solutions becomes more pressing. Mission RHUMI 2024 is a direct response to this need.”
He further added, “By introducing a reusable hybrid rocket, we are not only reducing the financial burden of space exploration but minimizing its environmental impact. This mission reflects our commitment to making space missions more accessible and sustainable for the future.”
The successful launch of RHUMI-1 marks a significant step forward in India’s space exploration capabilities, particularly in the realm of sustainable and cost-effective technologies. With Mission RHUMI 2024, Space Zone India is poised to make substantial contributions to both space research and environmental conservation efforts.
