India successfully launched its first reusable hybrid rocket, RHUMI 1, on August 24, developed by Space Zone India, a Tamil Nadu-based start-up. The launch took place from the TTDC Ground in Thiruvidandhai, ECR, Chennai. RHUMI 1 will carry three Cube Satellites and fifty PICO Satellites to a suborbital trajectory. The rocket’s design focuses on flexibility and reusability, and its launch used a mobile launcher, making it more versatile, according to The Martin Group, which collaborated on the project.
Key features of the rocket include:
Adjustable Launch Angle: The rocket’s launch angle can be fine-tuned between 0 to 120 degrees, allowing precise control over its trajectory.
Educational Impact: Students from across India, including those from government schools, participated in free workshops on rocket and satellite technology, enhancing educational outreach.
CO2-Triggered Parachute System: An eco-friendly, cost-effective parachute system ensures safe recovery of rocket components during descent.
Beyond Space Exploration: The rocket’s applications span beyond space to areas such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.