India’s space efforts received a significant boost with the successful launch of RHUMI-1, the world’s first mobile hybrid rocket. This achievement also marks a milestone as the first reusable hybrid rocket in India. Developed by Chennai-based startup Space Zone India in collaboration with Martin Group, RHUMI-1 represents a leap forward in rocket technology, promising to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs in space exploration.
Launch Details
Location and Method
The RHUMI-1 reusable hybrid rocket was launched from a mobile launcher in Thiruvidandhai, a coastal village near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This mobile launch capability sets RHUMI-1 apart from traditional rocket systems, offering flexibility in launch locations.
Payload
The inaugural flight of RHUMI-1 carried a significant payload:
- Three CubeSats
- 50 PICO satellites
These satellites were launched into a suborbital trajectory with the primary mission of collecting data for research on global warming and climate change.
Flight Parameters
RHUMI-1, classified as a sounding rocket, achieved an altitude of approximately 35 kilometers. The rocket’s flight duration was brief, returning to Earth within seconds after conducting several experiments.
Technical Specifications
Hybrid Rocket Technology
RHUMI-1 utilizes hybrid rocket engine technology, which combines features of both solid-fueled and liquid-fueled engines. This innovative approach offers several advantages:
- Fuel Configuration: Solid fuel serves as the propellant, while a liquid or gaseous oxidizer sustains combustion.
- Design: The solid fuel is cast into a cylindrical shape and placed inside the rocket motor. The oxidizer is stored separately and fed into the combustion chamber as needed.
- Safety: Both propellants are inert and only combust when the fuel is converted to a gaseous state and mixed with the oxidizer in the combustion chamber.
Unique Features
RHUMI-1 boasts several cutting-edge features:
- Generic-fuel-based hybrid motor
- Electrically triggered parachute deployer
- 100% pyrotechnic-free
- 0% TNT content
These characteristics contribute to the rocket’s safety profile and reusability.
Significance of RHUMI-1
Advancements in Space Technology
- Reusability: As India’s first reusable hybrid rocket, RHUMI-1 represents a significant step towards sustainable space exploration.
- Cost Reduction: The reusable nature of the rocket is expected to substantially lower the operational costs of launches.
- Accessibility: By reducing costs and increasing efficiency, RHUMI-1 could make space exploration more accessible to a wider range of organizations and research institutions.
Environmental Considerations
The payloads carried by RHUMI-1 focus on climate research, highlighting the rocket’s potential role in advancing our understanding of pressing environmental issues.
About Space Zone India
Company Profile
Space Zone India, the private aero-technology company behind RHUMI-1, is at the forefront of innovation in India’s space sector.
- Headquarters: Chennai
- Chairman: K Megalingam
Mission and Focus
The company’s mission extends beyond rocket development:
- Low-Cost Solutions: Developing affordable, long-term solutions for the space industry.
- Education and Outreach: Providing hands-on training in aerodynamic principles, satellite technology, drone technology, and rocket technology.