Indian aerospace startup Space Zone India to launch country's first reusable rocket on Aug 24

Aug. 23, 2024, 4:47 a.m.

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On August 24, India is poised to make history with the launch of its first hybrid reusable rocket, the Rhumi-1. The rocket will be launched from the East Coast Road coastline in Chennai, marking a significant milestone for the country's aerospace industry. This event signifies a significant leap forward in India's space technology, promising cost-effective solutions for space exploration.

Rhumi-1 is designed to reach an altitude of 35 kilometers, carrying three Cube satellites and 50 Pico satellites. After deploying its payload, the rocket is engineered to descend back into the sea, where it will be retrieved and prepared for future launches. This reusable design is a key feature that could transform space travel by significantly reducing costs.

Advertisement The innovative rocket utilizes a hybrid propulsion system, combining a liquid oxidizer with solid fuel. Its airframe is constructed from advanced materials such as carbon fibre and glass fibre, ensuring durability and efficiency. A parachute deployment system, developed in-house, aids in the rocket’s safe descent back to Earth. The mission will also gather crucial data on radiation levels, vibration intensity, and temperature, contributing to future advancements in aerospace technology.

Anand Megalingam, the head of Space Zone India, the company behind Rhumi-1, explained that the primary objective of the rocket is to reduce the expenses associated with space missions.

The rocket's propulsion system uses a blend of nitrous oxide and wax fuel, a cost-effective solution. Megalingam emphasized that this system was developed at a significantly lower cost than traditional liquid propulsion systems, making space exploration more accessible and financially feasible.

The rocket's name, Rhumi-1, holds personal meaning for Megalingam. It is named after his son, Rhumendran, as a tribute to the time he has dedicated to the project. This emotional connection highlights the commitment and personal investment that has been poured into the development of the rocket.

Support from both the Indian government and Tamil Nadu’s state government has been crucial in bringing this project to fruition. This collaboration between the central and state governments highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing India’s space capabilities.

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) and INSpace have also played a crucial role by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that permits private companies to utilize the new launchpad under construction in Kulasekarapattinam. This initiative is intended to encourage greater private sector participation in space exploration, which is expected to stimulate further innovation and growth within the industry.

Advertisement Jose Charles Martin, Director of the Martin Group of Companies and a supporter of the project, emphasized that the private sector in India has a significant opportunity to explore in the field of space technology. He highlighted that the cost of launching a satellite into space in India is only a fraction of what it would be in the West. This substantial cost advantage positions India as a competitive player in the global space market.

Martin also proposed that the technology developed for Rhumi-1 could be applied to missile technology, supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative and reducing the country's dependence on foreign imports for defense equipment. This potential overlap between space technology and defense showcases the wider implications of the Rhumi-1 project for India's technological and strategic future.

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