Context
India recently launched its first reusable hybrid rocket,RHUMI-1.
About RHUMI – 1
- India’s 1st reusable hybrid rocket.
- Developed by Space Zone India (Tamil Nadu-based startup) in collaboration with Martin Group.
- Hybrid Propulsion System: Combines advantages of both liquid and solid fuels.
- Features:
- Hybrid Design: Uses solid propellant and liquid oxidizer, reducing accidental detonation risks by combining components only during combustion.
- Improved efficiency and reduced operational costs.
- Equipped with a CO2-triggered parachute system: An eco-friendly, cost-effective mechanism for safe recovery of rocket components.
- TNT-Free: The RHUMI Rocket uses no fireworks or TNT.
About the Launch:
- Launch Site: Launched from East Coast Road Beach in Thiruvidandhai, Chennai.
- Payload: Carried 3 Cube Satellites and 50 Pico Satellites.
- Suborbital Trajectory: Achieved using India’s first hydraulic mobile launch system for flexible launch operations at different angles (0 to 120 degrees).
- Satellite Missions:
- Cube Satellites: Monitor and collect data on atmospheric conditions, including cosmic radiation, UV radiation, and air quality.
- Pico Satellites: Analyze environmental factors like vibrations, accelerometer readings, altitude, ozone levels, and toxic substances to provide insights into atmospheric dynamics.
Source:
TH
Previous Year Question
With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:
1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 3 only
Answer: (a)
