India Considers a Reusable Spacecraft
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is considering plans for a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) capable of placing a 10-ton payload into low earth orbit.
The craft would be launched in two stages, with one part gliding back to a runway like the US Space Shuttle, and another landing via airbags.
ISRO officials, however, caution that the RLV is in its conceptual stage, and that deployment is a long way off. But when the RLV does (literally) get off the ground, the ISRO undoubtedly hopes it will solidify India's position in the satellite-launch industry. They will also surely incorporate lessons learned from the US space program as to the realistic expectations of a reusable spacecraft.
Source: Zeenews.com
The craft would be launched in two stages, with one part gliding back to a runway like the US Space Shuttle, and another landing via airbags.
ISRO officials, however, caution that the RLV is in its conceptual stage, and that deployment is a long way off. But when the RLV does (literally) get off the ground, the ISRO undoubtedly hopes it will solidify India's position in the satellite-launch industry. They will also surely incorporate lessons learned from the US space program as to the realistic expectations of a reusable spacecraft.
Source: Zeenews.com
posted by Brian on
2/27/2006
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