India’s First Reusable Hybrid Rocket RHUMI-1 Successfully Launched

India – India launched its first reusable hybrid rocket known as RHUMI-1, marking a major accomplishment of the country’s space program. Developed by Tamil Nadu-based startup Space Zone India in association with Martin Group, the rocket was launched from Thiruvidandhai, Chennai. The rocket carried CubeSats of three sizes and fifty PICO satellites, specifically to gather data on global warming and climate change. 

RHUMI-1 leverages an innovative hybrid propulsion system that merges the benefits of liquid and solid fuels. This innovation is aimed at improving efficiency while at the same time reducing the cost of operations and providing a new way of making space exploration more accessible. The rocket, which achieved a suborbital flight via a mobile launcher, is driven by a hybrid motor using generic fuel and an electrically triggered parachute deployer instead of pyrotechnics and TNT. 

The mission, led by Anand Megalingam, Founder, of Space Zone India, with the mentorship of Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, former Satellite Centre Director, ISRO, underscores the emerging role of private players in the Indian space industry. 

Space Zone India is in the business of providing affordable space solutions and provides educational services in the sphere of aerospace engineering. In 2023, the company found success in their ‘Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Students Satellite Launch’, which involved 2,500 students in making a satellite launch vehicle emphasizing the company's commitment to educational outreach.

Image Source: Magic Wand Media

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