Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:
(a) the current status of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) programme and the details thereof;
(b) whether the RLV is capable of making an orbital re-entry and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the RLV has been certified for human spaceflight; and;
(d) if so, the details thereof including the proposed date of the first crewed RLV launch?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH):
(a) ISRO has successfully developed a technology demonstration version of a winged-body vehicle, that is, Reusable Launch Vehicle – Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) vehicle and successfully carried out the first experimental mission on May 23, 2016 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. In this mission, critical technologies such as autonomous navigation, guidance & control and reusable thermal protection system have been successfully demonstrated.
(b) Yes, Sir. RLV is designed for orbital re-entry and autonomous runway landing. This will be demonstrated in the orbital re-entry experimental flight, wherein an Orbital Re-entry Demonstration Vehicle will be boosted to orbit using existing propulsion systems followed by re-entry & landing.
(c) &(d)
The Development of Reusable Launch Vehicle is a technical challenge and it involves development of many cutting edge technologies. A series of technology demonstration missions would be required before it is made operational. Present version of RLV is not designed for human spaceflight.
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