India’s first reusable hybrid rocket Rhumi-1 set for launch by startup Space Zone India on Aug 24

Space Zone India CEO Anand Megalingam shared that the mobile launch system provides a flexible platform, capable of adapting to different launch scenarios, making it easier to deploy from any location.

Tamil Nadu-based space startup Space Zone India is poised to launch RHUMI-1, India’s first reusable hybrid rocket, on August 24 from a mobile launcher in Thiruvidandhai Coastal Village, Chengalpet. This launch will send three Cube Satellites and 50 Pico Satellites into a suborbital trajectory.

While the Cube satellites will monitor and collect atmospheric conditions, including cosmic radiation intensity, UV radiation intensity, and air quality, the Pico satellites will analyse various environmental factors such as vibration, accelerometer readings, altitude, ozone levels, toxic content, and molecular bonding, contributing to a deeper understanding of atmospheric dynamics.

Utilising hybrid propulsion system that combines solid fuel and liquid oxidiser technologies, the rocket aims to maintain environmental safety. Space Zone India Founder and CEO Anand Megalingam emphasised that this mechanism is reusable and offers a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to satellite launches.

The upcoming launch represents a leap forward for India’s aerospace technology, particularly in the small satellite market, which is rapidly expanding due to the increasing demand for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions.

Megalingam shared that the mobile launch system provides a flexible platform, capable of adapting to different launch scenarios, making it easier to deploy from any location.

Space Zone India has gained considerable attention, particularly following the successful launch of India’s first hybrid rocket in February 2023, from Kalpakkam. The RHUMI series of rockets, including RHUMI-1, RHUMI-2, and RHUMI-3, are designed to cover a range of altitudes, from 1 km to 500 km.