Chennai: India has launched its first reusable hybrid rocket, ‘RHUMI-1’ into space to gather data on atmospheric conditions such as cosmic radiation intensity, UV radiation, and air quality. The mission aims to advance research on global warming and climate change. The rocket has been developed by a Tamil Nadu-based startup Space Zone India in collaboration with Martin Group. It was launched from a mobile platform in Thiruvidandhai, Chennai.
The rocket carries three CUBE satellites and 50 PICO satellites to investigate various atmospheric factors including accelerometer readings, altitude, and ozone levels in the atmosphere to understand environmental conditions better. It is equipped with a hybrid motor that uses generic fuel and an electrically activated parachute deployer.
The Mission RHUMI is led by Anand Megalingam, founder of Space Zone with support from Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, former Director of ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC) and project director of ‘Chandrayaan’, India’s Moon Mission. Speaking on the significance of the mission, Megalingam expressed that as the nation advances in the space sector, the need for sustainable and cost-effective solutions becomes crucial. The introduction of a reusable rocket will not only reduce the financial burden of space exploration but will also minimize its environmental impact.
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