India’s 21st Century Pushpak ‘Viman’ Successfully Launched : A Leap in Reusable Rocket Technology

1. What is Pushpak ‘Viman’, and what purpose does it serve?

• Pushpak ‘Viman’ is an indigenous winged rocket developed by ISRO, aimed at facilitating reusable space travel. It serves the purpose of making access to space more affordable and sustainable.

2. How does Pushpak differ from conventional rockets?

• Pushpak distinguishes itself from conventional rockets by its reusable design, allowing the upper stage of launch vehicles to be recovered and reused for subsequent missions.

3. What was the outcome of Pushpak’s recent test flight?

• The recent test flight of Pushpak demonstrated precise landing capabilities, with the rocket autonomously navigating its descent and successfully landing on a designated runway in Karnataka.

4. What inspired the name ‘Pushpak’ for the rocket?

• The name ‘Pushpak’ draws inspiration from the legendary Pushpak Viman mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures, symbolizing India’s rich cultural heritage in the realm of space exploration.

5. How long has the development of Pushpak been underway?

• The development of Pushpak spanned over a decade, showcasing a decade-long commitment to innovation and technological advancement in space exploration.

6. What are the dimensions and weight of Pushpak?

• Pushpak measures 6.5 meters in length and weighs 1.75 tons, making it an SUV-sized winged rocket with aeroplane-like characteristics.

7. How does Pushpak navigate during descent and landing?

• Pushpak employs small thrusters to navigate during its descent, ensuring precise landing at the designated spot on the runway.

8. What is the significance of Pushpak’s successful landing on a runway?

• Pushpak’s successful landing on a runway demonstrates the efficacy of its robotic landing capabilities, crucial for simulating conditions typical of a reusable launch vehicle returning from space.

9. How does Pushpak contribute to minimizing space debris?

• By making the upper stage of launch vehicles reusable, Pushpak aims to minimize space debris, thereby enhancing the sustainability of space missions and reducing environmental impact.

10. What role does ISRO play in the development of Pushpak?

• ISRO spearheads the development of Pushpak, leveraging its expertise and resources to advance India’s capabilities in space exploration and technology.

11. Can Pushpak be deployed operationally for space missions?

• While Pushpak’s successful test flights are promising, it is expected to undergo further refinement and testing before deployment for operational space missions.

12. How does Pushpak contribute to India’s space exploration endeavors?

• Pushpak represents India’s bold endeavor to innovate in space exploration, showcasing the nation’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological prowess and scientific achievement.

13. What are the potential applications of Pushpak in space missions?

• Pushpak’s potential applications include satellite deployment, refueling operations, and satellite retrieval for refurbishment, demonstrating its versatility in space missions.

14. How does Pushpak aim to enhance the affordability of space missions?

• By making the upper stage of launch vehicles reusable, Pushpak aims to reduce the overall cost of space missions, making access to space more affordable and accessible.

15. How does Pushpak align with India’s vision for space exploration?

• Pushpak aligns with India’s vision for space exploration by fostering innovation, sustainability, and self-reliance in the field of space technology and exploration.

16. What are the key features of Pushpak’s design?

• Pushpak’s design features include its aeroplane-like structure, autonomous navigation capabilities, and precise landing mechanisms, essential for its role in reusable space travel.

17. How does Pushpak contribute to India’s technological prowess?

• Pushpak showcases India’s technological prowess by pushing the boundaries of innovation in space exploration and demonstrating the nation’s capability to develop advanced space technologies.

18. What challenges does Pushpak face in its development and deployment?

• Pushpak faces challenges related to refinement of its design, testing of its capabilities, and ensuring its operational readiness for future space missions.

19. How does Pushpak honor India’s cultural heritage?

• Through its symbolic name and reference to ancient Hindu scriptures, Pushpak honors India’s cultural heritage and underscores the nation’s deep-rooted connection to space exploration.

20. What are the future prospects for Pushpak and India’s space program?

• The successful test flights of Pushpak pave the way for future advancements in reusable rocket technology, positioning India as a key player in the global space arena and opening doors to new frontiers of exploration and discovery.