'RHUMI-1': India's First Reusable Hybrid Rocket Takes Flight

New Delhi: India is set to make a groundbreaking advance in space technology with the upcoming launch of its first reusable hybrid rocket, RHUMI 1. Developed by Tamil Nadu-based start-up Space Zone India, the launch is scheduled for August 24, 2024, at 7 am from Thiruvidandhai, Chennai. The rocket will employ a mobile launcher and is designed to carry three Cube Satellites and 50 PICO Satellites to a suborbital trajectory, marking a significant milestone in India’s space exploration efforts.

The RHUMI 1 launch represents the third collaboration between Space Zone India and the Martin Group. Previous joint ventures include the ‘Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Students Satellite Launch – 2023’ mission, where over 2,500 students from across India developed a student satellite launch vehicle carrying 150 Pico satellite research cubes. In 2021, the ‘Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Space Research Payload Cubes Challenge’ saw the successful launch of 100 FEMTO satellites created by 1,200 students.

The RHUMI 1 rocket features an innovative hybrid propulsion system that combines solid fuel with liquid oxidizer technologies, ensuring both environmental safety and efficiency. It also boasts a precise launch angle adjustment capability, ranging from 0 to 120 degrees, allowing for accurate trajectory control.

Beyond its role in space exploration, RHUMI 1 is set to impact various critical fields such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. The Cube Satellites will monitor atmospheric conditions, while the PICO Satellites will analyze environmental factors, contributing to a deeper understanding of atmospheric dynamics.

Anand Megalingam, Founder and CEO of Space Zone India, highlighted the rocket’s reusability as a key feature, emphasizing its potential to provide a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to satellite launches.