India launches its first reusable hybrid rocket ‘RHUMI-1’

CHENNAI: India launched its first reusable hybrid rocket, ‘RHUMI-1’, developed by the Tamil Nadu-based startup Space Zone India with Martin Group, from Thiruvidandhai in Chennai on Saturday.

The rocket, carrying 3 Cube satellites and 50 Pico satellites, was launched into a suborbital trajectory using a mobile launcher. These satellites will be collecting data for research purposes on Global warming and Climate change.

The RHUMI rocket is equipped with a generic-fuel-based hybrid motor and electrically triggered parachute deployer. RHUMI is 100 pc pyrotechnic-free and 0 pc TNT. The mission RHUMI is led by Anand Megalingam, the founder of the Space Zone, under the mentorship of Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, former director of ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC).

#WATCH | India launches its first reusable hybrid rocket, RHUMI 1. The rocket, developed by the Tamil Nadu-based start-up Space Zone India and Martin Group was launched from Thiruvidandhai in Chennai using a mobile launcher. It carries 3 Cube Satellites and 50 PICO Satellites… pic.twitter.com/Io97TvfNhE

— ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2024

The RHUMI-1 rocket combines the advantages of both liquid and solid fuel propellant systems to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. Space Zone India is an aero-technology company in Chennai that aims to provide low-cost, long-term solutions in the space industry.

Space Zone India (SZI) provides hands-on training experience on aerodynamic principles, satellite, drone and rocket technologies. It also creates awareness of the career options in this industry. SZI works with private institutions, engineering and arts and science colleges, and private and government schools.

In 2023, through mission ‘Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Students Satellite Launch’ over 2,500 students from government, tribal and public schools across the country contributed in designing and construction of a student satellite launch vehicle. The vehicle could carry a payload of 150 Pico satelling research experiment cubes. (ANI)