Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLV): ISRO’s Pushpak and NGLV (Soorya) Revolutionising Affordable Space Access
Introduction
In 2026, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) entered a decisive phase in space transportation by moving from experimental demonstrations to operational integration of reusable launch technologies. This shift aims to reduce the cost of access to space by nearly 10 times, lowering launch expenses to around USD 2,000 per kilogram to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
At the heart of this transformation are two complementary programmes:
- Pushpak Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) – a winged spaceplane concept
- Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), named “Soorya” – a heavy-lift reusable rocket
Together, they mark India’s transition towards sustainable, cost-efficient, and self-reliant spaceflight, with far-reaching implications for commercial launches, deep-space exploration, and national strategic capabilities.
India’s RLV Vision: From Experiments to Operations
Globally, reusable launch systems have redefined the economics of space, led by private players like SpaceX. Recognising this paradigm shift, ISRO has focused on recovering and reusing the most expensive rocket components, particularly engines and first stages.
India’s RLV roadmap supports:
- Affordable satellite launches
- Human spaceflight
- Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)
- Long-term Moon and deep-space missions
Pushpak RLV: The Wings of India’s Space Programme
The Pushpak Reusable Launch Vehicle represents ISRO’s approach to winged reusability, similar in concept to a spaceplane.
Evolution of Pushpak
After the successful RLV-LEX (Landing Experiment) series during 2024–2025, Pushpak entered a critical advancement phase in 2026, focusing on orbital-level testing and recovery.
Key Technological Milestones (2026)
1. Orbital Re-entry Vehicle (ORV) Experiment
ISRO is preparing for the Orbital Re-entry Experiment, where:
- Pushpak will be launched into orbit aboard a conventional rocket (such as GSLV/LVM3)
- It will execute a controlled atmospheric re-entry
- The mission will validate hypersonic aerodynamics and guidance systems under real orbital conditions
This step is crucial for future crew-rated reusable vehicles.
2. Advanced Thermal Protection Systems
During re-entry, temperatures can exceed 1,200°C. Pushpak is testing:
- Indigenous ceramic-matrix composite materials
- Lightweight heat shields with higher thermal resistance
- Long-duration reusability under repeated re-entry cycles
This enhances Aatmanirbhar Bharat in critical aerospace materials.
3. Autonomous Navigation and Runway Landing
Pushpak uses:
- AI-assisted navigation
- Precision guidance and control algorithms
- Fully autonomous landing systems
The vehicle lands like a conventional aircraft on a runway, eliminating the need for ocean recovery.
Strategic Role of Pushpak
- Enables rapid turnaround missions
- Reduces refurbishment time
- Ideal for micro-satellite and experimental payloads
- Foundation for future human-rated spaceplanes
NGLV (Soorya): India’s Next-Generation Heavy Lifter
While Pushpak focuses on winged recovery, ISRO’s Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) addresses heavy-lift and deep-space requirements.
Approval and Vision
- Approved by the Union Cabinet in late 2024
- Total outlay: ₹8,240 crore
- Designed to replace the current LVM3 platform
NGLV, named “Soorya”, is the backbone of India’s future space ambitions.
Key Features of NGLV (Soorya)
1. Reusable First Stage
- The first stage is reusable, unlike LVM3
- Performs vertical landing, similar to Falcon 9
- Engines and avionics are recovered for reuse
This single change accounts for the largest cost reduction.
2. Semi-Cryogenic Propulsion (LOX–Methane)
Soorya uses Liquid Oxygen + Methane engines, offering:
- Cleaner combustion
- Higher efficiency
- Reduced soot deposition
- Easier long-term storage compared to kerosene
This propulsion is ideal for reusability and deep-space missions.
3. Payload Capacity
| Mode | Payload to LEO |
|---|---|
| Expendable | ~30 tonnes |
| Reusable | ~15 tonnes |
This makes Soorya significantly more powerful than LVM3.
Mission Objectives
- Support Bharatiya Antariksh Station (2035)
- Enable crewed Moon landing by 2040
- Launch heavy communication satellites
- Strengthen India’s commercial launch competitiveness
Comparison: LVM3 vs NGLV (Soorya)
| Feature | LVM3 (Current) | NGLV / Soorya (Future) |
|---|---|---|
| Reusability | Expendable | Reusable first stage |
| Propulsion | Solid / Liquid / Cryogenic | LOX–Methane (Semi-Cryogenic) |
| Payload to LEO | ~10 tonnes | ~30 tonnes |
| Launch Cost | High | Target ~1/10th |
| Sustainability | Low | High |
Strategic Importance for UPSC
1. Economic Efficiency
- Reusability lowers launch costs dramatically
- Enhances India’s competitiveness in the global satellite launch market
- Strengthens NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) as a commercial arm
2. Sustainability in Space
- Reduced space debris
- Lower ocean dumping of rocket stages
- Aligns with the responsible use of outer space
3. Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Space Technology
- Indigenous engines
- Indigenous thermal protection systems
- Home-grown autonomous landing software
This reduces dependence on foreign aerospace technology.
4. Strategic & Security Dimension
- Improved launch readiness
- Dual-use capabilities (civil + strategic)
- Enhanced space-based surveillance and communication infrastructure
Conclusion
ISRO’s progress with Pushpak RLV and NGLV (Soorya) marks a historic shift in India’s space programme—from cost-intensive, expendable launches to sustainable and reusable systems. With a targeted 10-fold reduction in launch costs, India is positioning itself as a major global space power, capable of supporting commercial launches, space stations, and deep-space exploration.
For UPSC aspirants, this development is crucial for Prelims, GS-III Mains, Essay, and Interview, linking science, economy, sustainability, and strategic autonomy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)?
A Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) is a space launch system designed to recover and reuse key components—such as stages or the entire vehicle—after a mission, significantly reducing the cost of access to space.
2. What is Pushpak RLV?
Pushpak is ISRO’s winged Reusable Launch Vehicle, designed to autonomously re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and land on a runway after completing its mission, similar to a spaceplane.
3. What major progress has Pushpak achieved by 2026?
By 2026, Pushpak has progressed beyond landing experiments to preparing for orbital re-entry missions, testing indigenous thermal protection systems and autonomous navigation and landing technologies.
4. What is NGLV (Soorya)?
The Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), named Soorya, is ISRO’s upcoming heavy-lift launch system with a reusable first stage, approved by the Union Cabinet with a budget of ₹8,240 crore.
5. How is NGLV different from LVM3?
Unlike the expendable LVM3, NGLV features:
- A reusable first stage
- Semi-cryogenic LOX–Methane propulsion
- Higher payload capacity (up to 30 tonnes to LEO)
6. Why is LOX–Methane propulsion important?
LOX–Methane engines are:
- Cleaner and more efficient
- Easier to reuse due to lower soot formation
- Suitable for long-duration storage and deep-space missions
7. What is ISRO’s cost-reduction target?
ISRO aims to reduce launch costs by nearly 10 times, bringing costs down to approximately USD 2,000 per kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
8. How does RLV technology support Aatmanirbhar Bharat?
RLV development promotes indigenous propulsion systems, thermal materials, and autonomous software, reducing reliance on foreign space technologies.
9. Why is this topic important for UPSC?
It is relevant for:
- Prelims: Space missions, launch vehicles, propulsion
- Mains (GS III): Science & technology, indigenisation, sustainability
- Essay & Interview: India’s future in the global space economy
