India launches first reusable hybrid rocket, payloads to study climate change

India on Saturday successfully launched its first reusable hybrid rocket from a ground next to Marina beach on East Coast Road, near Chennai.

Tamil Nadu-based startup Space Zone India was behind the successful launch of Mission RHUMI-2024, onboard a mobile platform to take up research on global warming and climate change.

RHUMI-1, the hybrid reusable vehicle weighing 80 kg, was fuelled with nitrous oxide at the last minute and was ignited by 7.30pm. The rocket reached the 35 km altitude and, as per the crew, released the three CUBE payload and 50 pico-payload into the suborbital region.

Anand Megalingam, CEO of Space Zone India, who had named the rocket after his son, Rhumithran, said that the rocket was a joint venture between his company and Martin Group of Industries, with 1500 school students also contributing to the process.

“Students worked with satellite technology. They made pico-satellites and CUBE payload. Almost all parameters were accomplished in the mission. The payload data in different attitude has also been collected”, said Megalingam, who has already begun working on Rhumi-2 and is planning to achieve 250 km altitude with a 250 kg payload.

Considering the increase in rocket and payload mass, he added that it can be launched from ISRO’s upcoming spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam.

Jose Charles Martin, the Managing Director of Martin Group of Companies, also confirmed that the mission was a success.

“A lot of students worked on Rhumi-1. Even in Rhumi-2, there will be a lot of students’ participation,” Martin said.