India's first reusable hybrid rocket, RHUMI-1, was successfully launched on Saturday from Chennai by Space Zone India, a Tamil Nadu-based start-up, in collaboration with the Martin Group. The launch took place at approximately 7:25 a.m., slightly delayed from the initially planned 7 a.m. lift-off time.

The RHUMI-1 rocket, standing 3.5 meters tall, was launched using a mobile launcher and followed a suborbital trajectory. It carried a payload of 50 PICO satellites and three Cube satellites. The rocket ascended to an altitude of about 35 kilometres before descending back to Earth.

Anand Megalingam, Founder and CEO of Space Zone India, described the rocket as more of a sounding rocket. "Compared to an 89-degree inclination, we had to launch the rocket with a 70-degree inclination due to heavy winds and gusts," Megalingam explained to PTI. He added that the team is currently working on recovering the rocket as planned, given its reusable design.

Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, former director of ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), has been providing guidance to Megalingam and his team throughout the project. The RHUMI-1 rocket, designed to be free of fireworks and TNT, utilizes a hybrid motor powered by generic fuel. It features an electronically activated parachute deployer.

The rocket employs a combination of liquid and solid fuel propellants to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. The initial launch attempt in February 2023 faced a parachute deployment issue, resulting in the rocket falling into the sea. To address this, the team incorporated multiple timers for this launch to ensure successful deployment.

The hybrid design of RHUMI-1, which combines solid propellant and liquid oxidizer only during combustion, reduces the risk of accidental detonation. Looking ahead, Space Zone India plans to develop two-stage rockets with a payload capacity of up to 500 kilograms and is exploring potential future launches in the UAE deserts.

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