Chennai: Setting a new benchmark in India’s space odyssey, SpaceZone India and Martin Group on Sunday successfully launched the country’s first hybrid reusable rocket Rhumi-1 carrying 53 satellites into orbit.
At 7:02 am the rocket took off from ECR Beach, Pattipulam, Tamil Nadu, and placed three Cube Satellites and 50 Pico satellites in the Orbit.
A press release said Rhumi-1 rocket made history by safely returning to land in just 7 minutes, setting a new standard for rapid space missions after placing the satellites in the orbit.
A first-of-its-kind milestone in the Indian aerospace industry, Rhumi-1 was launched on India’s first Hydraulic Mobile Launch system enabling flexible and adaptable launch operations from various locations at different angles between 0 to 120 degrees.
The three Cube satellites were designed to monitor and collect data on atmospheric conditions, including cosmic radiation intensity, UV radiation intensity, air quality, and more. The 50 different Pico satellites were dedicated to studying various aspects of atmospheric conditions such as vibration, accelerometer readings, altitude, ozone levels, toxic content, and natural and synthetic molecular bonding of fibers, enhancing our understanding of environmental dynamics.
Joining the mission virtually, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said This successful launch of Rhumi 1 marks a significant leap for India's aerospace industry, showcasing our nation's growing capabilities in space innovation.
"The breakthrough of a reusable hybrid rocket, able to launch satellites and return within minutes, speaks volumes of the technological prowess we possess. This is a proud moment for India and a testament to our drive for innovation in the global aerospace arena", he said.
Tamil Nadu Minister for Environment and Climate Change Siva V. Meyyanathan said "Today, as we launch the reusable hybrid rocket from our mobile launch pad, we mark not just a technological milestone but a leap towards a more sustainable future. This innovation reflects our commitment to advancing environmental stewardship while embracing the boundless potential of space exploration. Together, we pave the way for a greener tomorrow."
Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, affectionately known as the "Moon Man of India", who guided and mentored the mission, said “Working on Mission Rhumi has been an incredible journey, and I’m proud to see it set new benchmarks in India’s space exploration efforts. The successful launch and return of the Rhumi 1 rocket demonstrate the power of collaboration, innovation, and the limitless potential of our next generation of scientists and engineers. This mission not only marks a technological leap but also serves as an inspiration for future space endeavors."
Dr. Anand Megalingam, Founder and CEO of Space Zone India, said "Seeing the hard work and innovation of our team come to life with the successful launch of Rhumi-1 fills me with immense pride and joy."
This mission is not just a testament to our dedication, but also to the incredible talent of the students who worked alongside us, showcasing their potential in shaping the future of space exploration.
This is only the beginning of a new journey for Space Zone India, and we are committed to driving more such groundbreaking innovations in the future. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together.
"I wholeheartedly thank the Martin Group and Charles sir for their support of Space Zone India throughout all our missions. They have been our pillar of strength, and we look forward to what’s next", he said.
