On Saturday morning, Space Zone India Pvt Ltd, a startup specializing in rocket technology, successfully launched its reusable sounding rocket, RHUMI 1, from a mobile launch pad along the Bay of Bengal. The launch took place in Tiruvadanthai, a temple town located about 40 kilometers from Chennai, at around 7:30 am.
The RHUMI 1 rocket, named after the son of its creator, Megalingam, stands 3.5 meters tall and weighs approximately 80 kg. The rocket, which was entirely unguided, lifted off smoothly, quickly disappearing into the clouds. RHUMI 1 is powered by a hybrid fuel system, using a combination of waxes and nitrous oxide as the oxidizer, which is necessary for combustion.
The rocket generated an initial thrust of 2,500 newtons. While its nose cone is designed to detach and be discarded once the payload is released, the rest of the rocket is fully reusable. After completing its mission, the rocket’s remaining parts are expected to descend safely into the sea with the aid of a parachute.
RHUMI 1 carried three Cube satellites onboard, designed to monitor and gather data on various atmospheric conditions, such as cosmic radiation intensity, UV radiation levels, and air quality. Additionally, the rocket deployed 50 Pico satellites, each dedicated to studying different aspects of the atmosphere, including vibration, accelerometer readings, altitude, ozone levels, and the molecular bonding of fibers. This mission is expected to provide valuable insights into environmental dynamics.
