Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) – Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) — Builders — IndiaBUILD

The registry · Builder record

Testing

Assessed stage · IndiaBUILD, from evidence

Testing

Claimed stage · the builder's own words

01

Capabilities attempted

00

Dated updates

Attempting

Highlight

Reusable thermal protection system

Demonstrated materials

Evidence

independently corroborable, distinct from claims

1 · [milestone] RLV-TD HEX flight test (May 2016): RLV prototype reached 65 km altitude; TPS tiles survived hypersonic reentry phase; validated aerodynamic and thermal characteristics.
2 · [milestone] RLV-ORV preparation (as of Nov 2025): Rigorous ground testing including plasma wind tunnel simulations at VSSC to replicate reentry heat loads and aerothermal stresses on scaled models.
3 · [milestone] RLV LEX missions (Apr 2023–Jun 2024): Three autonomous landing experiments validating guidance, brake parachutes, thermal protection design under suborbital conditions; Pushpak platform used for landing gear and TPS testing.
4 · [contract] RLV-ORV orbital mission scheduled within 2 years from Sep 2024 (target 2026–27); will carry 1.6× larger vehicle than LEX platforms; designed to evaluate thermal protection system and retractable landing gear in full orbital reentry corridor.

Dated updates

No updates recorded yet.