MISSION RHUMI 1 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: A Tamil Nadu-based start-up has successfully launched India’s first reusable hybrid rocket, "RHUMI 1." This milestone marks a significant achievement in the country's space technology advancements.

Mission RHUMI 1:

• About: Rhumi-1 is India’s first reusable hybrid rocket on a mobile Launchpad aimed at advancing research on global warming and climate change.
• Partnership: It is an initiative of Space Zone India, a Tamil Nadu-based start-up, in collaboration with the Martin Group.
• Altitude Range: The rocket is designed to reach altitudes ranging from 1 km to 500 km.
• Dimensions: The rocket weighs 80 kilograms and stands 3.5 meters tall.
• Power System: Rhumi-1 is powered by a hybrid motor using a generic fuel and features an electrically triggered parachute deployer.
• Fuel Composition: The rocket combines the benefits of both liquid oxidizer and solid fuel propellant systems.
• Trajectory Adjustments: It has an adjustable launch angle that can be set between 0 and 120 degrees, allowing for precise trajectory adjustments.
• Payloads: Rhumi-1 carried 3 cube satellites to monitor and gather data on atmospheric conditions, including cosmic radiation intensity, UV radiation, and air quality.
• Additional Satellites: The rocket also deployed 50 Pico satellites to study various atmospheric factors, such as accelerometer readings, altitude, and ozone levels.