MEDIUM
LAUNCH

Vayuputra – ram bann 3 our 3to4 tonnes payload class launch vehicle in development. Reliable and cost-effective launch services for constellation deployment, cargo resupply, and interplanetary missions.

Operationally reusable rockets demand high-performance engines capable of deep throttling for soft landings. Built for multiple uses,Single-stage rocket powered by bajaranga bali boie-cryogenic engine. Unlike traditional rockets that launch from guide rails, ram bann will lift off vertically and follow a predetermined trajectory while performing a precisely orchestrated set of manoeuvres during flight.

Creating a Single-Stage-to-Orbit (SSTO) reusable launch vehicle (RLV)with a communication and control system is a challenging but exciting engineering task. Below is an overview of how you could conceptualize, design, and develop such a vehicle:

1.Conceptual Design

a.Define Mission Objectives

Payload: Determine the payload capacity (satellites, cargo).

Orbit: Decide the target orbit (Low Earth Orbit, Geostationary Transfer Orbit).

Reusability Goals: Specify how many times the vehicle should be reused 

b.Vehicle Configuration

Single-Stage Design:Incorporates all propulsion, fuel, payload, and avionics in one integrated body.

Reusability Features

Heat-resistant materials for atmospheric re-entry (e.g., ceramic tiles, heat shields).

Landing mechanisms (e.g., vertical landing with retro-propulsion or horizontal runway landing).

c.Materials and Structure

Use lightweight, high-strength materials like carbon composites and titanium alloys.

Design for modularity to allow easy maintenance and inspection after each flight.

2.Propulsion System

a.Engine Selection

Aerospike Engine:Maintains efficiency at varying altitudes, ideal for SSTO.

Full-flow staged combustion engines Provide high thrust-to-weight ratios 

Use high-performance cryogenic propellants like liquid oxygen (LOX)and liquid hydrogen (LH2)or kerosene.

b.Thrust Optimization

Optimize the engine for both atmospheric and vacuum operations.

Incorporate variable nozzles or advanced aerodynamics to reduce drag.

3.Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) System

a.Sensors and Hardware

Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU): Tracks acceleration and orientation.

GPS/INS Integration: Provides precise positioning and navigation.

Star Trackers: Ensure accurate orientation in space.

b.Flight Control Software

Develop autopilot systems for ascent, orbital insertion, and descent.

Include algorithms for:

Adaptive flight path optimization.

Real-time corrections for aerodynamic forces and engine performance.

c.Actuators Reaction Control System (RCS): For fine-tuned maneuvers in space.

Gimbaled Engines: To adjust thrust vector during ascent/descent.

4.Reusability Mechanisms 

a.Thermal Protection Use ablative or reusable heat shields for re-entry.Design heat-resistant coatings for exposed surfaces.

 b.Landing System

Vertical Landing Use retro-propulsion similar to SpaceX Falcon boosters.

Horizontal Landing:Include deployable wings or lifting bodies for runway landings.

c.Maintenance and Refurbishment

Incorporate easily replaceable parts and modular subsystems.

Minimize wear-and-tear by reducing re-entry heating and mechanical stress.

5.Communication and Control System

a.Real-Time Data Communication

Use secure, high-bandwidth communication links (S-band, X-band).

Equip the vehicle with redundant communication systems for continuous telemetry.

b.Ground Control Integration

Design a mission control center for monitoring and control.

Include uplink and downlink systems for software updates and telemetry during flight.

c.Autonomous Operations

Enable the vehicle to switch to autonomous mode in case of signal loss.

Use machine learning algorithms for anomaly detection and fault recovery.

6.Testing and Validation

a.Simulation and Modeling

Run Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations for aerodynamics.

Use simulation environments for GNC system testing.

b. Prototype Testing

Build scaled models for wind tunnel and propulsion tests.

Perform incremental testing, starting with suborbital flights.

 

c.Full-Scale Testing

Conduct fully integrated system tests with payload.

Test the reusability by simulating multiple missions.

7.Regulatory Compliance

Obtain licenses from space agencies like the FAA, ESA, or other relevant authorities.

Ensure compliance with space debris mitigation guidelines.

By integrating advanced propulsion, robust communication systems, and state of the art materials, you can build an SSTO reusable launch vehicle capable of reliable and cost-effective operations. Would you like detailed technical guidance on any specific subsystem