Space Zone India launched “Mission RHUMI-2024” for climate research

On August 24, 2024, the world witnessed a momentous event in the peaceful coastal village of Thiruvadanthai, Tamil Nadu's Chengalpattu district. RHUMI-2024, Space Zone India's newest mission, marked the first mobile launch of a hybrid rocket carrying 3 Cube Satellites and 50 PICO Satellites at a maximum altitude from the mean sea level. 

These satellites are designed to collect global warming and climate change data for research purposes. This ground-breaking initiative, which followed last year's successful hybrid rocket launch, represented an enhanced version of the technology with the goal of furthering India's space capabilities.

Under the guidance of Dr Anand Megalingam, the founder and CEO of Space Zone India, and Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, the Moon Man of India and former director of ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), Mission RHUMI became the first mobile hybrid rocket launch in history.

RHUMI-2024's mobile launch platform was a marvel of invention, designed to overcome the limitations of standard fixed launch pads. This platform, housed in a container that opened horizontally, featured a hydraulic system that could modify the rocket's angle from zero to 120 degrees before ignition. This unique design not only made assembly and transportation easier but also ensured precise satellite deployment.

The rocket's cost-effectiveness and environmental advantages are highlighted by its hybrid propulsion system, which blends liquid and solid propellants. Compared to its liquid and solid equivalents, it produces lower carbon emissions. 

Explaining further about the rocket mechanism, during the conversation with Startup Pedia, Anand adds, "The rocket uses a carefully thought-out parachute mechanism to guarantee a safe return to Earth as it rises into orbit and releases its payload of satellites."

The cost-effectiveness, safety, and environmental friendliness of hybrid rockets are alluring. They significantly reduce the possibility of unintentional explosions by keeping oxidizers and propellants apart until ignition, which is safer than the dangerous, explosive nature of solid rockets and the intricate, dangerous plumbing of liquid rockets. 

Anand further mentioned, "In addition to improving safety and lowering pollution, hybrid rockets are around one-third less expensive than liquid propulsion systems."

The Backstory of RHUMI

For the past year and a half, the RHUMI-2024 team has been deeply involved in research and development, with a special emphasis on the mobile launcher and the enhanced RHUMI-1 rocket. This journey began last year with the successful launch of the RHUMI-H hybrid rocket. Building on their previous achievements, the team focused on improving the rocket's design and functionality. 

Manufacturing the rocket and its movable container platform was no easy task, with the rocket taking over six weeks to finish and the mobile component requiring an additional six months of manufacturing. Throughout the process, the team faced and conquered various technical hurdles, fine-tuning their design and materials to create a perfect end product. 

"Now, with a detailed critical design report and extensive testing under their belt, we have manufactured and launched the RHUMI-1, marking a significant milestone in our journey," shared Anand with Startup Pedia.

In the commercial and educational domains, RHUMI-H and RHUMI-1 rockets are creating waves. With 150 Pico satellites launched last year for educational reasons, RHUMI-H—a program designed especially for high school and college students—has received substantial uptake. 

As of this year, the reach has increased to include satellites from commercial and educational organizations, such as Graha Space and an edutech firm based in Dubai, using both RHUMI-H and RHUMI-1. With its expanded purpose, RHUMI-1 continues to be an educational tool while also providing support to satellite producers. 

Reliability and sustainability are ensured by the fact that each rocket, which is 5.5 meters long and weighs 85 kilograms, may be reused for up to eight launches.

Commercials

The commercialization of RHUMI-2024 is a well-planned initiative, indicating a large expenditure of approximately 4 crore INR in its development. 

"The project provides unique chances for satellite producers, with Space Zone India charging 2 lakh INR + GST for launching a Pico satellite and 5 lakh INR per kilogram for Cube satellites," explained Anand in a conversation with Startup Pedia. 

This pricing has already caught the interest of foreign and domestic partners, including Dubai's Editech for Space and Bangalore-based Brahaspace, co-founded by a former ISRO scientist. Space Zone India intends to launch five RHUMI-H rockets, each capable of carrying up to 150 Pico satellites, as well as five RHUMI-1 rockets. 

Understanding the Launch Process

The procedure of launching a rocket requires coordination and precision. The group first determined the launch coordinates, making sure that the precise latitude and longitude were shown. After providing all necessary information, such as the location, date, and time, they subsequently applied for permission from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in Delhi. 

The next stage was to acquire authorization from the Air Force after clearance was granted. They approached the Airport Authority of India for NOTAM certification, guaranteeing airspace safety, with approvals in hand from the Air Force and the DGCA. 

Launching the rocket wouldn't have been possible until all these procedures were completed, including last-minute verifications with area officials.

The Legend Behind RHUMI-2024

Established on December 1, 2021, Space Zone India is revolutionizing space technology by concentrating on both rocket development and innovative teaching. The Chennai-based business, which specializes in hybrid propulsion systems, combines the advantages of liquid and solid propellants to provide more economical and ecologically friendly launches. 

With its hydraulic system, their innovative mobile launch pad enables flexible and effective operations at multiple launch locations. With India's first hybrid rocket launch in 2023, Space Zone India achieved a noteworthy milestone.

Space Zone India has had incredible growth, going from a Rs 1 lakh investment to a present worth of Rs 800 crores. From 2020 to 2023, they made Rs 1.96 crore; in FY 2023–2024, they made Rs 2.35 crore, including Rs 2.48 crore in the first two months of 2024. With a total requirement of Rs 1400 crores over the next three years, the company hopes to raise Rs 50 crore for additional expansion.

The Chennai based startup is committed to education and offers aerodynamic workshops and satellite training programs in addition to rocket technology. Their facilities, which include 13 rocket manufacturing and testing labs and three satellite labs, are designed to improve students' hands-on learning. 

The company is positioned as a leader in economical satellite launches because of its competitive cost, which is approximately Rs 4.5 crores for each launch as opposed to the Rs 8–10 crores charged by other organizations. Their recent signing of an MOU to launch five cube satellites in 2026 highlights their increasing prominence in the space industry.

Vision 

The RHUMI-2024 mission is more than just a technological feat; it is a symbol of India's commitment to advancing space exploration while fostering educational opportunities for students nationwide.

In the closing remarks of the Startup Pedia conversation, Anand concludes, "We want our brand to be recognized globally and to ignite a passion for space technology among young students. Our goal is to make space technology accessible and affordable while fostering innovation and education."