In a landmark achievement, India launched its first reusable hybrid rocket, 'RHUMI-1,' from Thiruvidandhai in Chennai on August 24, 2024.

The rocket was developed by Space Zone India, a start-up based in Tamil Nadu, in collaboration with Martin Group.

RHUMI-1, which was deployed using a mobile launcher, carried three Cube Satellites and fifty PICO Satellites into a suborbital trajectory. These satellites will gather critical data for research on global warming and climate change, reported NDTV.

The rocket features a generic-fuel-based hybrid motor and an electrically triggered parachute deployer, making it entirely free of pyrotechnics and TNT.

The RHUMI mission is led by Anand Megalingam, founder of Space Zone India, under the guidance of Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, former Director of the ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC).

The RHUMI-1 rocket integrates the benefits of both liquid and solid fuel propellant systems, aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Space Zone India, headquartered in Chennai, is an aerospace technology company committed to providing affordable, long-term solutions in the space industry.

The company also offers hands-on training in aerodynamic principles, satellite technology, drone technology, and rocket technology.

It works with private institutions, engineering colleges, arts and science colleges, as well as private and government schools, to raise awareness of career opportunities in the space sector.

In 2023, Space Zone India conducted the 'Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Students Satellite Launch' mission, involving over 2,500 students from government, tribal, and public schools across India. These students played a key role in designing and constructing a student satellite launch vehicle capable of carrying a payload of 150 Pico satellite research experiment cubes.

Watch the launch here

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