---
title: "Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV-TD / Pushpak) — Definition"
description: "RLV-TD (Pushpak) is ISRO's winged reusable launch vehicle demonstrator tested via autonomous landings since 2016. Key GS3 space-tech topic for UPSC aspirants."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/reusable-launch-vehicle-pushpak"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- A Reusable Launch Vehicle is a space transport system whose stages return for refurbishment and re-flight; ISRO's RLV-TD, named Pushpak, is India's winged demonstrator.
- What is the difference between RLV-TD and the operational reusable vehicle ISRO plans to build?
- Why did ISRO choose a winged glider design rather than SpaceX-style propulsive vertical landing?
- What were the key milestones in the Pushpak / RLV-TD programme?
- How does the RLV programme relate to India's space commercialisation policy?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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## Timeline

1. 23 May 2016

   The first, the Hypersonic Flight Experiment (HEX) of , lofted the winged body to roughly 65 kilometres on a solid booster and validated re-entry aerothermody…

2. 2 April 2023

   LEX-01 was conducted on at the Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga, Karnataka, where the vehicle — then designated RLV LEX — executed India's first autonom…

3. 22 March 2024

   ISRO subsequently rebranded the demonstrator Pushpak and conducted LEX-02 on and LEX-03 on 7 June 2024 at the same facility, the latter two introducing more…

4. 7 June 2024

   ISRO subsequently rebranded the demonstrator Pushpak and conducted LEX-02 on 22 March 2024 and LEX-03 on at the same facility, the latter two introducing mo…

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Example

On 7 June 2024, ISRO conducted the LEX-03 mission at Chitradurga, Karnataka, where the Pushpak demonstrator executed an autonomous runway landing after release from a helicopter under challenging crosswind conditions.

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