RLV-ORV

Mission Profile

RLV-ORV (Reusable Launch Vehicle - Orbital Return Vehicle) is ISRO's planned second-generation reusable spaceplane, building on the technology demonstrated by the RLV-TD (Technology Demonstrator) which conducted atmospheric reentry tests from 2016 to 2023. The ORV is designed to conduct autonomous orbital missions, reenter the atmosphere, and land on a conventional runway, serving as a precursor to a fully reusable Indian orbital vehicle. Planned for launch aboard a GSLV Mark II, the ORV program aims to demonstrate the complete cycle of reusable spaceflight operations including orbital insertion, deorbit, reentry, and runway recovery. India's investment in reusable spaceplane technology positions ISRO for a significant evolution beyond its current expendable launch vehicle fleet.