CHENNAI: In a remarkable stride toward next-generation aerospace technology, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) have taken India a step closer to developing a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) powered by hybrid rocket thrusters.

In a sophisticated experiment combining a real-time hybrid rocket thruster with a virtual simulation, the team successfully achieved the necessary velocity for a soft landing, a critical capability for both terrestrial and planetary landings of manned and unmanned exploration modules.

Hybrid rocket thrusters, which blend the advantages of both solid and liquid propulsion systems, are known for their safety, simplicity, and controllability. The IIT Madras team explored their potential in

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