Dr. Belenso Yimchunger, a 22-year-old innovator from Nagaland, has emerged as a pivotal figure in ISRO's ambitious Pushpak project, earning accolades from ISRO Chairman S Somanath for his significant contribution to the project.
An alumnus of the National Institute of Technology in Nagaland and now a soil scientist at ISRO, Dr. Yimchunger and his team have successfully developed the Reusable Launch Vehicle – Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD), marking a milestone in ISRO's quest to create a fully reusable launch vehicle aimed at reducing space mission costs.
The RLV-TD, designed akin to an aircraft, integrates the complexities of a launch vehicle with the maneuverability of an airplane.
It serves as a test platform for advanced technologies including hypersonic flight, autonomous landing systems, and powered cruise flight, paving the way for India's first two-stage orbital launch vehicle.
Chairman S Somanath acknowledged Dr. Yimchunger and his team's efforts in a commendatory letter, stating, "Your dedication and innovative ideas have significantly propelled the advancement of this critical technology."
On June 23, 2024, Pushpak achieved a milestone by successfully completing its third and final Landing Experiment (LEX) test at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka.
Dr. Yimchunger's journey into scientific excellence began in Pungro, Nagaland, where his passion for science blossomed despite initial challenges.
He recounted his pursuit of education after Class 10, driven by his mother's health constraints, which kept him grounded in Pungro.
Undeterred by the absence of a science stream in Kiphire, he donned various school uniforms to glean knowledge from different institutions, a daring feat that led to his expulsion but displayed his relentless pursuit of knowledge.
Beyond his pioneering work at ISRO, Dr. Yimchunger captured attention in 2022 with homemade experiments shared on social media.
His 'Tiger' voice-activated light control system, conceived while he was an Arts student, presaged the functionality of contemporary smart home technologies, showcasing his innovative spirit despite lacking formal training in programming or electronics.
Further displaying his ingenuity, Dr. Yimchunger developed 'Lifi,' an audio transmission device employing solar panels and LED lights, illustrating his knack for leveraging simple materials for transformative innovation. Inspired by his cultural heritage, he named his creations after the Yimkhiung people, renowned as 'blood of tigers.'
His early forays into technology included a robotic hand showcased at a district science exhibition in 2018, underscoring his aptitude and determination.
After completing secondary education, Dr. Yimchunger honed practical skills as an assistant electrician at the Nagaland Tool Room and Training Centre in Dimapur before pursuing a diploma at the National Institute of Technology in Chumoukedima.
His appointment as a soil scientist under India's Science, Technology, and Innovation framework in 2023 marked a significant milestone.
During the same year, Dr. Yimchunger pioneered the 'Pungro Power Soil,' an innovative solution converting local soil into electricity. Motivated by a visit to a remote village where he witnessed energy shortages, he developed a device using basic materials and chemical treatments to enhance soil conductivity, providing essential power backup for up to 1.5 hours.
Beyond energy solutions, Dr. Yimchunger's initiatives encompass a rainwater filtration system and an electronic water level indicator aimed at enhancing safety and resource efficiency in his community.
Minister Jacob Zhimomi of Nagaland's Public Health Engineering Department lauded Dr. Yimchunger on social media, hailing him as an inspirational figure for young Nagas aspiring to contribute to India's technological prowess.
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