Gaganyaan Misson
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for a significant milestone as they prepare for the first of multiple test flights leading up to India’s maiden manned space mission, Gaganyaan. On October 21, ISRO will initiate this crucial mission, marking a historic step in India’s space exploration endeavors. The test will evaluate the “crew module,” the section of the spacecraft where Indian astronauts will reside.
This milestone test involves launching the crew module into outer space, followed by a journey back to Earth, culminating in a safe recovery after touchdown in the Bay of Bengal. ISRO has initiated mock operations, with the assistance of Navy personnel, to prepare for the module’s retrieval upon its return.
Ensuring Astronaut Safety
Crucially, the crew module will be equipped with a ‘crew escape’ system. This system’s purpose is to provide a secure means of separation and return to sea in case of any complications encountered by the spacecraft during its ascent into space. Once separated, the crew can be safely recovered from the sea, where Navy personnel will be ready for their rescue.
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The upcoming test, known as the Test Vehicle Abort Mission (TV-D1), will feature an unpressurized crew module that mimics the one intended for space deployment. ISRO has designed a single-stage liquid-fueled rocket for this abort mission. The payload will consist of the crew module and crew escape systems, simulating an abort condition during ascent, akin to conditions expected in the Gaganyaan mission.
#ISRO on July 14, 2021 has successfully conducted the hot test of the liquid propellant Vikas Engine for the core L110 liquid stage of the human rated GSLV MkIII vehicle, as part of engine qualification requirements for the #Gaganyaan Programme. pic.twitter.com/UMSKOnRhIr
— Gaganyaan (@Gaganyaan_Isro) July 14, 2021
During this test, the crew module and escape system will separate from the test vehicle. It would be at an altitude of approximately 17 kilometers. The crew escape system will autonomously execute the abort sequence. It involves parachute deployment leading to the safe landing of the crew module in the sea. This is approximately 10 kilometers from Sriharikota’s coast.
Preparing for Manned Missions
The success of this pivotal test serves as a precursor to India’s first unmanned Gaganyaan mission and eventually the manned mission to low Earth orbit. In the near future, ISRO is planning a test flight scheduled for next year. This flight will introduce “Vyommitra,” a female robot astronaut, in preparation for the forthcoming Gaganyaan mission.
The Gaganyaan mission is on track for execution in the latter half of the following year. Thus, it makes it a momentous leap in India’s space exploration journey.
Mission Gaganyaan:
— ISRO (@isro) October 7, 2023
ISRO to commence unmanned flight tests for the Gaganyaan mission.
Preparations for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), which demonstrates the performance of the Crew Escape System, are underway.https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH @indiannavy #Gaganyaan pic.twitter.com/XszSDEqs7w
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ISRO’s impending test flight on October 21 represents a significant stride toward India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission. This mission aims to propel Indian astronauts into outer space. It also solidifies India’s position in the realm of space exploration. As ISRO’s rigorous preparations continue, the world eagerly anticipates the success of the upcoming mission. The subsequent chapters in India’s space odyssey are awaited.
