ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission
The Gaganyaan mission is India’s first human spaceflight program, which aims to send three Indian astronauts to low Earth orbit for a duration of three days by 2025. The mission is part of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) vision to achieve self-reliance in space exploration and demonstrate India’s technological capabilities in this field.
The Gaganyaan mission has four main objectives:
To enhance the scientific and technological development of the country by conducting experiments in microgravity, life sciences, and other domains.
To inspire the young generation and foster a culture of innovation and curiosity among them.
To create opportunities for international collaboration and cooperation in space research and exploration.
To showcase India’s pride and prestige as a space-faring nation1.
The Gaganyaan mission consists of several phases and milestones, such as:
The development of the crew module, the service module, the launch vehicle, the crew escape system, the environmental control and life support system, the human rating of systems, and the ground infrastructure.
The selection and training of the astronauts, who will be from the Indian Air Force. Four astronauts have been shortlisted and are undergoing training in Russia.
The launch of two uncrewed test flights before the final crewed flight. The first test flight, called TV-D1 or Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1, was successfully conducted on October 21, 2023. It tested the crew escape system, which is designed to safely separate the crew module from the launch vehicle in case of any emergency345. The second test flight is planned for 2024.
The launch of the crewed flight, which will use the GSLV Mk III launch vehicle to carry the crew module and service module to an orbit of 400 km. The crew will perform various experiments and activities during their stay in orbit. They will also communicate with the ground stations and the public through live video feeds.
The re-entry and recovery of the crew module, which will use parachutes and retro rockets to slow down and land in the Arabian Sea. The crew will be retrieved by naval ships and helicopters.
Some of the challenges and opportunities that the Gaganyaan mission faces are:
The design and development of reliable and safe systems that can withstand the harsh environment of space and ensure the well-being of the crew.
The coordination and integration of various subsystems and agencies involved in the mission, such as ISRO, DRDO, HAL, IAF, academia, industry, etc..
The management of risks and uncertainties associated with human spaceflight, such as technical failures, human errors, health issues, psychological stress, etc.
The creation of public awareness and engagement about the mission and its benefits for the society.
The exploration of new avenues for scientific discovery and innovation in space-related fields.
Here are some unique facts about the ISRO Gaganyaan mission in 10 lines:
Gaganyaan is India’s first human spaceflight program that aims to send three Indian astronauts to low Earth orbit for a duration of three days by 2025.
The mission will make India the fourth country in the world to achieve the feat of sending humans to space, after Russia, USA and China.
The mission will also have a female astronaut as one of the crew members, making her the first Indian woman to go to space.
The mission will use a crew module that can accommodate three astronauts and a service module that will provide power, propulsion and life support systems.
The mission will use a GSLV Mk III launch vehicle, which is the heaviest rocket developed by ISRO and capable of carrying up to 10 tonnes of payload to low Earth orbit.
The mission will test various technologies and experiments related to microgravity, life sciences, astronomy, earth observation and communication.
The mission will also have a robotic arm that will enable the astronauts to manipulate external payloads and perform extravehicular activities1.
The mission will have a crew escape system that will ensure the safety of the astronauts in case of any emergency during the launch phase3. This system was successfully tested on October 21, 2023.
The mission will have a recovery module that will enable the safe landing of the crew module in the Arabian Sea with the help of parachutes and flotation devices.
The mission will have a ground segment that will provide tracking, telemetry, command and control services for the entire mission from launch to landing.
(FAQs) abou
(FAQs) about the Chandrayaan Gaganyaan mission:
What is the objective of the Chandrayaan Gaganyaan mission?
The objective of the Chandrayaan Gaganyaan mission is to demonstrate indigenous capability to undertake human space flight mission to low Earth orbit (LEO) and lunar exploration1.
How many flights are planned under the Chandrayaan Gaganyaan mission?
As part of this mission, two unmanned flights and one manned flight are approved by the Government of India (GoI)1. The first unmanned flight is scheduled for 2023, the second unmanned flight for 2024, and the manned flight for 2025.
What are the main components of the Chandrayaan Gaganyaan mission?
The Chandrayaan Gaganyaan mission consists of three main components: the Orbital Module (OM), the Service Module (SM), and the Launch Escape System (LES)1. The OM is the capsule that will carry the crew, the SM is the module that will provide power, propulsion, and life support systems, and the LES is the system that will ensure the safety of the crew in case of any emergency during launch1.
Who are the astronauts selected for the Chandrayaan Gaganyaan mission?
Four Indian Air Force pilots have been selected as potential astronauts for the Chandrayaan Gaganyaan mission. They are undergoing training in Russia since February 20202. Their names have not been disclosed yet2.
What are the scientific experiments planned for the Chandrayaan Gaganyaan mission?
The scientific experiments planned for the Chandrayaan Gaganyaan mission include studies on microgravity, human physiology, radiation, biology, and astronomy1. Some of these experiments will be conducted by the crew, while others will be carried out by automated payloads.
How long will the manned flight last and what will be its orbit?
The manned flight will last for about three days and will orbit at an altitude of about 400 km from the Earth’s surface1. The crew will perform various tasks and experiments during this period1.
How will the crew return to Earth after completing the mission?
The crew will return to Earth in a controlled manner using a series of parachutes and retro rockets. The OM will splash down in the Arabian Sea or Bay of Bengal, where it will be recovered by a naval team.
What are the challenges and risks involved in the Chandrayaan Gaganyaan mission?
The Chandrayaan Gaganyaan mission is a complex and challenging endeavour that involves various technical, operational, and environmental factors1. Some of the risks involved are launch failure, orbital debris, radiation exposure, human error, psychological stress, re-entry heating, landing accuracy, and post-landing recovery.
What are the benefits and outcomes expected from the Chandrayaan Gaganyaan mission?
The Chandrayaan Gaganyaan mission is expected to provide various benefits and outcomes such as enhancing national pride, inspiring young minds, developing human capital, fostering international cooperation, advancing scientific knowledge, promoting innovation, creating new opportunities, and addressing societal needs.
How much does the Chandrayaan Gaganyaan mission cost and who is funding it?
The Chandrayaan Gaganyaan mission has been developed at a cost of 90 billion rupees ($1.2 billion; £897 million)2. It is funded by the GoI through the Department of Space (DoS) and implemented by ISRO with support from various national agencies, industries, and academic institutions1.
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