Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) officials have revealed the identification of 48 backup sites globally for the safe landing of Gaganyaan crew and modules, ensuring astronaut safety.
Ideally, the mission module is slated to land in the Arabian Sea, where Indian agencies will be positioned for crew and module rescue, as per reports from Hindustan Times.
ISRO is emphasizing the importance of backup plans in mission scenarios, especially in human spaceflight, ensuring contingency for any deviation from the main plan to safeguard crew safety.
Backup locations are crucial, given the potential for even minor variations in the mission trajectory, which could result in the capsule landing far from the intended point.
Initially considering two landing spots in Indian waters, ISRO opted for the Arabian Sea over the Bay of Bengal due to concerns regarding the latter's roughness and unpredictability.
ISRO officials reported satisfactory progress in the Gaganyaan mission, expressing confidence in conducting at least one uncrewed mission before the final manned mission.
ISRO plans several rounds of rigorous testing to ensure the proper functioning of all systems, ensuring the module's safety for crew departure and return.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced the selection of four astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission, currently undergoing training at Bengaluru's Astronaut Training Facility.
Gaganyaan aims to launch a crew of astronauts into low Earth orbit, positioning India as the fourth nation globally to achieve this feat, highlighting advanced spacecraft technology to ensure mission safety and success.