Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
In preparation for the highly anticipated Gaganyaan mission, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has released a video showcasing the training of potential astronauts. These IAF pilots are undergoing intensive mission-specific training in Bengaluru, including engineering, aero-medical, and survival courses. They've also completed a one-year training program in Russia. However, the identity of the astronauts is still confidential
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is entering a critical phase in its preparations for the Gaganyaan mission. The focus of attention now is the impending inflight abort test of the Crew Escape System (CES), a pivotal component ensuring astronaut safety during launch emergencies
The test is scheduled to take place by the end of this month. The CES is deemed the mission's lifeline, designed to rapidly separate the crew module from its launch vehicle in the event of an unforeseen emergency during the critical launch phase
This upcoming test, involving the test vehicle TV-D1, represents the first of four planned abort missions within the scope of the Gaganyaan program. The purpose of these missions is to rigorously evaluate the CES's performance under various challenging conditions, including high dynamic pressure and transonic conditions
In preparation for this crucial task, ISRO has meticulously crafted a single-stage rocket equipped with liquid propulsion, specifically designed for the CES test. The rocket has been developed to ensure precision and safety in simulating emergency scenarios during launch
Heading the preparations for this mission is the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), situated in Thiruvananthapuram, which serves as the lead centre for ISRO. According to VSSC Director S Unnikrishnan Nair, all vehicle systems required for the test have arrived at Sriharikota, the designated launch site, with final assembly procedures currently underway
One intriguing aspect brought up by Nair is the potential utilisation of the test vehicle for space tourism. This versatile rocket system has the capacity to carry a crew module to an altitude of 100 km and safely return it to Earth, hinting at possible future commercial applications
The Gaganyaan mission has set ambitious goals for India's space exploration endeavours. It aims to showcase India's capability to send a crew of two to three members into a circular orbit around Earth, approximately 400 km above the Earth's surface, for missions spanning one to three days
To facilitate the safe transport of astronauts, ISRO has reconfigured its heavy-lift launcher, the LVM3 rocket, to meet stringent human rating requirements. This modified launch vehicle, now known as Human Rated LVM3 (HLVM3), will be the chosen launch platform for the Gaganyaan mission. However, it's worth noting that the HLVM3 is not suited for conducting tests to validate the CES due to its high cost
As the Gaganyaan mission progresses, this critical CES test marks a significant step forward in India's pursuit of human spaceflight and underscores ISRO's commitment to ensuring the safety and success of its astronauts in this pioneering endeavour