The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing the Gaganyaan mission, which is India’s ambitious human spaceflight program. The mission aims to send Indian astronauts (also known as vyomanauts) into space and establish India as one of the few countries capable of crewed space missions. Here’s everything you need to know about ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission:
1. Objective:
- The primary objective of the Gaganyaan mission is to demonstrate India’s capability to send humans into space, conduct scientific experiments in microgravity, and return them safely to Earth.
- The mission also aims to inspire and engage the Indian scientific and technological community, as well as the general public.
2. Crewed Spacecraft:
- ISRO is developing a crewed spacecraft for the mission, which will carry astronauts into space, support them during the mission, and return them to Earth. The spacecraft is designed to accommodate two or three astronauts.
3. Launch Vehicle:
- The Gaganyaan spacecraft will be launched into orbit atop ISRO’s GSLV Mk III launch vehicle, also known as LVM-3. This launch vehicle is capable of carrying the crewed spacecraft into low Earth orbit (LEO).
4. Astronaut Selection and Training:
- ISRO selected a group of Indian Air Force pilots for astronaut training. These vyomanauts underwent rigorous training in areas such as space physiology, survival training, and simulations.
- The training also involved international collaboration with space agencies like NASA and the Russian space agency Roscosmos.
5. Mission Phases:
- The Gaganyaan mission will consist of several phases, including launch, insertion into orbit, mission operations, experiments in microgravity, and re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
- The mission is planned to be relatively short in duration, with astronauts spending a few days in space.
6. Support Systems:
- Ground stations and mission control centers will play a crucial role in monitoring and managing the Gaganyaan mission, ensuring the safety and success of the astronauts.
- A recovery system will be in place to bring the crewed spacecraft safely back to Earth and retrieve the astronauts.
7. Timeline:
- The timeline for the Gaganyaan mission has evolved, with initial announcements aiming for a launch in the early 2020s. Delays and the COVID-19 pandemic have pushed the mission’s timeline further, with the most recent estimates suggesting a potential launch in the mid-2020s.
8. Collaboration:
- ISRO has explored opportunities for international collaboration in the Gaganyaan mission. Partnerships with other space agencies could provide valuable expertise and resources.
9. International Significance:
- The success of the Gaganyaan mission would make India the fourth country globally to send humans into space, after the United States, Russia, and China.
- It would signify India’s increasing prowess in space technology and human spaceflight capabilities.
The Gaganyaan mission represents a significant milestone in India’s space exploration efforts and is a testament to ISRO’s dedication to advancing space technology. It has generated excitement and interest not only in India but also worldwide, as it aims to expand human presence beyond Earth.