Gaganyaan mission is India’s first manned space mission. Here are some key points about the mission:
1. Objective:
To demonstrate the capability to send humans to low Earth orbit (LEO) and bring them back safely.
2. Administered by:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
3. First Announcement:
The mission was first announced by the Prime Minister of India in 2018.
4. Crew:
The mission plans to send a three-member crew to space.
5. Duration:
The crew is expected to spend around 5 to 7 days in orbit.
6. Vehicle:
The crew will be launched aboard a GSLV Mk III rocket, which is currently the most powerful rocket in ISRO’s fleet.
7. Spacecraft:
The Gaganyaan spacecraft will have two main parts: an Orbital Module and a Service Module. The Orbital Module will house the astronauts.
8. Safety Measures:
The mission includes rigorous safety measures, including an escape system that can quickly pull the crew module away from the rocket in case of an emergency during the launch.
9. Training:
Indian Air Force pilots are being trained as the potential crew, with training sessions in India and abroad, including parabolic flights, centrifuge tests, and water survival training.
10. International Collaboration:
ISRO is collaborating with several international space agencies, such as NASA (USA) and Roscosmos (Russia), for training, safety protocols, and life support systems.
11. Indigenous Development:
A significant portion of the mission’s components and technologies are being developed indigenously, including the crew module, life support systems, and safety and rescue measures.
12. Pre-Mission Tests:
Before the actual manned mission, ISRO plans to conduct two unmanned Gaganyaan missions to test the systems and ensure the safety of the crew.
13. Launch Window:
The mission was initially targeted for 2022 to coincide with India’s 75th anniversary of independence, but has seen delays. The current timeline for launch has been adjusted accordingly.
Conclusion:
The Gaganyaan mission is a significant step for India’s space program, showcasing its growing capabilities in space exploration and technology. It not only marks India’s foray into manned space missions but also contributes to global space exploration efforts with its scientific experiments and research possibilities.