The recent announcement by the Union Minister of Science and Technology puts the spotlight on Gaganyaan, India’s ambitious spaceflight mission. The minister revealed that the launch of Gaganyaan’s human spaceflight module will be carried out after the second unmanned mission slated for 2022-23. However, the first unmanned mission has been pushed back due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Gaganyaan Mission: An Overview
Gaganyaan is an initiative helmed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The program was initially intended to launch a crew of three members into space for a period of five to seven days by 2022 as India celebrates 75 years of independence. However, this timeline is now uncertain due to Covid-induced delays.
Flight Itinerary Under the Gaganyaan Schedule
Following the original plan, three flights will be launched into orbit under the Gaganyaan mission – two unmanned flights and one manned flight. The manned orbital module, also known as the Gaganyaan system module, will host three astronauts, including a woman. This module will orbit the Earth at a low-earth-orbit approximately 300-400 km from the Earth for 5-7 days.
Composition of Payloads in the Gaganyaan Mission
Every component of the Gaganyaan mission is crucial. The payload will contain two key modules: The Crew Module, designed to carry human life to space, and the Service Module, powered by two liquid propellant engines. The latter will be equipped with emergency escape and emergency mission abort capabilities.
Launch Aspects of Gaganyaan
GSLV Mk III, otherwise recognized as LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), will be used for launching Gaganyaan. This vehicle has been selected for its exceptional payload capability.
Astronaut Training in Russia
In 2019, ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre partnered with Glavkosmos, a Russian government-owned entity, for astronaut training. The agreed-upon program includes the selection of candidates, their medical examination, and space training. This curriculum will provide a comprehensive study of the Soyuz manned spaceship system and offer experience in short-term weightlessness mode aboard the Il-76MDK aircraft.
Gaganyaan: Significance and Benefits
The Gaganyaan mission has far-reaching implications. It is expected to enhance science and technology levels within the country and inspire the younger generation. Various agencies, laboratories, disciplines, industries, and departments will be involved in executing the mission, consequently driving industrial growth. The mission will also foster technological development for societal benefits and improve international collaboration.
What’s Next for ISRO?
Following Gaganyaan, ISRO has lined up other significant missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Shukrayaan. The former, a moon mission, is planned for launch in early 2021. Meanwhile, the latter represents ISRO’s plans for a mission to Venus. These endeavors underscore ISRO’s pursuit towards astronomical exploration and innovation.
