The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is on a quest to enhance its capabilities and achieve significant milestones in space exploration. Recently, they conducted the first in a series of system and procedure tests labeled as Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1). The ultimate goal is to fulfill the objectives of the Gaganyaan Mission, India’s ambitious human space flight program, by 2025.
Understanding the TV-D1 Test
TV-D1 is designed to test the performance of the Crew Escape System (CES) of the Gaganyaan project. Serving as the first of two abort missions, it aims to test safety mechanisms that would enable the Gaganyaan crew to evacuate the spacecraft during emergencies. The test vehicle for this mission is a single-stage liquid rocket carrying payloads including the Crew Module (CM), CES, CM fairing (CMF), and Interface Adapters.
The test involves the rocket ascending nearly 17 kilometers before an abort signal precipitates the separation of the crew module. This module will descend via parachute for a splashdown in the Bay of Bengal. The test vehicle will reach a peak relative velocity of 363 meters/second (around 1307 km/hr) during the flight while the crew module remains vacant for the test.
Features and Advantages of the New Test Vehicle for TV-D1
ISRO has developed a low-cost test vehicle specifically for the TV-D1 mission. This Test Vehicle incorporates existing liquid propulsion technology and includes innovative features like the throttleable and restartable L110 Vikas engine. This engine forms a crucial part of the LVM3 rocket’s second stage and offers enhanced control over propellant usage.
The Test Vehicle presents a cost-effective alternative to previous GSLV Mk III rockets used for crew module test flights. Furthermore, it serves as a platform for testing and developing numerous space technologies, including Scramjet engine technology for reusable space launch vehicles.
Importance of the Crew Escape System in ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission
ISRO places great importance on crew safety in the Gaganyaan project. The crew module must be able to endure high heat and pressure conditions and have a reliable escape system for emergencies. To achieve this, ISRO is developing life support systems and an integrated health management system to detect issues that could put astronauts at risk and initiate mission aborts.
During the TV-D1 flight, the Crew Escape System separates from the Test Vehicle at approximately 11.7 km altitude. About 90 seconds later, the crew module detaches, deploys parachutes, and gradually descends over seven minutes. The Indian Navy will then recover the crew module from the Bay of Bengal, signifying a key step in the Gaganyaan program’s progression.
Current Status and Future Prospects of the Gaganyaan Mission
The Gaganyaan mission is currently slated for 2024 or later, with safety prioritized over speed. An unmanned mission is planned for early next year, followed by abort missions within the same year. Depending upon various scenarios, the manned mission is expected by late 2024 or early 2025.
ISRO has already achieved human rating for critical rocket components, and the design of the Crew Escape System is essential to ensure a fail-safe mechanism for astronauts. The path to India’s own space station is challenging yet exciting, promising significant benefits to our space programme.