The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently announced the introduction of their first ‘woman’ astronaut, Vyom Mitra. The half-humanoid will take part in the first test flight of ISRO’s ambitious human space mission, Gaganyaan. This robot will simulate human requirements in space before real astronauts take off before August 2022. The humanoid has been developed at the ISRO Inertial Systems Unit in Thiruvananthapuram and is integral to studying how astronauts respond when exposed to conditions outside Earth.
Vyom Mitra – The First Indian Half-Humanoid Astronaut
Vyom Mitra, which means ‘space friend’ in Sanskrit, is a half-humanoid. This means that the robot’s body design simulates the top half of the human form and stops at the torso, without legs. As an AI astronaut, Vyom Mitra’s role includes switching panel operations and performing Environment Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) functions by herself, thereby ensuring the viability and safety of the cabin and its inhabitants.
Advanced Interaction Skills
Along with the technical tasks, Vyom Mitra has been designed to have conversations with the astronauts, recognise them, and even solve their queries. This interactive feature enhances the capability of ISRO’s ‘woman’ astronaut to function more like a human counterpart during the space mission. She also has the ability to detect shifts in the cabin environment and give out warnings, providing an additional safety layer for the crew.
Preparatory Mission Before Real Astronauts
The humanoid is scheduled to embark on her space journey either towards the end of 2020 or at the beginning of 2021. By simulating the human functions that would be needed in space, she will provide invaluable input for the training of real astronauts. This pre-emptive approach is expected to help in ensuring that the astronauts are better prepared for the realities of a controlled zero-gravity environment when they undertake the mission before August 2022.
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Name of the Humanoid | Vyom Mitra |
| Meaning of Name | ‘Space Friend’ in Sanskrit |
| Developer | ISRO Inertial Systems Unit, Thiruvananthapuram |
| Mission Name | Gaganyaan |
| Scheduled Launch Period | End of 2020 or early 2021 |
The Making of Vyom Mitra
Vyom Mitra has been developed by ISRO’s Inertial Systems Unit, located at Thiruvananthapuram. The creation of this half-humanoid represents a significant stride forward for the Indian space research community. By leveraging advanced technology to simulate human functions in space and ensuring high levels of interaction, the ISRO team has set a new benchmark in the field of space exploration.
