ISRO conducts test of key component for Gaganyaan mission, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the first ground test of the solid motor-based Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE).
• The test occurred on July 3 at the Static Test Facility at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
• SOLVE is a key component for Gaganyaan test missions, designed to validate the crew module's deceleration system.
• The solid stage of SOLVE is derived from the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) strap-on motor with specific modifications.

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Detailed Insights:

• The SOLVE platform will be used to carry the Gaganyaan crew module to altitudes between 10 km and 17 km for separation tests.
• During these tests, a series of 10 parachutes will be deployed to reduce the crew module's velocity before its splashdown in the sea.
• Modifications to the PSLV strap-on motor for SOLVE include the development of a slow burn rate propellant and a straight nozzle with secondary injection thrust vector control.
• The successful test provides ISRO with flexibility in conducting Gaganyaan test missions, simulating various conditions of the actual mission.
• Recent related activities for the Gaganyaan mission include the Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) and the Mission MITRA behavioral study conducted in Leh.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Gaganyaan Mission: India's first human spaceflight program aiming to send astronauts into low Earth orbit.
• ISRO: The primary space agency of India, responsible for space research and planetary exploration.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre: India's main spaceport for launching satellites and rockets, located in Sriharikota.
• Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV): An expendable medium-lift launch vehicle designed and operated by ISRO.
• Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE): A test platform developed by ISRO to validate the deceleration system of the Gaganyaan crew module.