‘90% of Gaganyaan development work done’, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced that approximately 90% of the development work for the Gaganyaan mission is complete.
• The crewed Gaganyaan mission to launch Indian astronauts into space is targeted for 2027.
• ISRO plans to undertake three uncrewed missions prior to the crewed launch.
• The first uncrewed mission, featuring the humanoid Vyomitra, is expected to occur by the end of this year.

Detailed Insights:

• The Gaganyaan mission requires significant technological advancements, including a human-rated rocket, life support systems, and a crew escape system.
• Vyomitra is a female-presenting spacefaring humanoid robot developed by ISRO to function on the uncrewed test flights for the Gaganyaan mission.
• The Gaganyaan project aims to demonstrate indigenous capability to undertake human spaceflight missions to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
• Successfully launching the Gaganyaan mission will place India among the nations with human spaceflight capabilities.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Human-rated rocket: A launch vehicle certified to safely carry humans into space, incorporating redundant safety systems.
• Life support system: Equipment that allows a crew to survive in space, providing air, water, food, waste disposal, and temperature regulation.
• Crew escape system: A mechanism for astronauts to quickly evacuate the spacecraft in case of emergency during launch or ascent.