Gaganyaan mission
CHENNAI, Mar 25:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today received the Crew Module structure simulated assembly for the Integrated Air-Drop Test (IADT) meant for validating the sequence and performance of parachute systems in the Gaganyaan mission.
The module was designed by Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), ISRO and the hardware has been realized by Shri Venkateswara Aerospace Private Limited, Hyderabad.
Mr Somanath S, Chairman, ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space, and senior officials of ISRO graced the occasion.
This un-pressurized single wall Crew Module structure simulates the shape and size of the actual Gaganyaan crew module.
Its structure accommodates major subsystems like parachute system, pyros, avionics, and buoyance augmentation system for IADT.
The IADT will be performed at SDSC-SHAR, using an Indian Air Force helicopter by taking the Crew module to an altitude of 3.6 to 4 km to validate the deceleration system (parachute & Pyro’s) performance, ISRO sources said.
ISRO said Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching crew of three members to an orbit of 400 km for a three-day mission and bring them back safely to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.
The project will be accomplished through an optimal strategy by considering inhouse expertise, experience of Indian industry, intellectual capabilities of Indian academia & research institutions along with cutting edge technologies available with international agencies.
The pre-requisites for Gaganyaan mission include development of many critical technologies including human rated launch vehicle for carrying crew safely to space, Life Support System to provide an earth like environment to crew in space, crew emergency escape provision and evolving crew management aspects for training, recovery and rehabilitation of crew.
Various precursor missions are planned for demonstrating the Technology Preparedness Levels before carrying out the actual Human Space Flight mission.
These demonstrator missions include Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT), Pad Abort Test (PAT) and Test Vehicle (TV) flights. Safety and reliability of all systems will be proven in unmanned missions preceding manned mission.
LVM3 rocket–the well proven and reliable heavy lift launcher of ISRO, is identified as the launch vehicle for Gaganyaan mission.
It consists of solid stage, liquid stage and cryogenic stage. All the systems in LVM3 launch vehicle are re-configured to meet human rating requirements and christened Human Rated LVM3.
HLVM3 will be capable of launching the Orbital Module to an intended Low Earth Orbit of 400 km.
HLVM3 consists of Crew Escape System (CES) powered by a set of quick acting, high burn rate solid motors which ensures that Crew Module along with crew is taken to a safe distance in case of any emergency either at launch pad or during ascent phase.
ISRO said the Orbital Module (OM) that will be Orbiting Earth comprises of Crew Module (CM) and Service Module (SM).
OM is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics systems with adequate redundancy considering human safety.
CM is the habitable space with Earth like environment in space for the crew. It is of double walled construction consisting of pressurized metallic Inner Structure and unpressurised External Structure with Thermal Protection System (TPS).
It houses the crew interfaces, human centric products, life support system, avionics and deceleration systems. It is also designed for re-entry to ensure safety of the crew during descent till touchdown.
SM will be used for providing necessary support to CM while in orbit. It is an unpressurized structure containing thermal system, propulsion system, power systems, avionics systems and deployment mechanisms.
On the new technologies being developed for Gaganyaan, the Space Agency said Human safety is of paramount importance in Gaganyaan mission.
In order to ensure the same, various new technologies comprising of Engineering systems and Human centric systems are being developed and realised.
It said Astronaut Training Facility established in Bengaluru caters to Classroom training, Physical Fitness training, Simulator training and Flight suit training. (UNI)
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