ISRO TARGETS DECEMBER FOR FIRST GAGANYAAN MISSION

Why in the news?

ISRO aims to launch the first unmanned Gaganyaan mission by December 2024. Key hardware integration and testing are ongoing, with recent success in a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle flight.

ISRO TARGETS DECEMBER FOR FIRST GAGANYAAN MISSION - UPSCsource:theeconomictimes

About the Mission Timeline and Status:

  • Launch Target: ISRO aims to launch the first Gaganyaan mission, named G1, by December 2024, as confirmed by ISRO Chairman S. Somanath.
  • Current Progress: Rocket hardware for the human space program has arrived at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The integration of the Crew Module is underway at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Trivandrum.
  • Components: The rocket stages, including the $200 stage and the Ll, C32 stage, are at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Crew Module integration and Crew Escape hardware preparation are in progress.

Developmental Flights and Achievements:

  • Recent Success: ISRO recently completed the third and final developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), which successfully placed the Earth Observation Satellite into orbit.
  • Testing and Integration: Full wiring and testing of the crew system are scheduled to be completed by November 2024. The entire system is expected to be assembled at the launch site by December.

Future Plans and Preparations:

  • Mission Details: The Gaganyaan mission will start with an unmanned flight. Preparations are on track to meet the December launch target.
  • Next Steps: Final integration and testing of all components will continue to ensure readiness for the mission’s launch.
Key Points: Gaganyaan Mission

About Gaganyaan:

  • ISRO’s ambitious human spaceflight program.
  • Includes three flights: two unmanned and one manned.
  • Orbital Module to carry three Indian astronauts, including a woman.
  • Mission will orbit Earth at 300-400 km altitude for 5-7 days.

Payloads:

  • Crew Module: Spacecraft for human occupants.
  • Service Module: Equipped with two liquid propellant engines.
  • Includes emergency escape and abort systems.

Launch Vehicle:

  • GSLV Mk III (LVM-3) will be used for its payload capacity.

Training in Russia:

  • Contract signed with Glavkosmos for astronaut training.
  • Includes Soyuz spacecraft systems and weightlessness training on Il-76MDK aircraft.

About the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV):

About:

  • Configuration: Three stages—three solid propulsion stages and a liquid propulsion Velocity Trimming Module (VTM).
  • Dimensions: 2m diameter, 34m length, 120 tonnes lift-off weight.
  • Capacity: Launches 500kg satellites into 500km planar orbit from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC).

Key Features:

  • Low Cost
  • Quick Turnaround Time
  • Flexible for Multiple Satellites
  • Feasible for Launch Demand
  • Minimal Infrastructure Needs

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/why-gaganyaan-matters-what-its-success-will-mean-for-indian-science/