ISRO Prepares for First Unmanned Gaganyaan Mission Launch

Why in the News?

ISRO is preparing for its first unmanned mission under the Gaganyaan program, scheduled later this year, following successful reusable launch vehicle tests and other major milestones.

About the ISRO’s Unmanned Mission Preparation:

  • ISRO is gearing up for its first unmanned mission under the Gaganyaan program, scheduled for later this year.
  • The orbital module for the mission is nearly complete and will soon be transported to Sriharikota for launch preparations.

Recent Successes and Testing

  • S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, highlighted the successful test of the reusable launch vehicle (RLV) named Pushpak in Chitradurga.
  • ISRO is now preparing to test the parachute system for the RLV and has already tested a reliable crew escape system.

Future Space Missions

  • ISRO plans to conduct three unmanned test flights before the final manned Gaganyaan mission.
  • Future projects include a space station targeted for 2035 and Chandrayaan 4, which will return lunar samples to Earth.

About Gaganyaan:

  • Mission: ISRO’s human spaceflight program.
  • Flights: Two unmanned and one manned mission.
  • Orbital Module: Three Indian astronauts (including one woman) in low-earth orbit (300-400 km) for 5-7 days.

Payloads:

  • Crew Module: Spacecraft carrying humans.
  • Service Module: Equipped with two liquid propellant engines, emergency escape, and mission abort systems.

Launch & Training:

  • Launch Vehicle: GSLV Mk III (LVM-3) for payload capability.
  • Training: In collaboration with Russia; includes Soyuz and Il-76 MDK aircraft

Significance:

  • Science & Technology: Enhances capabilities and inspires youth.
  • Industrial Growth: Boosts industrial and technological development.
  • International Collaboration: Focuses on regional needs and private sector involvement via IN-SPACe.

Other Upcoming Projects:

  • Chandrayaan-3: Planned moon mission.
  • Shukrayaan: Mission to Venus.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times