Gaganyaan
Prelims:
Science & Technology, Space Technology
Mains:
GS Paper III-Science & Technology, Technology
and Innovation
Current
relevance:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed three major qualification tests of critical Gaganyaan crew module systems.
At a glance:
Three Major System Tests:
1. Crew Module
Uprighting System (CMUS) Test:
It uses stored cold-gas inflation technology to restore the
crew module to an upright position after splashdown, ensuring astronaut safety
after landing.
2. Umbilical
Mechanism Separation Test:
The umbilical mechanism connects the crew module and service
module, demonstrated its clean separation and structural stability before
atmospheric re-entry.
3. Apex Cover
Separation Test:
The apex cover protects the parachute system during the
mission and separates just before parachute deployment to enable the
crew module to decelerate safely during descent.
About Gaganyaan:
1. It
is
India's first indigenous human spaceflight mission, developed by the
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
2. Aim: To
demonstrate India's capability to send humans into space and safely return them
to Earth.
3. It is
designed to place three Gaganyatris(astronauts) in Low Earth Orbit
(LEO), around 400 km above Earth, for a duration of up to three
days.
4. The
astronauts will return safely through atmospheric re-entry followed by
splashdown in the sea.
5. The mission
uses Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), India's heavy-lift launch vehicle.
6. Vyommitra: A female
humanoid robot, will fly on uncrewed test missions before the crewed
mission to validate spacecraft systems.
7. Programme
comprises both uncrewed test missions and a crewed mission.
8. India will become the fourth country, after the United States, Russia, and China, to independently develop and launch a human spaceflight mission.
Source: THE HINDU - https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-successfully-carries-out-tests-of-gaganyaan-crew-module-systems/article71214549.ece