The Indian Space Research Organization has achieved an important milestone in preparation for the Gaganyaan Mission. The organization has successfully completed the first integrated air drop test (IADT-01) of the parachute-based Mandan system. The main objective of this test was to certify the security systems required to bring astronauts back to Earth safely.
The successful test was conducted in association with the Indian Air Force, Defense Research and Development Organization, the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, which reflects a coordinated and multi-agency effort in India’s space program. ISRO announced this achievement through a post on X (East Twitter), which emphasized this joint effort.
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Gaganyaan Mission’s first unmanned flight in December
ISRO President V. Narayanan has confirmed that India’s first unmanned Gaganyaan Mission, named G1, will fly his test in December this year. The mission will carry a semi-human robot ‘Vyommitra’, which will imitate human-like activities in space. This flight will collect important data for future human missions.
Narayanan Has stated in a press conference that the preparations for the Gaganyaan Mission are moving very fast, with more than 80%, ie about 7,700 tests have already been completed. He hoped that the remaining 2,300 tests would be completed by March next year, so that the mission would be able to proceed according to its scheduled deadline.
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Detailed observation of progress in Gaganyaan Mission
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh gave a detailed description of the progress of the mission in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. He said that the development and grassroots testing of the Human-Retured Launch Vehicle (HLVM3) required for Gaganyaan has been completed successfully.
Other major achievements include:
Orbital modules: Development and testing of propulsion systems for crew modules and service modules.
Life Support System (ECLSS): Engineering model has been implemented so that life-friendly conditions can be ensured for the crew.
Crew Escape System (CES): 5 types of motors have been developed and they have been tested for the protection of astronauts.
Jitendra Singh further stated that several important infrastructure have been set up for the preparations for the mission, including arbitrary module preparation facility, Gaganyaan Control Center and Draw Training Facility. In addition, the recovery schemes required for the secure return of the crew have also been finalized.
What is a parachute-based retardation system?
The parachute-based retarding system is an important technique that is used to slow down its speed after entering the spacecraft. When the spacecraft returns to the Earth’s atmosphere, its speed is very fast. This system gradually reduces the speed of the spacecraft by opening a series of giant parachutes, so that it can safely land on the ground or water. For Gaganyaan, this system ensures that astronauts can return without any danger.