21 October 2023, Mumbai: The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) successfully completed the first test vehicle development flight (TV-D1) for India’s inaugural human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. The test initiated the Crew Escape System (CES) and crew module’s launch, reaching an altitude of 17 km before safely descending into the Bay of Bengal, approximately 10 km off the Sriharikota coast. Despite initial hiccups, this achievement marks a significant step towards India’s aspirations for human space exploration.
Initial Delays and Resolution
The launch was initially scheduled for 8 am but was delayed twice before liftoff. A technical anomaly surfaced, leading to a temporary suspension just five seconds before launch, which was swiftly addressed. Unfavorable weather conditions further pushed back the launch time from 8 am to 8.30 am and then to 8.45 am. However, the diligent efforts of the team led to a prompt resolution, rescheduling the launch for 10 am.
Successful Test Flight
The test vehicle development flight proved to be a success, validating the Crew Escape System’s functionality. The safe splashdown of the module was a significant accomplishment. Shiva Rajkumar, chief of Isro, expressed his satisfaction with the mission’s outcome, emphasizing the test’s purpose, which was to demonstrate the crew escape system for the Gaganyaan program.
Collaboration and Endorsement
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy have been actively collaborating with Isro for the ambitious Gaganyaan mission. The IAF expressed its anticipation for the Gaganyaan mission, assuring the public that the astronauts are in safe hands. Union home minister Amit Shah and Union minister of state for science & technology Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded Isro’s accomplishments, marking another successful stride in India’s space journey.
Significance and Upcoming Tests
The Gaganyaan TV-D1 test flight aims to evaluate the test vehicle’s subsystems, the crew escape systems, various separation systems, crew module characteristics, and the demonstration of deceleration systems at higher altitudes. The liquid-propelled single-stage test vehicle uses a modified VIKAS engine with a crew module and crew escape system mounted at its foreend.
The Navy will lead the recovery of the TV-D1 crew module
Located approximately 10 km from the Sriharikota coast. This recovery will involve navy ships positioning themselves at a safe distance in sea waters, deploying divers to attach a buoy, hoist the crew module using a ship crane, and bringing it ashore.
The Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human spaceflight endeavor, aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capability by sending a crew of three members into orbit at 400 km for a three-day mission before returning them safely. The preparation for the manned mission will involve several rounds of tests to ensure the safety of astronauts in space.
For the Gaganyaan mission, Isro must develop critical technologies
Including a human-rated launch vehicle, life support systems, crew emergency escape provisions, and crew management aspects for training and recovery. The next steps include a test flight with a robot named ‘Vyomitra,’ a humanoid astronaut, and an unmanned flight, potentially leading to a manned mission around 2025. The crew escape system comprises five types of quick-acting solid motors for jettisoning, high-altitude and low-altitude escapes, pitch mechanisms, generating the necessary acceleration to accommodate various mission requirements.
By Yashika Desai