GS Paper 3:
Topics Covered: Awareness in Space.
Context:
The static test of the human-rated solid rocket booster (HS200) for the Gaganyaan programme was recently completed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
What you need to know about the HS200?
- The booster engine is part of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MkIII (GSLV Mk III) rocket that will carry Indian astronauts to space.
- It is the world’s second largest operational booster using solid propellants.
About Gaganyaan:
- Formal announcement of the Gaganyaan programme was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address on August 15, 2018.
- The mission is expected to be launched in 2023.
Under the Gaganyaan schedule:
- Three flights will be sent into orbit.
- There will be two unmanned flights and one human spaceflight.
- The Orbital Module will have three Indian astronauts, including a woman. It will circle Earth at a low-earth-orbit at an altitude of 300-400 km from earth for 5-7 days.
With this launch, India will become the fourth nation in the world to launch a Human Spaceflight Mission after the USA, Russia and China.
Objectives:
The objective of the Gaganyaan programme is to demonstrate the capability to send humans to low earth orbit on board an Indian launch vehicle and bring them back to earth safely.
Preparation and launch:
- Four Indian astronaut-candidates have already undergone generic space flight training in Russia as part of the Gaganyaan programme.
- ISRO’s heavy-lift launcher GSLV Mk III has been identified for the mission.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- About Gaganyaan.
- Objectives.
- About GSLV.
Mains Link:
Why is Gaganyaan mission significant for India? Discuss.
Q.6) What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news? (UPSC 2016).
(a) Electric plane tested by NASA
(b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan
(c) Space observatory launched by China
(d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO
Sources: the Hindu.
