Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: HT
Context: The Prime Minister announced the names of the four astronauts undergoing training for India’s Gaganyaan mission during his visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.
- The astronauts are Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Subhanshu Shukla.
The PM also inaugurated three major space infrastructure projects of ISRO during his visit:
| Project | Description |
| PSLV Integration Facility (PIF) | Boosts frequency of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) launches from 6 to 15 per year |
| Caters to launches of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and other small launch vehicles designed by private space companies. | |
| PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle capable of launching satellites into Geosynchronous and Geostationary orbits | |
| SSLV is a 3-stage Launch Vehicle capable of launching satellites in low earth orbit at low cost | |
| Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and Stage Test facility | Enables the development of semi-cryogenic engines and stages, which will increase the payload capability of present launch vehicles. |
| Equipped with liquid Oxygen and kerosene supply systems to test engines up to 200 tons of thrust. | |
| Trisonic Wind Tunnel at VSSC | Used for aerodynamic testing for characterization of rockets and aircraft during flight in the atmospheric regime. |
| The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) is the leading centre of the ISRO, named after Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai, the pioneer of the Indian space program. The Virtual Launch Control Centre (VLCC) at VSSC plays a crucial role in overseeing launches, and conducting system checks remotely for optimal mission performance.
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About Gaganyaan Mission:
| Aspect | Description |
| About | The Gaganyaan mission is aimed at demonstrating ISRO’s human spaceflight capability by launching a human crew to an orbit of 400 km and safely bringing them back to Earth. |
| Launch Vehicle | The GSLV Mk III, also known as LVM-3, will serve as the launch vehicle for the Gaganyaan mission. It has been reconfigured to meet human safety standards and is now called Human-Rated LVM-3. |
| Astronaut Training | The astronauts selected for the Gaganyaan mission underwent training in Russia, where they will be acquainted with flying in weightless conditions. |
| Collaborative Endeavors | Various entities including the Indian Armed Forces, Defence Research Development Organization, Indian Meteorological Department, Indian maritime agencies, academic institutes, CSIR Labs, and industry partners are collaborating for the success of the Gaganyaan mission. |
| Aims & Objectives | The mission aims to demonstrate India’s capability to launch humans into low earth orbit and back safely, while also inspiring people to pursue careers in Science and Technology. |
| Integral Components of Spacecraft | The spacecraft comprises the Orbital Module (OM), Service Module (SM), and Crew Module (CM). The OM orbits the Earth and consists of advanced avionics systems. The SM supports the CM while in orbit, providing necessary systems and mechanisms. The CM provides a human-friendly environment in space. |
| Mission Stages and Milestones | The mission involves stages such as the Integrated AirDrop Test (IADT) to test the Parachute Deceleration System, the Pad Abort Test (PAT) to check the spacecraft’s launch abort system, the Crew Abort Test Mission to simulate abort conditions, and the manned flight where a human astronaut will be launched and safely brought back to Earth. |
| Vyomitra | Vyomitra, a humanoid robot, will be on board the second uncrewed Gaganyaan mission to perform microgravity experiments and monitor module parameters. It simulates human functions and can detect environmental changes within the cabin. |
| Manned Flight | The final phase of the mission involves launching a human astronaut into space and safely returning them to Earth through a soft landing in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Gujarat. This phase is the culmination of the mission, following rigorous testing and preparation stages. |
