Paper: GS-III, Subject: Science and Technology, Topic: Space Technology, Issue: Gaganyaan mission
Context:
The recent successful Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-1) conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as part of its preparations for the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human spaceflight program.
- The test involved dropping a dummy crew capsule from a helicopter to evaluate the performance of the parachute system designed for decelerating the capsule during its descent.
Key Highlights of the ISRO’s Air-Drop Test for Gaganyaan Mission:
- Successful Execution: ISRO successfully conducted the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-1) for the Gaganyaan mission.
Objective:
- The IADT-1 aimed to demonstrate the end-to-end functionality of the parachute-based deceleration system designed for the Gaganyaan crew module.
- Test Setup: A dummy crew capsule, weighing approximately 5 tones, was used for the test.
- The capsule was lifted and dropped from a Chinook helicopter.
- The test focused on evaluating the deployment and performance of the main parachutes.
Parachute System Functionality:
- The main parachutes are designed to open in a specific sequence.
- The purpose of the parachutes is to decelerate the capsule to a safe speed for splashdown.
Importance of the Test:
- The IADT is crucial for ensuring the reliability of the parachute system in real-world conditions.
- The parachute system is vital for safely decelerating the crew capsule during its descent after re-entry into the atmosphere.
| What is the Gaganyaan Mission? Gaganyaan mission is a space mission to demonstrate ISRO’s human spaceflight capability by launching a human crew to an orbit of 400 km and bringing them safely back to earth. Cost of the Gaganyaan Mission: The total cost of the Gaganyaan Programme is approximately Rs 9023 crore. Launch vehicle: GSLV Mk III, also known as LVM-3, will be used as a launch vehicle in Gaganyaan mission. After reconfiguring to meet human safety demand, it has been renamed as Human Rated LVM-3. Astronaut Training: The astronauts short-listed for Gaganyaan mission will be trained in Russia. They will be familiarized with flying in weightless condition during the course of training. |
Comprehensive Overview of Gaganyaan Mission Stages and Milestone:
Conclusion
- The successful Integrated Air Drop Test marks a crucial step toward India’s human spaceflight ambitions by rigorously testing the parachute deceleration system essential for astronaut safety.
- With major preparatory work already completed, and critical infrastructure in place, India is well-prepared for upcoming unmanned and eventual manned Gaganyaan missions, underscoring its emergence as a self-reliant space power.
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