The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing the crew module recovery procedures for Gaganyaan, India's first crewed spaceflight mission. Engineers are validating a multi-stage deceleration system that combines atmospheric drag, sequential parachute deployment, and a sea splashdown near the Indian coast. The Indian Navy, which has been identified as the nodal agency for post-landing crew extraction, is coordinating with ISRO on recovery drills. The Gaganyaan programme aims to demonstrate India's capability to send a 3-member crew to a 400 km low Earth orbit for a three-day mission and bring them back safely, using the Human-rated LVM3 (HLVM3) launch vehicle. Key components of the crew module re-entry architecture include thermal protection tiles to withstand re-entry heat exceeding 1,500 degrees Celsius, a conical heat shield, drogue parachutes for initial deceleration at supersonic speeds, and pilot and main parachutes for final descent. The Crew Escape System, already successfully demonstrated in the TV-D1 test flight in 2023, will abort the mission in case of emergencies during launch. Before the crewed mission, ISRO plans to conduct uncrewed test flights carrying the humanoid robot Vyommitra. The Gaganyaan mission complements India's announcement of building the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) by 2035 and landing an Indian on the moon by 2040. The cargo variant of the Gaganyaan capsule may also serve future resupply missions to the planned space station. The programme represents a significant milestone in India's journey towards becoming a global space power.
ISRO Tests Gaganyaan Crew Module Re-entry and Recovery Systems
ISRO is preparing Gaganyaan crew module recovery systems involving atmospheric drag, parachute deployment, and sea splashdown. The Indian Navy is the nodal agency for post-landing crew extraction. Gaganyaan will send 3 crew to 400 km LEO on HLVM3 rocket, complementing India's 2035 space station and 2040 lunar mission plans.
Key facts
- ISRO validating Gaganyaan crew module re-entry and recovery system
- Multi-stage system with atmospheric drag, parachutes, and sea splashdown
- Indian Navy nodal agency for post-landing crew extraction
- Gaganyaan to send 3 astronauts to 400 km LEO using HLVM3 rocket
- Crew Escape System successfully demonstrated in TV-D1 test in 2023
- Complements plans for Bharatiya Antariksha Station 2035 and lunar landing 2040
PYQPrelims/PYQ angle
- RAS 2024 Indigenization in defence & space technologies — The 2024 RAS Mains question on indigenization of India's defence and space technologies directly maps to Gaganyaan as a flagship indigenous space capability.
Mains angle
Q: ISRO has been testing crew module re-entry and recovery systems for the Gaganyaan mission. Discuss the significance of Gaganyaan for India's space programme and examine its key technological components.
Answer (50 words):
Gaganyaan, India's first crewed spaceflight, will send a 3-member crew to 400 km low Earth orbit aboard the HLVM3 rocket. Key systems include thermal tiles withstanding 1,500°C, parachute deceleration, sea splashdown, and the Crew Escape System validated in 2023's TV-D1. It complements the 2035 Bharatiya Antariksha Station and 2040 lunar mission.
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Which agency has been designated as the nodal agency for post-landing crew extraction in the Gaganyaan mission?
The Indian Navy has been designated as the nodal agency responsible for post-landing crew extraction after the Gaganyaan crew module splashes down in the sea near the Indian coast. The Navy is conducting recovery drills in coordination with ISRO to ensure the safety of astronauts after re-entry.
Source: ISRO / PIB
Frequently asked questions
Which agency is responsible for post-landing crew extraction in the Gaganyaan mission?
The Indian Navy has been identified as the nodal agency for post-landing crew extraction after the Gaganyaan crew module splashes down near the Indian coast.
What launch vehicle is being used for Gaganyaan?
Gaganyaan will use the Human-rated LVM3 (HLVM3) launch vehicle, a modified version of the LVM3 rocket certified for human spaceflight.
What is the target orbit for Gaganyaan mission?
Gaganyaan aims to send a 3-member crew to a 400 km low Earth orbit for a three-day mission.
What is India's target for building its own space station?
India has announced plans to build the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) by 2035 and land an Indian on the moon by 2040.
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