First test flight of unmanned Gaganyaan crew module escape system on Oct 21

Chennai: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to demonstrate its first flight to test the maiden human space mission’s crew module escape system as part of Gaganyaan mission on October 21.

The unmanned test flight mission of the crew module escape system, using ISRO's heaviest rocket LVM3 will take place from the spaceport of Sriharikota and the preparatory works are underway, according to ISRO Chief S.Somanath.

Preparations for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), that would demonstrate the performance of the Crew Escape System, are on in full swing at the SDSC-SHAR Range.

"The first unmanned test mission TV-D1 will take place on October 21, which will be followed by three more test flights TV-D2, TV-D3 and TV-D4 to test the systems before the maiden human flight mission", he said.

Union Minister of State for Space, Science and Technology Jitendra Singh had earlier told reporters in New Delhi that the first of multiple test flights ahead of the Gaganyaan mission--India’s first manned mission to space-- will take place on October 21.

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Mission Gaganyaan:
ISRO to commence unmanned flight tests for the Gaganyaan mission.

Preparations for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), which demonstrates the performance of the Crew Escape System, are underway.https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH @indiannavy #Gaganyaan pic.twitter.com/XszSDEqs7w

— ISRO (@isro) October 7, 2023 >

The test is intended to test the ‘crew module ’ or the part of vehicle where the Indian astronauts will be housed.

The test involves launching the module to outer space and bringing it back to earth and recovering it after touchdown in the Bay of Bengal.

The Navy personnel have already started mock operations to recover the module, he said, adding, along with the crew module, there will also be a ‘crew escape’ system.

If the spacecraft while ascending into space faces a problem, this escape system is expected to separate and bring the crew safely back to sea from where they will be picked by the Navy personnel.

The Gaganyaan mission is expected to take place in the second quarter of next year.

ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission envisages launching a crew of two to three members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3-day mission and bringing them back safely to the earth by facilitating the landing in Indian sea waters.

The spacecraft mainly consists of Crew Module and Service Module. The CM structure simulates the shape and size of the actual Gaganyaan crew module.

The Integrated Air Drop Test will be performed using an Indian Air Force helicopter by taking the Crew Module structure to an altitude of 3.6 to 4 km to validate the deceleration system (parachute pyro’s) performance.

ISRO said the Gaganyaan mission project will be accomplished through an optimal strategy by considering inhouse expertise, experience of Indian industry, intellectual capabilities of Indian academia and research institutions along with cutting edge technologies available with international agencies.

The pre-requisites for Gaganyaan mission include development of many critical technologies including human rated launch vehicle for carrying crew safely to space, Life Support System to provide an earth like environment to crew in space, crew emergency escape provision and evolving crew management aspects for training, recovery and rehabilitation of crew.

It said various precursor missions are planned for demonstrating the Technology Preparedness Levels before carrying out the actual Human Space Flight mission.

These demonstrator missions include Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT), Pad Abort Test (PAT) and Test Vehicle (TV) flights. Safety and reliability of all systems will be proven in unmanned missions preceding manned mission.

LVM3 rocket--the well proven and reliable heavy lift launcher of ISRO, will be the launch vehicle for Gaganyaan mission. It consists of solid stage, liquid stage and cryogenic stage.

All systems in LVM3 launch vehicle are re-configured to meet human rating requirements and christened Human Rated LVM3. HLVM3 will be capable of launching the Orbital Module to an intended Low Earth Orbit of 400 km.

HLVM3 consists of Crew Escape System (CES) powered by a set of quick acting, high burn rate solid motors which ensures that Crew Module along with crew is taken to a safe distance in case of any emergency either at launch pad or during ascent phase. (UNI)