What is the Gaganyaan mission?
The Gaganyaan mission represents India’s inaugural venture into human spaceflight, developed by ISRO. The objective is to transport a crew of 2 to 3 astronauts to a low-Earth orbit at an altitude of 400 km for a mission duration of three days, with the launch slated for early 2027.
What are the main phases of the Gaganyaan programme?
The mission will be executed in a series of stages:
- Uncrewed missions (G1, G2, G3) will commence in late 2025, aimed at testing safety systems.
- Crewed missions (H1 and H2) will start from 2027 onward.
- Future aspirations include establishing the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035 and sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
What kind of launch vehicle will be used?
ISRO plans to utilize the human-rated LVM3 rocket, which has been adapted from its existing heavy-lift launch vehicle, ensuring the safe transport of astronauts.
What is the significance of the 400 km orbit?
This low-Earth orbit is strategically chosen for several reasons:
- It is close enough to facilitate easy communication.
- It is sufficiently distant to allow for microgravity experiences.
- It provides a safe return option in the event of an emergency.
- It resembles the orbits utilized by the ISS.
What training do Gaganyaan astronauts undergo?
The selected astronauts from the Indian Air Force undergo comprehensive training that includes:
- Physical endurance tests
- Psychological evaluations
- Spaceflight simulations
- Emergency and survival training
What is the Axiom Mission 4 and how is it linked to Gaganyaan?
The Axiom Mission 4, scheduled for 2024, features Indian astronaut Shubhashnu Shukla traveling to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. This mission aims to provide invaluable real spaceflight experience in preparation for the upcoming Gaganyaan crewed mission.
What scientific challenges are involved in sending humans to space?
- Life support systems must be developed for maintaining oxygen, pressure, and temperature control.
- Radiation shielding is essential to protect astronauts from solar and cosmic rays.
- Microgravity effects need to be managed to prevent muscle and bone loss.
- Reentry dynamics must be carefully designed to ensure safe return at high temperatures and velocities.
How is the spacecraft being prepared?
All spacecraft modules—including the crew escape system, crew service module, and launch vehicle—are undergoing rigorous testing and integration processes to guarantee crew safety under all possible conditions.
How does Gaganyaan benefit India scientifically and strategically?
The Gaganyaan mission enhances India’s space research and development capabilities, inspires careers in STEM fields, promotes technological self-reliance, and positions India prominently in the realm of global human spaceflight, with ambitions to establish a space station by 2035.
Who are the four chosen astronauts?
The selected astronauts are Group Captains from the Indian Air Force:
- Shubhashnu Shukla
- Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair
- Ajit Krishnan
- Angad Pratap
“The sky is not the limit for those who dare to dream beyond Earth.”
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