Gaganyaan Mission LIVE updates: ISRO's First Test Flight Lift-Off Successful, Module Splashes down Successfully and Recovered by Indian Navy

India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has embarked on an ambitious mission known as Gaganyaan. This mission aims to place humans in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 400 kilometers for a three-day mission, with a safe return to Earth scheduled for 2025. In order to ensure the safety of astronauts during their space journey, ISRO is conducting a series of tests, with the first test flight, Maiden Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), scheduled to take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Understanding Gaganyaan Mission

The primary goal of the Gaganyaan mission is to launch humans into space and establish a presence in LEO. The crew for this mission will be transported to the designated orbit using an LVM3 rocket, which consists of various stages, including solid, liquid, and cryogenic propulsion systems. The mission aims to gather valuable data and knowledge, paving the way for future space exploration and advancements in the field of astrophysics.

The Importance of the Abort Demo Test

One of the critical aspects of the Gaganyaan mission is the evaluation of the Crew Escape System (CES) through the abort demonstration test. This test is designed to assess the effectiveness of the crew escape system, ensuring the safe return of astronauts in the event of an emergency during the actual crew mission launch. The success of this test flight is crucial as it establishes the crew escape system's capability to bring astronauts safely back to Earth, marking a significant milestone in the qualification testing process and uncrewed mission phases.

The Crew Escape System

The Crew Escape System (CES) plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of astronauts during space missions. It comprises five quick-acting solid motors, each serving specific functions:

• Crew Escape System Jettisoning Motor (CJM)
• High-altitude Escape Motor (HEM)
• Low-altitude Escape Motor (LEM)
• Low-altitude Pitch Motor (LPM)
• High-altitude Pitch Motor (HPM)

These motors employ Penta Erythritol Dinitrate-based Composite Explosive Motor formulation to provide the necessary acceleration tailored to mission needs. The CES is designed to detach the crew module from the rocket in case of an emergency, enabling a controlled return to Earth.

Visuals from Sriharikota: A Display of Enthusiasm

As the Gaganyaan mission gains momentum, the excitement and anticipation surrounding it are evident in the visuals from Sriharikota. School students gather at the viewing gallery, showcasing their enthusiasm for the inaugural test flight. The support and interest from the public reflect the nation's commitment to advancing its space exploration capabilities.

The T1-D1 Test Vehicle

For the first test flight, ISRO has deployed a single-stage test vehicle called the T1-D1. This vehicle is powered by liquid propulsion and equipped with a modified VIKAS engine. It features the Crew Module (CM) and Crew Escape System (CES) mounted at its forward end. The T1-D1 test vehicle will capture flight data, enabling scientists to evaluate the performance of various systems onboard and gain valuable insights into the vehicle's capabilities.

The Abort Demo Test: What to Expect

During the abort demo test, the safety systems will disengage from the rocket at an altitude of approximately 17 kilometers. This will initiate a sequence of actions, including parachute deployment, to safely return the crew capsule to Earth. The capsule will make a controlled landing in the sea, approximately 10 kilometers from Sriharikota's coast. This test aims to replicate an abort scenario during the ascent, corresponding to Mach 1.2, as seen in the Gaganyaan mission. By testing the crew escape system's capability, ISRO aims to strengthen it in case of emergencies during the actual flight planned for 2025.

Building on Past Success: Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L1 Missions

ISRO has a track record of successful space missions, including the recent completion of the lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3. The landing of the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover near the South Pole marked a significant achievement. Additionally, the Aditya L1 mission, India's first solar observatory in space, is on its way to reach Lagrangian Point 1. These missions have laid the foundation for the Gaganyaan mission and have showcased India's capabilities in the field of space exploration.

The Road to Gaganyaan: Tests and Milestones

The Gaganyaan mission involves a series of tests and milestones before the manned mission planned for 2025. Over 100 tests, including 20 major tests, are scheduled, including three uncrewed HLVM3 missions. These tests will evaluate various subsystems, the crew escape system, and the characteristics of the crew module. Each test and milestone brings ISRO closer to achieving its goal of launching humans into space and establishing a strong presence in LEO.

Watching the First Flight Test

The first flight test exercise of the Gaganyaan mission will be live-streamed by ISRO on its official website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page. National broadcaster Doordarshan will also stream the event live on their channel. This ensures that people across the country can witness this historic moment and be part of India's journey into space.

Conclusion

The Gaganyaan mission represents India's ambitious foray into space exploration. With the aim of launching humans into space and establishing a presence in Low Earth Orbit, ISRO is conducting a series of tests to ensure the safety and success of the mission. The abort demo test, which evaluates the crew escape system, is a crucial milestone in this journey. As India continues to build on past successes and advances in its space capabilities, the Gaganyaan mission marks a significant leap forward in the nation's space exploration endeavors.