INTRODUCTION ABOUT INDIAN 'GAGANYAAN MISSION'

The Gaganyaan program envisages undertaking a demonstration of human spaceflight into low earth orbit. The mission involves launching a crew consisting of three members in low earth orbit for approximately three days and bringing them back safely by landing in Indian Sea waters. As part of the mission, two unmanned and one manned missions are approved by the government of India. The total cost of the Gaganyaan Mission is approximately 9023.00 crores.

Gaganyaan spacecraft consists of crew modules to carry humans and the other one is a service module propelled by two liquid propelled engines. GSLV mark III also konown as Launch Vehicle Mark (LVM) III rocket launcher is used to launch Gaganyaan for its necessary payload capabilities. LVM is well proven and a reliable heavy lift launcher for ISRO. All LMV systems are reconfigured to meet human ratings requirements. It is capable of orbital Module to an intended Low Earth Orbit of 400 km.

Human safety is the first priority in this mission Gaganyaan in order to achieve its at most safety various new technologies comprising of engineering systems and human centric systems are being developed and realized.

A crew training facility has been commissioned in Bengaluru which involves Classroom training, Physical Fitness training, Simulator training and Flight suit training. The training covers various courses like academic courses, Gaganyaan Flight Systems, Micro-gravity familiarization through Parabolic Flights, Aero-medical training, Recovery & Survival training, mastering of Flight Procedures and training on Crew Training Simulators. Aero medical training, periodical flying practice and yoga are also included as part of the training.

Some of the benefits of the Gaganyaan programme include progress towards a sustained and affordable human and robotic program to explore the solar system and beyond. ample scope for employment generation and human resource development in advanced science and R&D activities. After the successful completion of the Gaganyaan program, the next step will focus on achieving the capability for a sustained human presence in space. The government is encouraging the private sector and start-ups for various Gaganyaan activities such as hardware realization, components supply, health monitoring devices, Virtual reality simulators, etc.