ISRO Edges Closer to Historic Gaganyaan Launch
Milestone Achievements in Gaganyaan’s Journey
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) continues its ambitious journey to make India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, a reality. The recent “hot tests” conducted on the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) at ISRO’s Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu mark significant progress. These evaluations are vital to ensure the propulsion system’s impeccable performance during the mission.
Gaganyaan Mission:
Two more hot tests on the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System were conducted successfully at IPRC/ISRO on July 26, 2023.
Tests were conducted in pulsed and continuous modes necessary for the mission.
Three more hot tests are scheduled to demonstrate… pic.twitter.com/Vn7BrzbpHE
— ISRO (@isro) July 27, 2023
Gaganyaan Mission
Gaganyaan’s primary objective is to demonstrate India’s capability in human spaceflight by propelling a three-member crew 400km above Earth. These astronauts will remain in orbit for three days before making a safe return, landing in Indian territorial waters. ISRO’s vision and mission scope for this project underline the nation’s growing prowess in space technology.
Recent Tests
ISRO has informed that the two tests conducted are the second and third in the Service Module – System Demonstration model (SM-SDM) phase 2 series, with the inaugural test having occurred on July 19, 2023. The recent evaluations sought to refine and ascertain the propulsion system’s readiness for the pivotal Gaganyaan mission.
Test Objectives
During the initial test, lasting 723.6 seconds, the focus was on demonstrating the Orbital Module injection and calibrating the 100 Newton thrusters and Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engines. This step was critical to pinpoint and rectify any engines that might not be operational. Encouragingly, both the LAM engines and the reaction control system (RCS) Thrusters functioned as intended. In contrast, the subsequent test, which ran for 350 seconds, aimed at showcasing the circularisation of the Orbital Module to reach its final orbit. The intricate operation saw the LAM engines functioning continuously, while the RCS Thrusters operated in pulse mode.
Upcoming Hot Tests
ISRO has announced three subsequent hot tests, which are pivotal in demonstrating de-boosting requirements and preparing for unforeseen mission scenarios. These tests will be crucial in further validating the design and efficacy of the SMPS. Developed by the Liquid Propulsion System Centre in Bengaluru and Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, the SMPS stands as a testament to India’s technological advancements. As ISRO moves closer to the Gaganyaan launch, such tests play an instrumental role in ensuring that the mission’s objectives are achieved smoothly and safely, marking a historic moment for India in the realm of space exploration.
(Image Credit: ISRO)
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