Gaganyaan (Prelims & Mains-Science & Technology)

Why in News?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) with the Navy successfully carried out the well deck trials, of the Gaganyaan missions’ crew module.

About Gaganyaan 

• Gaganyaan, a crewed spacecraft is being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). 
• Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching crew of 3 members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3 day mission and bringing them back safely to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.
• The first crewed flight is planned for 2026. India would become the fourth nation to launch its own crewed spacecraft, after the Soviet Union (later Russia), the United States, and China.
• Gaganyaan will consist of two parts, the crew module (CM) and the service module (SM), which together will form the orbital module. The CM will be shaped like a truncated cone and is designed to carry up to three astronauts. The CM will sit on top of the SM, which will contain the propulsion and power systems of the craft. Upon reentry, the CM will separate from the SM and splash down into the ocean.
• Gaganyaan will launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on top of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HRLV), a version of India’s most powerful rocket, the Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3) that has been modified for crewed spaceflight.

Launch Vehicle

Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) rocket – The well proven and reliable heavy lift launcher of ISRO, is identified as the launch vehicle for the Gaganyaan mission. It consists of solid stage, liquid stage and cryogenic stage. All systems in the 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 a Crew Escape System (CES) powered by a set of quick acting, high burn rate solid motors which ensures that Crew Module along with the crew, is taken to a safe distance in case of any emergency either at the launch pad or during the ascent phase.