ISRO successfully carries out tests of Gaganyaan crew module systems
One of the tests involved separation of the ‘umbilical mechanism’ that serves as a link between the crew module, where astronauts live, and the service module that provides propulsion, says the agency
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Context
The () has successfully completed three critical tests on the systems of the crew module for the upcoming , India's first human spaceflight programme. These tests focused on ensuring crew safety during re-entry and splashdown, including demonstrating the uprighting system, the separation of the umbilical mechanism, and the structural integrity of the apex cover.
UPSC Perspectives
Science & Technology
The represents a significant leap in India's space capabilities, aiming to demonstrate human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of three 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 recent tests are crucial for validating the safety and functionality of the crew module (CM), the habitable spacecraft that will house the astronauts. The Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) ensures the module remains upright after splashing down in the ocean, a vital requirement for the astronauts' safety and subsequent recovery operations. This involves a complex pneumatic system using cold gas to inflate flotation devices. Furthermore, the successful separation tests of the umbilical mechanism (CSU-1 and CSU-2), which connects the CM to the service module (SM) (providing power and propulsion), are critical for a safe re-entry sequence. The SM must be jettisoned before the CM re-enters the Earth's atmosphere. Finally, the validation of the apex cover separation ensures the parachutes can deploy correctly to decelerate the module for a safe landing. These successful tests highlight 's meticulous approach to human-rating its systems, a rigorous process of certifying spacecraft and launch vehicles for crewed missions.
Strategic & International
A successful will elevate India to an elite group of nations capable of independent human spaceflight, joining the United States, Russia, and China. This achievement will significantly boost India's prestige and soft power globally, showcasing its advanced technological prowess. It also opens doors for future collaborative space exploration endeavors, such as participating in international space stations or lunar missions. Furthermore, the development of indigenous technologies for human spaceflight fosters a robust domestic aerospace ecosystem, driving innovation and potentially yielding commercial benefits in the burgeoning global space economy.
UPSC Exam Connection
For Prelims, candidates should be familiar with the specifics of the , including its objectives, the launch vehicle used (), and the key components like the crew module and service module. Understanding technical terms like splashdown, umbilical mechanism, and apex cover is essential. For Mains, the focus should be on the strategic and technological significance of the mission for India, its potential impact on the domestic space industry, and the challenges associated with human spaceflight, particularly concerning crew safety and life support systems. Questions could also explore the ethical and economic dimensions of investing in human space exploration.