Post Name : Gaganyaan Mission – Details and Budget
Post Date : 22 February , 2024
Post Description : Gaganyaan Mission: In a significant leap towards India’s human spaceflight project, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a crucial milestone. The CE20 cryogenic engine of the LVM3 rocket, India’s largest and most powerful rocket, has successfully completed all ground qualification tests to be classified as human-rated.
Vacuum Ignition Test: Ensuring Safety for Astronauts
On February 13, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved in ensuring the safety of astronauts with the completion of the final round of ground qualification tests for the CE20 cryogenic engine at the High Altitude Test Facility, located within the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Odisha.
Simulating Space Conditions:
These tests, known as Vacuum Ignition Tests, play a crucial role in assessing the engine’s performance under conditions akin to space. By firing the rocket engine in a vacuum chamber, engineers can evaluate its behavior in environments devoid of atmospheric pressure. This simulation enables a comprehensive assessment of factors such as thrust, mixture ratio, and propellant tank pressure.
Next Steps for Gaganyaan Mission
With the successful qualification of the CE20 engine, the Gaganyaan program proceeds to the next phase, marked by the second Gaganyaan test development flight planned for the second quarter of 2024. This upcoming uncrewed mission will utilize a flight engine with a thrust capability ranging from 19 to 22 tonnes, powering the upper stage of LVM3.
Vyommitra Mission: Pioneering Humanoid Robotics in Space
In a groundbreaking development, ISRO is set to launch the humanoid robot Vyommitra into space in the third quarter of 2024, as announced by Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh. Vyommitra, a female humanoid robot, is equipped with the ability to monitor module parameters, issue alerts, and execute life support operations.
Mission Objectives:
- Uncrewed Flight Tests: Vyommitra’s mission is an integral part of the uncrewed flight tests conducted under ISRO’s Gaganyaan program.
- Humanoid Functionality: Vyommitra’s capability to simulate human functions in the space environment and interact with life support systems highlights significant advancements in space robotics technology.
- Enhanced Monitoring: With Vyommitra onboard, ISRO aims to enhance monitoring capabilities and ensure the seamless operation of critical systems during space missions.
The Vyommitra mission represents a significant leap forward in the field of space robotics, paving the way for future advancements and contributing to India’s endeavors in human spaceflight.
Gaganyaan Budget
On March 15, 2023, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that a budget of Rs. 9023 Crore had been allocated for the Gaganyaan mission. This significant financial allocation emphasizes the commitment of the Indian government towards achieving the objectives of the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space. The budget has covered various aspects of the mission, including research, development, testing, and the actual execution of the ambitious human spaceflight program
Conclusion: Gaganyaan Mission
As India prepares to venture into human spaceflight with the Gaganyaan mission, the successful qualification of the CE20 cryogenic engine and the introduction of Vyommitra mark key milestones. The nation’s space agency, ISRO, continues to demonstrate its prowess in space exploration, paving the way for a promising future in human spaceflight endeavors. Stay tuned for updates as India inches closer to its ambitious goal of sending astronauts into the cosmos.
