Sriharikota: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched unmanned flight tests for the ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission from Sriharikota on Saturday, October 21. This is the first of 20 big tests that ISRO has planned in order to meet the targets set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Mission Gaganyaan: TV-D1 Test Flight. The test flight can be watched LIVE from 0730 Hrs. IST on October 21, 2023 at isro.gov.in”, wrote ISRO on X.
The Gaganyaan mission is India’s first attempt at sending humans into space. It is a complex and challenging mission, and ISRO is leaving no stone unturned to ensure its success. The unmanned flight tests will be used to test the various systems and components of the Gaganyaan spacecraft and launch vehicle.
The first unmanned flight test, known as TV-D1, is scheduled to be launched on a GSLV Mk III rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The TV-D1 spacecraft will carry a dummy crew module and will be used to test the performance of the crew escape system.
The crew escape system is a critical safety system that is designed to protect the astronauts in case of an emergency during launch or ascent. The system consists of a launch abort module and a solid rocket motor. In case of an emergency, the launch abort module will be separated from the spacecraft and will carry the astronauts to safety.
The TV-D1 spacecraft will also be used to test the performance of other systems, such as the navigation and guidance system, the communication system, and the thermal control system.
The unmanned flight tests are a crucial part of the Gaganyaan mission. They will help ISRO to identify and fix any potential problems before the first crewed flight is launched.
The Gaganyaan mission is a prestigious project for India, and it is being closely watched by the world. A successful Gaganyaan mission will make India the fourth country in the world to send humans into space. It will also be a major boost for India’s space program.
The unmanned flight tests are significant for a number of reasons. First, they will help ISRO to test the performance of the various systems and components of the Gaganyaan spacecraft and launch vehicle. This is crucial for the safety and success of the mission.
Second, the unmanned flight tests will provide ISRO with valuable data that can be used to improve the design and performance of the Gaganyaan spacecraft. This will help to ensure that the spacecraft is ready for crewed flight.
Third, the unmanned flight tests will give ISRO a chance to practice and refine its launch and mission operations procedures. This will help to ensure that the crewed flight is launched and executed smoothly.