ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission: Launch Date, Cost, Astronauts And More

ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission: After scripting history last year through the success of Chandrayaan-3, ISRO is already preparing for its next big mission-Gaganyaan. All eyes will be on this mission this year, as ISRO chief Somnath has already declared 2024 as the ‘year for Gaganyaan’.

Gaganyaan, meaning "celestial vehicle" in Sanskrit, is India's first human space mission. It aims to send astronauts into low Earth orbit (LEO), approximately 400 kilometers above the Earth's surface.

Gaganyaan project envisages a demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of 3 members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3 days mission and bring them back safely to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters, according to ISRO.

From the cost of Gaganyaan to the launch date and Astronauts name take a look at FAQs or frequently asked questions on ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission:

When ISRO Gaganyaan will be launched?

The Gaganyaan Mission is India's first human space flight program for which extensive preparations are underway at various ISRO centres and is set to launch between 2024-25.

What is Gaganyaan Programme?

The Gaganyaan Programme envisages undertaking the demonstration of human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in the short-term and will lay the foundation for a sustained Indian human space exploration programme in the long run.?

What are the goals/objectives of Gaganyaan programme?

The objective of Gaganyaan programme is to demonstrate indigenous capability to undertake human space flight mission to LEO. As part of this programme, two unmanned missions and one manned mission are approved by Government of India (GoI).

What is the total cost of the Gaganyaan programme?

The total cost of Gaganyaan Programme is around Rs 9023.00 INR Crores.

Who are the 4 astronauts selected for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission?

The four astronauts selected for the Gaganyaan mission are Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla. All four individuals are test pilots affiliated with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and are stationed at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) in Bengaluru.

What is the purpose of uncrewed missions before crewed mission?

The uncrewed missions are for technology demonstration, safety and reliability verification and will be heavily instrumented to study the performance of systems before crewed flight.

What are the new technologies required for Gaganyaan programme?

The major new technologies required for Gaganyaan programme are as follows:

• Human rated launch vehicle
• Crew escape systems
• Habitable orbital module
• Life support system
• Crew selection and training and associated crew management activities

What are the likely benefits as a result of undertaking Gaganyaan programme?

• The Human spaceflight programme has both tangible and intangible benefitsfor the nation, which includes:
• Progress towards a sustained and affordable human and robotic programme to explore the solar system and beyond.
• Advanced technology capability for undertaking human space exploration, sample return missions and scientific exploration.
• Future capability to actively collaborate in global space station development & to carry out scientific experiments of interest to the nation.
• Create a broad frame work for wider Academia – Industry partnership in taking up development activities for national development.
• Ample scope for employment generation and human resource development in advanced science and R&D activities.
• Unique opportunity to inspire and excite Indian youth and steer many students toward careers in science and technology towards challenging jobs that encourage knowledge, innovation and creativity.
• The programme will strengthen international partnerships and global security through the sharing of challenging and peaceful goals. Having a vibrant human spaceflight programme can be leveraged as a potent foreign policy tool.

How ISRO is executing the Gaganyaan programme?

The Gaganyaan Programme is poised to be a significant national endeavor, with the coordination, systems engineering, and implementation led by ISRO. ISRO will spearhead the realization of the human-rated launch vehicle, crew escape system, Orbital module, and essential infrastructure, drawing upon its in-house expertise and involving collaboration with Industry, Academia, and National agencies.

Private players within the country have amassed substantial expertise in specific domains, and their capabilities will be effectively harnessed in various aspects of the Gaganyaan Programme. This collaborative approach aims to leverage a broad spectrum of knowledge and resources, ensuring the success and comprehensive development of the program.

What is the eligibility and selection criteria of astronauts selected for Gaganyaan Programme?

In the inaugural crewed mission of the Gaganyaan program, astronaut trainees are chosen from a pool of test pilots. The selection criteria are jointly defined by ISRO and the Indian Air Force, encompassing factors such as flying experience, fitness, psychological assessment, and aeromedical evaluation, which includes consideration of anthropometric parameters.

What is the purpose of uncrewed missions before crewed mission?

The purpose of uncrewed missions before crewed missions is to conduct technology demonstrations, verify safety and reliability, and heavily instrument the missions to study system performance. These uncrewed missions serve as crucial steps in assessing and ensuring the effectiveness and dependability of the systems before undertaking crewed flights.?

Which all Indian agencies are collaborating with ISRO in Gaganyaan Mission?

Major collaborating partners for Gaganyaan include

• Indian Armed Forces
• Defence Research Development organisation
• Indian maritime agencies - Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Shipping corporation of India, National institute of Oceanography, National Institute of Ocean Technology.
• Indian Meteorological Department
• CSIR Labs
• Academic institutes
• Industry partners

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