Exploring Gaganyaan: India’s First Venture into Space Exploration

Introduction

In a momentous announcement during the Independence Day address, the Prime Minister of India disclosed plans that would propel the nation into a select league of space explorers. The proclamation outlined India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, setting the stage for an Indian astronaut to venture into space by 2022, coinciding with the celebration of India’s 75th year of independence. This mission, if successful, will elevate India to the ranks of the United States, Russia, and China as the fourth nation to achieve human spaceflight.

Historical Perspective

India’s journey into space exploration began in 1984 when Wing Commander (retd.) Rakesh Sharma became the nation’s first astronaut, orbiting the Earth as part of a Soviet mission. Fast forward to July 2018, and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted a critical experiment – the Pad Abort Test. This test focused on emergency escape procedures for astronauts and demonstrated the safe recovery of the crew module in the event of any contingency at the launch pad.

The Mission’s Blueprint

Heading the Gaganyaan project is R. Lalithambika, a specialist in advanced launcher technologies, who will serve as the Director of the Human Space Flight Project. The estimated cost of this monumental mission stands at Rs.9000 crore. The initial phase involves two unmanned flights and one human flight, utilizing cutting-edge Indian technology to position a crew of three into a low Earth orbit for a duration of 5-7 days.

This endeavor marks a departure from ISRO’s past missions, particularly the notable Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions to the Moon and Mars, respectively. The complexity and ambition of a manned mission necessitate unique capabilities, such as the ability to safely return the spacecraft to Earth post-flight. ISRO achieved a significant milestone in 2014 with the successful testing of the Crew module Atmospheric Reentry Experiment (CARE), showcasing the spacecraft’s safe return to Earth.

Technological Challenges and Solutions

Creating a spacecraft suitable for human habitation in space introduces a myriad of challenges. The Environmental Control & Life Support System (ECLSS) becomes paramount in ensuring that conditions within the crew module are conducive to human comfort. Additionally, the development of a launch vehicle capable of transporting heavy payloads into space is imperative.

The crew module, set to carry human occupants, is anticipated to surpass 5 to 6 tonnes in weight. While ISRO’s primary launch vehicle, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), served adequately for previous missions, it falls short of the payload capacity required for Gaganyaan. This necessitated the development of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III (GSLV Mk-III), designed to transport significantly heavier payloads deeper into space.

GSLV Mk-III: India’s Launch Vehicle Triumph

The GSLV Mk-III, conceived as a three-stage vehicle, features two Large Solid Boosters with solid propellant constituting the first stage. These boosters are affixed to the re-startable liquid stage, which, in turn, is followed by the Liquid Oxygen/Liquid Hydrogen cryogenic stage. A critical milestone was achieved in December 2014 when ISRO successfully tested GSLV Mk-III, subsequently renamed LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3).

The culmination of progress occurred in June 2017 with the successful launch of the first “developmental” flight of LVM-3, carrying the GSAT-19 satellite into space. LVM-3 is now designated as the launch vehicle for transporting the manned crew module into space. To refine cryogenic technology for launching progressively heavier payloads, numerous GSLV flights are scheduled in the coming years.

Future Prospects and Funding

The government’s commitment to the Gaganyaan mission is evident in its approval of funding for the next 10 flights of GSLV Mk-III, allocated an estimated cost of Rs 4,338.2 crore in June 2018. This funding ensures the continuity of GSLV Mk-III missions until 2024, emphasizing India’s dedication to advancing space exploration.

Gaganyaan vs. Rakesh Sharma’s Mission

Rakesh Sharma made history as the first Indian citizen in outer space, albeit as part of a Russian mission. Gaganyaan represents a pivotal shift as a completely indigenous mission. The selected four air force pilots will etch their names in history as the first Indians to venture into space under the banner of an Indian mission.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gaganyaan stands as a testament to India’s progress in space exploration and technology. The mission encapsulates a convergence of scientific, technological, and human achievements, with potential ramifications beyond our planet. As India gears up for this unprecedented venture into the cosmos, the world watches, eager to witness the realization of a vision that transcends borders and reaches for the stars.

FAQs