ISRO Begins Testing for Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Program

October 23, 2023

Less than two months after the successful Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is embarking on a crucial series of tests as part of the preparations for launching Indian astronauts into space, possibly in 2025. These tests will evaluate systems and procedures vital for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.

Key Test Details

The test involves a rocket ascending to an altitude of approximately 17 kilometers before an abort signal is triggered.
Upon the abort signal, the crew module will separate from the rocket and descend to a splashdown in the Bay of Bengal using parachutes.
The entire test mission will last for 532 seconds, from liftoff to splashdown.
The rocket, called the Test Vehicle-Demonstration 1 (TV-D1), will reach a peak relative velocity of 363 meters per second during the flight.
Importantly, the crew module for this test will be empty.

Purpose of the Test

The TV-D1 flight aims to demonstrate the functionality of the new Test Vehicle and a basic version of the crew module.
Specifically, the test will assess the systems for separating the crew module from the rocket during a mid-flight emergency (abort mission) and the safe escape of astronauts.

The New Test Vehicle

ISRO has developed the low-cost Test Vehicle specifically for these system tests.
This Test Vehicle uses existing liquid propulsion technology and features innovations, including a throttleable and restartable L110 Vikas engine.
This engine can control propellant use efficiently, reducing costs compared to using the more expensive GSLV Mk III rocket for every test.
The Gaganyaan human spaceflight program has a budget of approximately Rs 9,000 crore.

Preparations for the Gaganyaan Mission

The timeline for the Gaganyaan mission is now set for 2024 or later, depending on the development stages and potential challenges.
ISRO has completed the human rating of the LVM 3 rocket, which will be used for the Gaganyaan mission.
Training for four astronauts from the Indian Air Force has commenced in Russia.
Several critical tests and milestones remain before the final mission, including unmanned missions and qualification tests.

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