ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission to Feature Humanoid Vyomitra in 2025

August 29, 2024

In 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to launch the Gaganyaan mission, featuring an uncrewed robot called Vyomitra. This robot, known as a half-humanoid, is designed to help with tasks in space.

What Are Humanoids?

Humanoids, or half-humanoids, are robots that look and move somewhat like humans. Vyomitra has arms, a face, and a neck that can move. These robots are mainly used to perform repetitive or dangerous tasks in space, protecting astronauts so they can focus on important scientific work.

Why Is ISRO Sending Vyomitra?

The Gaganyaan mission will test Vyomitra’s abilities as a technology prototype. Vyomitra will operate the controls, monitor systems inside the spacecraft, and communicate with mission control on Earth. This will help ISRO gather important information about how space travel affects humans.

How Is Vyomitra’s Skull Designed?

Vyomitra’s skull is made from a special lightweight aluminum alloy called AlSi10Mg. This material is strong, flexible, and can withstand heat and mechanical stress. The skull is about 200mm x 200mm in size and weighs only 800 grams, designed to endure the strong vibrations during a rocket launch.

How Was Vyomitra’s Skull Made?

The skull was created using Additive Manufacturing (AM), similar to 3D printing. This method allows for complex designs that reduce weight but maintain strength, which is very important for space missions. Low payload weight is crucial in space travel because heavier loads require more fuel and larger rockets. Using lightweight materials like AlSi10Mg makes the mission more efficient and cost-effective.

About ISRO

ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organisation, was founded in 1969. It launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975. ISRO developed the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), successfully launching over 300 foreign satellites. In 2014, ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) made India the first Asian country to reach Mars. ISRO also developed the NavIC system for regional satellite navigation. ISRO’s headquarters are in Bengaluru, and it operates from several centers across India.

What is Vyomitra?

Vyomitra is an AI-based humanoid developed by ISRO for space missions. It was first introduced in 2020. Vyomitra is designed to help astronauts by performing tasks and monitoring life systems. Its name means “space friend” in Sanskrit. Made with motors and sensors, Vyomitra can mimic human movements and gestures. It can conduct experiments and even simulate human emotions, helping prepare for future crewed missions to the moon and Mars.

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