<p>Surprise, Surprise! Malayalam actress Lena is married to Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair who was named in the crew of the first manned Indian space&nbsp;mission Gaganyaan on Tuesday (Feb 27). Lena revealed that she married the Air Force officer on January 17, 2024. It was a traditional ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The actress took to social media to make the big reveal. She wrote, "Today, 27 February 2024, our Prime Minister, Modi ji Awarded the First Indian Astronaut Wings to Indian Air Force Fighter Pilot, Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair. It is a historic moment of pride for our Country, our state of Kerala, and Me personally.”</p>

<p>She added, “In order to maintain the officially required confidentiality, I was waiting for this announcement to let you know that I got married to Prasanth on 17 January 2024 in a traditional ceremony through an arranged marriage.”</p>

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<h2><strong>Who is Lena?</strong></h2>

<p>Lena is a famous name in the Malayalam film industry. She debuted in the film space with Jayaraj's <em>Sneham</em>. She went on to star in films like <em>Karunam</em> and <em>Oru Cheru Amlisi.</em> Lena has also acted in films such as <em>Devaduthan, Indriyam, Koch Koch Santoshman and Shantam</em> and <em>Randaam Bhava.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>Lena worked in films for a few years. She took a break for education, only to return in 2007 with <em>Big B.</em></p>

<p>She came back to the scene when she lent her voice to the Malayalam version of the Kannada film <em>KGF 2.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>Apart from films, Lena has also been a patriot of many Malayalam hit serials like <em>Sneha, Omanathingalpakshi, Sathiya</em> and others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-our-film-starts-in-the-mahabharat-and-it-ends-in-2898-nag-ashwin-on-kalki-2898-ad-694364">Our film starts in the Mahabharat and ends in 2898: Nag Ashwin on Kalki 2898 AD</a></p>

<h2><strong>India's space mission: Gaganyaan</strong></h2>

<p>For the unversed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gaganyaan-mission-meet-four-astronauts-part-of-indias-first-manned-space-mission-694278">team members of&nbsp;India's Gaganyaan mission</a> on Tuesday, Feb 27. Apart from Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captains Angad Pratap, Ajit Krishnan, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla will also be undertaking the journey.</p>

<p>The Gaganyaan, literally meaning ‘celestial vehicle’, will carry four people to an orbit of 400 km on a 3-day mission and bring them back safely to Earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.</p>


Surprise, Surprise! Malayalam actress Lena is married to Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair who was named in the crew of the first manned Indian space mission Gaganyaan on Tuesday (Feb 27).

Surprise, Surprise! Malayalam actress Lena is married to Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair who was named in the crew of the first manned Indian space mission Gaganyaan on Tuesday (Feb 27). Lena revealed that she married the Air Force officer on January 17, 2024. It was a traditional ceremony. The actress took to social media to make the big reveal. She wrote, "Today, 27 February 2024, our Prime Minister, Modi ji Awarded the First Indian Astronaut Wings to Indian Air Force Fighter Pilot, Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair. It is a historic moment of pride for our Country, our state of Kerala, and Me personally.” She added, “In order to maintain the officially required confidentiality, I was waiting for this announcement to let you know that I got married to Prasanth on 17 January 2024 in a traditional ceremony through an arranged marriage.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lenaa ലെന (@lenaasmagazine) × Who is Lena? Lena is a famous name in the Malayalam film industry. She debuted in the film space with Jayaraj's Sneham. She went on to star in films like Karunam and Oru Cheru Amlisi. Lena has also acted in films such as Devaduthan, Indriyam, Koch Koch Santoshman and Shantam and Randaam Bhava. Lena worked in films for a few years. She took a break for education, only to return in 2007 with Big B. She came back to the scene when she lent her voice to the Malayalam version of the Kannada film KGF 2. Apart from films, Lena has also been a patriot of many Malayalam hit serials like Sneha, Omanathingalpakshi, Sathiya and others. Also read: Our film starts in the Mahabharat and ends in 2898: Nag Ashwin on Kalki 2898 AD India's space mission: Gaganyaan For the unversed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the team members of India's Gaganyaan mission on Tuesday, Feb 27. Apart from Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captains Angad Pratap, Ajit Krishnan, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla will also be undertaking the journey. The Gaganyaan, literally meaning ‘celestial vehicle’, will carry four people to an orbit of 400 km on a 3-day mission and bring them back safely to Earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.

Malayalam actress Lena reveals she's married to Gaganyaan astronaut Prasanth Nair

PM Modi has announced the names of the 4 astronauts selected for the highly-anticipated Gaganyaan mission which is India's first manned space mission. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas | The 4 astronauts selected for India's Gaganyaan mission

<p><strong>Gaganyaan mission:&nbsp;</strong>The Indian space agency is in full swing to achieve another milestone in its space endeavours, with the launch of the Gaganyaan mission, slated for launch in 2024. The preparation for India’s first manned mission has been going on for years, with the mission’s preliminary studies starting back in 2006.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Gaganyaan, literally meaning ‘celestial vehicle’ will carry four people to an orbit of 400 km on a 3-day mission and bring them back safely to Earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.</p>

<p>On Tuesday (Feb 27), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram and announced the names of four Indian astronauts chosen for this unique mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modis-kerala-visit-indian-pm-to-inaugurate-key-isro-facilities-likely-to-reveal-names-of-gaganyaan-pilots-694270">Modi's Kerala visit: Indian PM to inaugurate key ISRO facilities, likely to reveal names of Gaganyaan pilots</a></p>

<p><strong>Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap</strong> and <strong>Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla</strong> are selected for the manned Gaganyaan mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair hails from Nenmara town of Kerala and joined the Indian Air Force in 1999. He received the prestigious Sword of Honour in 1998, which is given to the best-performing cadet during his training. He was also the first rank holder at the United States Air Force Air Command and Staff College.</p>
<img alt="Gaganyaan mission astronauts" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f0b385a1-d7f4-41b4-8e5b-9db7d213203c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/GHUyjU_XEAALfTo.jpg" />
<p>PM Modi conferred the 'astronaut wings' upon the designated astronauts. He also&nbsp;gave a standing ovation to the four astronauts and said, "We are witnessing another historic journey at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. India meets its four Gaganyaan astronauts. These are not just four names, but forces that will take the aspirations of 140 crore Indians to space."</p>

<h2><strong>Crew training for the mission</strong></h2>

<p>To train astronauts for the manned mission, ISRO set up an Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru which includes classroom training, physical fitness training, simulator training and flight suit training.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-finance-minister-initiates-monthly-rbi-meetings-with-fintech-firms-to-foster-regulatory-compliance-694262">India’s finance minister initiates monthly RBI meetings with fintech firms to foster regulatory compliance</a></p>

<p>"Training modules cover academic courses, Gaganyaan Flight Systems, Micro-gravity familiarization through Parabolic Flights, Aero-medical training, Recovery &amp; Survival training, mastering of Flight Procedures and training on Crew Training Simulators. Aeromedical training, Periodical flying practice and Yoga are also included as part of the training," as per ISRO's blog.</p>

<p>Apart from this, the Indian Air&nbsp;Force has also been working closely with ISRO on the Gaganyaan mission. In the past, the IAF also teased a fitness training video of the four IAF pilots selected for the Gaganyaan mission.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">During the inaugural ceremony held today at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, Hon'ble PM unveiled the Indian Astronaut Logo and awarded the 'अंतरिक्ष यात्री पंख' to the four IAF Astronauts.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IAF</a> will be working in 'Mission Mode' along with <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> to achieve… <a href="https://t.co/x6tZIleodq">pic.twitter.com/x6tZIleodq</a></p>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1762391875275669631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Gaganyaan mission</strong></h2>

<p>Gaganyaan mission aims to carry a crew of four astronauts into low Earth orbit. This endeavour will make India the fourth nation in the world, after the United States, Russia, and China, to independently send humans into space.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-firoz-merchant-indian-gold-baron-donates-money-to-release-900-prisoners-in-uae-jails-ahead-of-ramadan-694246">Gold baron Firoz Merchant donates millions to free 900 Indians from UAE jails. Who is he?</a></p>

<p>The well-known Indian LVM3 rocket, which was used for the launch of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, will be the launch vehicle for the Gaganyaan mission. It will consist of solid stage, liquid stage and cryogenic stage.</p>

<p>All systems in the LVM3 launch vehicle are reconfigured especially for the Gaganyaan mission to meet human being requirements and given the new name of Human Rated LVM3. HLVM3 will be capable of launching the Orbital Module to an intended Low Earth Orbit of 400 km, as per ISRO.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Gaganyaan mission: The Indian space agency is in full swing to achieve another milestone in its space endeavours, with the launch of the Gaganyaan mission, slated for launch in 2024.

Gaganyaan mission: The Indian space agency is in full swing to achieve another milestone in its space endeavours, with the launch of the Gaganyaan mission, slated for launch in 2024. The preparation for India’s first manned mission has been going on for years, with the mission’s preliminary studies starting back in 2006. The Gaganyaan, literally meaning ‘celestial vehicle’ will carry four people to an orbit of 400 km on a 3-day mission and bring them back safely to Earth, by landing in Indian sea waters. On Tuesday (Feb 27), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram and announced the names of four Indian astronauts chosen for this unique mission. Also Read | Modi's Kerala visit: Indian PM to inaugurate key ISRO facilities, likely to reveal names of Gaganyaan pilots Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla are selected for the manned Gaganyaan mission. Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair hails from Nenmara town of Kerala and joined the Indian Air Force in 1999. He received the prestigious Sword of Honour in 1998, which is given to the best-performing cadet during his training. He was also the first rank holder at the United States Air Force Air Command and Staff College. PM Modi conferred the 'astronaut wings' upon the designated astronauts. He also gave a standing ovation to the four astronauts and said, "We are witnessing another historic journey at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. India meets its four Gaganyaan astronauts. These are not just four names, but forces that will take the aspirations of 140 crore Indians to space." Crew training for the mission To train astronauts for the manned mission, ISRO set up an Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru which includes classroom training, physical fitness training, simulator training and flight suit training. Also Read | India’s finance minister initiates monthly RBI meetings with fintech firms to foster regulatory compliance "Training modules cover academic courses, Gaganyaan Flight Systems, Micro-gravity familiarization through Parabolic Flights, Aero-medical training, Recovery & Survival training, mastering of Flight Procedures and training on Crew Training Simulators. Aeromedical training, Periodical flying practice and Yoga are also included as part of the training," as per ISRO's blog. Apart from this, the Indian Air Force has also been working closely with ISRO on the Gaganyaan mission. In the past, the IAF also teased a fitness training video of the four IAF pilots selected for the Gaganyaan mission. During the inaugural ceremony held today at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, Hon'ble PM unveiled the Indian Astronaut Logo and awarded the 'अंतरिक्ष यात्री पंख' to the four IAF Astronauts.#IAF will be working in 'Mission Mode' along with @isro to achieve… pic.twitter.com/x6tZIleodq — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) February 27, 2024 × Gaganyaan mission Gaganyaan mission aims to carry a crew of four astronauts into low Earth orbit. This endeavour will make India the fourth nation in the world, after the United States, Russia, and China, to independently send humans into space. Also Read | Gold baron Firoz Merchant donates millions to free 900 Indians from UAE jails. Who is he? The well-known Indian LVM3 rocket, which was used for the launch of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, will be the launch vehicle for the Gaganyaan mission. It will consist of solid stage, liquid stage and cryogenic stage. All systems in the LVM3 launch vehicle are reconfigured especially for the Gaganyaan mission to meet human being requirements and given the new name of Human Rated LVM3. HLVM3 will be capable of launching the Orbital Module to an intended Low Earth Orbit of 400 km, as per ISRO. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaganyaan: Four astronauts named for India's first manned space mission

PM Narendra Modi reveals key details of India's first manned space mission at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Watch to know more!

PM Modi reveals Gaganyaan crew, gives astronaut wings to them

Gaganyaan Mission: PM Modi introduces astronauts for India's first manned space mission

Not all rockets can carry astronauts to space...to carry astronauts, a rocket and all its engines have to be specifically modified and tested...This process is known as human-rating.... In a big breakthrough, the Indian Space agency has tested and readied all the engines of its most powerful rocket LVM3, which will launch the Gaganyaan Astronaut missions...For more on this, WION Senior Correspondent SIdharth.M.P spoke to Dr. V. Narayanan, who heads ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.

ISRO's LVM3 rocket engines tested and ready to ferry Gaganyaan astronauts

Engines of India's largest rocket LVM3 ready to ferry Gaganyaan astronauts

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully completed the human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine, which represents a major boost to India's attempt to launch humans into space under the Gaganyaan mission, an official said on Wednesday.

India's Gaganyaan mission: ISRO completes human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine

After Chandrayaan-3's success, ISRO is determined to send two unmanned flights in 2024. The Gaganyaan mission targetted for 2025 aims to send astronauts to space and the mission will carry a crew of two or three astronauts.

India plans two Gaganyaan unmanned flights in 2024 | ISRO Chief S Somanath speaks to WION

<p>ISRO's Gaganyaan TV-D1 test flight, conducted on Saturday (Oct 21)&nbsp;was done with unprecedented defence asset mobilisation. The operation involved the active participation of the Indian Navy's surface and aerial assets, as the Maritime force was entrusted with capturing and transmitting the mission progress footage and recovering the adrift crew module from the Bay of Bengal and returning it safely to the nearest port, Chennai. Throughout the process of descent of the crew module, its phased parachute deployment, splashdown and recovery operations, Indian Navy's air assets provided continuous live coverage. WION has learnt that the Indian Navy deployed indigenous 'Spotter drones' and the US-origin General Atomics MQ-9B Sea Guardian remotely piloted aircraft as part of this operation.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Multiple cams&amp; drones, multiple ships and small boats...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> has executed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TVD1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TVD1</a> with military-like attention to detail..Infrared cameras, real-time drone videos and what not! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> armed forces showing their synergy for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GaganyaanMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GaganyaanMission</a><br />
<br />
Amazed to see it all unfold🚀❤️🇮🇳🫡 <a href="https://t.co/k1NOfehsfE">pic.twitter.com/k1NOfehsfE</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1715596649710616608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The TV-D1 test was meant to prove how a crew module (structure carrying the astronauts) could be ejected from a flying rocket, if and when a mishap took place mid-flight. This is similar to how a fighter pilot pulls the ejection handle beneath the seat, in order to bailout from an aircraft that was facing grave malfunction or an imminent crash. Given the thousands of moving parts in a rocket and the very high speeds and altitudes it travels at, errors can build up anytime and rapidly cause a mishap. Therefore, it is crucial to be able to save the astronauts from any imminent catastrophe and at various flight conditions. Saturday's test was about ejecting the crew module, when the rocket was flying at an altitude of 11.9km&nbsp;and a speed of Mach 1.2 (1481kmph).&nbsp;In this mission, the parachutes began to deploy in a phased manner, the crew module began its descent from 16.8km&nbsp;(more than 55,000 feet).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Until five minutes into the mission, the visuals of the parachute deployment and gradual descent were captured by the on-board cameras mounted atop the crew module. However, five minutes into the mission, when the drogue parachutes were released and the main parachutes were deployed, ISRO's live stream began to show never-seen-before infrared visuals of the crew module. The crew module was at an altitude of around 2.5km&nbsp;at that time and the live video was being captured from well above and afar from the crew module. This close monitoring and live-streaming is learnt to have been carried out by the Navy's MQ-9B Sea Guardian Drone, two of which have been leased from the American firm General Atomics. As the events unfolded off the coast of Sriharikota, the live footage was broadcast at the Mission Control Centre of the spaceport.</p>

<p>The MQ-9B Sea Guardian is a remotely piloted aircraft that operates via satellite link. According to General Atomics, this highly sophisticated drone can deliver&nbsp;real-time situational awareness anywhere in the maritime domain, during day or night conditions. Sea Guardian not only integrates the most advanced maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, but it is also the first remotely piloted aircraft system in its class to enable real-time search and patrol above and below the ocean's surface. The real-time aerial videos streamed by ISRO also show how the aerial platform was flying amid the clouds, while continuously tracking the descent path of the crew module.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">For all <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> enthusiasts wanting to know more about the drones that live streamed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GaganyaanMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GaganyaanMission</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TVD1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TVD1</a> crew module landing-<br />
<br />
2 of them were Spotter drones made in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> by <a href="https://twitter.com/SagarDefence?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SagarDefence</a> (90mins endurance, 1km altitude)<br />
<br />
They streamed low altitude&amp; recovery ops <a href="https://t.co/avjSfcUlUq">pic.twitter.com/avjSfcUlUq</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1716387584275095654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In addition to this, there were indigenous hexa-copter 'Spotter drones' that were operating from the decks of the Navy ships, that was part of this operation. "These drones have been built in our Pune facility, with the support of the Indian Navy and nearly 100 of them operate with various classes of ships. They have the unique capability of taking-off and landing vertically, even from a warship that moving at 35kmph. Powered by lithium-ion batteries, these Spotter drones have a flight endurance of 90-120minutes and can operate up to heights of 1kilometre" Captain Nikunj Parashar, Managing Director of&nbsp;Sagar Defence Engineering, the firm that builds the Spotter drones, told WION. He added that their drones carried out the real-time imaging and live streaming of the low altitude phase of the mission and recovery operation of the crew module.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Recovery of the 4.5ton crew module at sea is no ordinary feat, especially when a depression is brewing in the Bay of Bengal...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianNavy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianNavy</a> braved it all to execute what we saw today <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a><br />
<br />
Here's <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaCoastGuard</a> warning fishers of rough seas, boat rolling &amp; pitching <a href="https://t.co/EjBR1vohYk">pic.twitter.com/EjBR1vohYk</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1715704015571595327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Describing their firm as an innovative engineering company, he lists out that they have built India's first weaponized unmanned surface boats and that they are also developing cargo hauling drones (150kg payload category) for the Indian Navy. Queried about the capability of their drones in harsh maritime environment and weather conditions, Captain Parashar told WION that they have been specifically designed for the harsh challenges that the drones encounter at the altitudes of up to one kilometre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, this entire operation at sea was carried out on Saturday, when there was a well-marked low pressure area developing into a depression, in the South east Bay of Bengal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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ISRO's Gaganyaan TV-D1 test flight, conducted on Saturday (Oct 21) was done with unprecedented defence asset mobilisation. The operation involved the active participation of the Indian Navy's surface and aerial assets, as the Maritime force was entrusted with capturing and transmitting the mission progress footage and recovering the adrift crew module from the Bay of Bengal and returning it safely to the nearest port, Chennai.

ISRO's Gaganyaan TV-D1 test flight, conducted on Saturday (Oct 21) was done with unprecedented defence asset mobilisation. The operation involved the active participation of the Indian Navy's surface and aerial assets, as the Maritime force was entrusted with capturing and transmitting the mission progress footage and recovering the adrift crew module from the Bay of Bengal and returning it safely to the nearest port, Chennai. Throughout the process of descent of the crew module, its phased parachute deployment, splashdown and recovery operations, Indian Navy's air assets provided continuous live coverage. WION has learnt that the Indian Navy deployed indigenous 'Spotter drones' and the US-origin General Atomics MQ-9B Sea Guardian remotely piloted aircraft as part of this operation. Multiple cams& drones, multiple ships and small boats...#isro has executed #TVD1 with military-like attention to detail..Infrared cameras, real-time drone videos and what not! #Indian armed forces showing their synergy for #GaganyaanMission Amazed to see it all unfold🚀❤️🇮🇳🫡 pic.twitter.com/k1NOfehsfE — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 21, 2023 × The TV-D1 test was meant to prove how a crew module (structure carrying the astronauts) could be ejected from a flying rocket, if and when a mishap took place mid-flight. This is similar to how a fighter pilot pulls the ejection handle beneath the seat, in order to bailout from an aircraft that was facing grave malfunction or an imminent crash. Given the thousands of moving parts in a rocket and the very high speeds and altitudes it travels at, errors can build up anytime and rapidly cause a mishap. Therefore, it is crucial to be able to save the astronauts from any imminent catastrophe and at various flight conditions. Saturday's test was about ejecting the crew module, when the rocket was flying at an altitude of 11.9km and a speed of Mach 1.2 (1481kmph). In this mission, the parachutes began to deploy in a phased manner, the crew module began its descent from 16.8km (more than 55,000 feet). Until five minutes into the mission, the visuals of the parachute deployment and gradual descent were captured by the on-board cameras mounted atop the crew module. However, five minutes into the mission, when the drogue parachutes were released and the main parachutes were deployed, ISRO's live stream began to show never-seen-before infrared visuals of the crew module. The crew module was at an altitude of around 2.5km at that time and the live video was being captured from well above and afar from the crew module. This close monitoring and live-streaming is learnt to have been carried out by the Navy's MQ-9B Sea Guardian Drone, two of which have been leased from the American firm General Atomics. As the events unfolded off the coast of Sriharikota, the live footage was broadcast at the Mission Control Centre of the spaceport. The MQ-9B Sea Guardian is a remotely piloted aircraft that operates via satellite link. According to General Atomics, this highly sophisticated drone can deliver real-time situational awareness anywhere in the maritime domain, during day or night conditions. Sea Guardian not only integrates the most advanced maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, but it is also the first remotely piloted aircraft system in its class to enable real-time search and patrol above and below the ocean's surface. The real-time aerial videos streamed by ISRO also show how the aerial platform was flying amid the clouds, while continuously tracking the descent path of the crew module. For all #indian #space enthusiasts wanting to know more about the drones that live streamed #GaganyaanMission #TVD1 crew module landing- 2 of them were Spotter drones made in #india by @SagarDefence (90mins endurance, 1km altitude) They streamed low altitude& recovery ops pic.twitter.com/avjSfcUlUq — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 23, 2023 × In addition to this, there were indigenous hexa-copter 'Spotter drones' that were operating from the decks of the Navy ships, that was part of this operation. "These drones have been built in our Pune facility, with the support of the Indian Navy and nearly 100 of them operate with various classes of ships. They have the unique capability of taking-off and landing vertically, even from a warship that moving at 35kmph. Powered by lithium-ion batteries, these Spotter drones have a flight endurance of 90-120minutes and can operate up to heights of 1kilometre" Captain Nikunj Parashar, Managing Director of Sagar Defence Engineering, the firm that builds the Spotter drones, told WION. He added that their drones carried out the real-time imaging and live streaming of the low altitude phase of the mission and recovery operation of the crew module. Recovery of the 4.5ton crew module at sea is no ordinary feat, especially when a depression is brewing in the Bay of Bengal...#IndianNavy braved it all to execute what we saw today #Gaganyaan #isro Here's @IndiaCoastGuard warning fishers of rough seas, boat rolling & pitching pic.twitter.com/EjBR1vohYk — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 21, 2023 × Describing their firm as an innovative engineering company, he lists out that they have built India's first weaponized unmanned surface boats and that they are also developing cargo hauling drones (150kg payload category) for the Indian Navy. Queried about the capability of their drones in harsh maritime environment and weather conditions, Captain Parashar told WION that they have been specifically designed for the harsh challenges that the drones encounter at the altitudes of up to one kilometre. Notably, this entire operation at sea was carried out on Saturday, when there was a well-marked low pressure area developing into a depression, in the South east Bay of Bengal. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian Navy's 'spotter drones', US-origin MQ-9Bs supported ISRO's Gaganyaan TV-D1

The first test flight was canceled at 8:45 am on Saturday due to an engine ignition issue, and the Indian Space Research Organization successfully completed the Test Flight Abort Mission. Following launch, Gaganyaan TV-D1's three primary parachutes were released.

India: ISRO successfully launches Gaganyaan's test flight in second attempt

<p>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched Gaganyaan Test Vehicle Development Flight Mission-1 (TV-D1 Flight Test). The test vehicle has been launched from Sriharkota Spaceport in southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>The flight test vehicle abort mission was aimed a demonstrating performance of the Crew Escape system which will be part of the Gaganyaan mission. The aim was also to test safe landing in the Bay of Bengal after the launch.</p>

<p>Although it is a test vehicle launch, it represents a major milestone as it is a step towards India's effort to send humans into space.</p>

<p><strong>(This is a breaking news. More to follow shortly)</strong></p>


The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched Gaganyaan Test Vehicle Development Flight Mission-1 (TV-D1 Flight Test). The test vehicle has been launched from Sriharkota Spaceport in southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched Gaganyaan Test Vehicle Development Flight Mission-1 (TV-D1 Flight Test). The test vehicle has been launched from Sriharkota Spaceport in southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The flight test vehicle abort mission was aimed a demonstrating performance of the Crew Escape system which will be part of the Gaganyaan mission. The aim was also to test safe landing in the Bay of Bengal after the launch. Although it is a test vehicle launch, it represents a major milestone as it is a step towards India's effort to send humans into space. (This is a breaking news. More to follow shortly)

ISRO successfully launches Gaganyaan test vehicle TV-D1

<p>Over the last couple of days, the Indian Coast Guard has been warning fishing vessels at sea about the imminent danger of a low-pressure area developing into a depression, in the Bay of Bengal. Ships and aircraft of the maritime search and rescue force have been advising fishers operating off the Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu coats to return to harbour, amid adverse sea conditions, in view of a storm that's been brewing.</p>

<p>It is amid these sea conditions that the Indian Navy vessels and ISRO teams conducted the recovery of the 4.5 tonne Gaganyaan crew module, off the coast of the Indian spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Recovery of the 4.5ton crew module at sea is no ordinary feat, especially when a depression is brewing in the Bay of Bengal...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianNavy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianNavy</a> braved it all to execute what we saw today <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a><br />
<br />
Here's <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaCoastGuard</a> warning fishers of rough seas, boat rolling &amp; pitching <a href="https://t.co/EjBR1vohYk">pic.twitter.com/EjBR1vohYk</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1715704015571595327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>As per the Indian Meteorological Department, the well-marked low-pressure area is likely to develop into a depression by Sunday (Oct 22) and move North-westwards, intensifying further over the following week.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-gaganyaan-tv-d1-launch-kept-on-hold-649468">After initial hiccup, ISRO successfully launches Gaganyaan TV-D1 test vehicle</a></p>

<p>Notably, weather played a role in the delayed launch of the maiden Gaganyaan Test Vehicle mission, which took place Saturday (Oct 21) morning. Originally scheduled for 8:00 a.m., the mission was postponed to 8:30 p.m. and then 8:45 p.m.</p>

<p>Explaining the delay, and the resultant suspense, ISRO Chief Dr. S. Somanath said that the initial mission postponement was owing to weather-related issues.&nbsp;After the two weather-related delays, the mission also suffered another delay owing to an error in the system that was monitoring the rocket's health.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/it-took-200-years-for-scientists-to-find-secret-hidden-chambers-in-ancient-crumbling-pyramid-649353">It took 200 years for scientists to find secret hidden chambers in this ancient crumbling pyramid</a></p>

<p>Finally, it was at 10 a.m. that the 'TV-D1' vehicle lifted off to perform its 9-minute-long mission. As per plan, 61 seconds after lift-off, the vehicle reached an altitude of 11.9kms and a speed of Mach1.2(1481kmph) and that's when the rocket shut down, as pre-programmed. Immediately, the Crew escape system triggered and the top portion of the rocket comprising the escape system and the crew module ejected themselves several kilometres higher and farther from the rocket. 90 seconds after lift-off, at around 17km&nbsp;altitude, the crew escape system and crew module separated. While the rocket and the crew escape system rapidly fell into the sea, the crew module used multiple parachutes to gradually descend and splash down, almost 10 km away from the spaceport's shore.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The 4.5ton <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GaganyaanMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GaganyaanMission</a> crew module appears dwarfed, while onboard the massive 35K-tonner INS Shakti, an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianNavy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianNavy</a> fleet replenishment tanker<br />
<br />
It's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> ahoy for the crew module, as the ships can't berth anywhere near the Sriharikota coast<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/logistics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#logistics</a> <a href="https://t.co/OkapOSPkrZ">pic.twitter.com/OkapOSPkrZ</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1715690941632405878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>As the crew module splashed down, two Indian ships INS Shakti, SCI Saraswati and smaller boats, waited at a safe distance to recover the empty capsule, WION has learnt. INS Shakti is a fleet tanker of the Indian Navy and SCI Saraswati is a multi-purpose support vessel (meant to supply offshore installations and serve research purposes) of the Shipping Corporation of India. Notably, both these vessels are capable of having helicopters on-board, thereby acting as a force multiplier and offering airborne assistance to their respective primary missions.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Multiple cams&amp; drones, multiple ships and small boats...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> has executed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TVD1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TVD1</a> with military-like attention to detail..Infrared cameras, real-time drone videos and what not! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> armed forces showing their synergy for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GaganyaanMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GaganyaanMission</a><br />
<br />
Amazed to see it all unfold🚀❤️🇮🇳🫡 <a href="https://t.co/k1NOfehsfE">pic.twitter.com/k1NOfehsfE</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1715596649710616608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Recovering the adrift module, lifting it and securing it on the deck of a ship is no easy feat, as the crew module weighs in excess of 4.5 tonnes and this lifting task necessitates heavy-duty shipborne cranes. That's why the Indian Navy and the Shipping Corporation of India have deployed two adequately large vessels for this unique task at sea. The prevailing weather conditions in the Bay of Bengal, make this task even more challenging.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-navy-gets-third-guided-missile-destroyer-imphal-649668">Indian Navy gets third guided missile destroyer Imphal</a></strong></p>

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<p>Despite the challenges posed by the elements, the crew module was lifted onto the deck of the 35,000-tonne tanker INS Shakti and secured. The Indian Navy and ISRO had shared pictures of the crew module being secured on the deck of INS Shakti and the rescue team posted with the same.</p>

<p>ISRO officials said that the three components in this test - Test Vehicle rocket, Crew Escape System and Crew Module had performed perfectly in their maiden attempt. However, the ISRO Chief added that more data from this mission would be available, once the crew module is recovered and handed over to ISRO at the Chennai Port. The mission was also closely monitored by aerial assets including drones with superior imaging capabilities. Every phase of the gradual descent and recovery of the crew module was captured by sophisticated imaging systems and relayed live to ISRO.</p>

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Over the last couple of days, the Indian Coast Guard has been warning fishing vessels at sea about the imminent danger of a low-pressure area developing into a depression, in the Bay of Bengal.

Over the last couple of days, the Indian Coast Guard has been warning fishing vessels at sea about the imminent danger of a low-pressure area developing into a depression, in the Bay of Bengal. Ships and aircraft of the maritime search and rescue force have been advising fishers operating off the Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu coats to return to harbour, amid adverse sea conditions, in view of a storm that's been brewing. It is amid these sea conditions that the Indian Navy vessels and ISRO teams conducted the recovery of the 4.5 tonne Gaganyaan crew module, off the coast of the Indian spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Recovery of the 4.5ton crew module at sea is no ordinary feat, especially when a depression is brewing in the Bay of Bengal...#IndianNavy braved it all to execute what we saw today #Gaganyaan #isro Here's @IndiaCoastGuard warning fishers of rough seas, boat rolling & pitching pic.twitter.com/EjBR1vohYk — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 21, 2023 × As per the Indian Meteorological Department, the well-marked low-pressure area is likely to develop into a depression by Sunday (Oct 22) and move North-westwards, intensifying further over the following week. Also Read | After initial hiccup, ISRO successfully launches Gaganyaan TV-D1 test vehicle Notably, weather played a role in the delayed launch of the maiden Gaganyaan Test Vehicle mission, which took place Saturday (Oct 21) morning. Originally scheduled for 8:00 a.m., the mission was postponed to 8:30 p.m. and then 8:45 p.m. Explaining the delay, and the resultant suspense, ISRO Chief Dr. S. Somanath said that the initial mission postponement was owing to weather-related issues. After the two weather-related delays, the mission also suffered another delay owing to an error in the system that was monitoring the rocket's health. Also Read | It took 200 years for scientists to find secret hidden chambers in this ancient crumbling pyramid Finally, it was at 10 a.m. that the 'TV-D1' vehicle lifted off to perform its 9-minute-long mission. As per plan, 61 seconds after lift-off, the vehicle reached an altitude of 11.9kms and a speed of Mach1.2(1481kmph) and that's when the rocket shut down, as pre-programmed. Immediately, the Crew escape system triggered and the top portion of the rocket comprising the escape system and the crew module ejected themselves several kilometres higher and farther from the rocket. 90 seconds after lift-off, at around 17km altitude, the crew escape system and crew module separated. While the rocket and the crew escape system rapidly fell into the sea, the crew module used multiple parachutes to gradually descend and splash down, almost 10 km away from the spaceport's shore. The 4.5ton #GaganyaanMission crew module appears dwarfed, while onboard the massive 35K-tonner INS Shakti, an #IndianNavy fleet replenishment tanker It's #Chennai ahoy for the crew module, as the ships can't berth anywhere near the Sriharikota coast#isro #tech #logistics pic.twitter.com/OkapOSPkrZ — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 21, 2023 × As the crew module splashed down, two Indian ships INS Shakti, SCI Saraswati and smaller boats, waited at a safe distance to recover the empty capsule, WION has learnt. INS Shakti is a fleet tanker of the Indian Navy and SCI Saraswati is a multi-purpose support vessel (meant to supply offshore installations and serve research purposes) of the Shipping Corporation of India. Notably, both these vessels are capable of having helicopters on-board, thereby acting as a force multiplier and offering airborne assistance to their respective primary missions. Multiple cams& drones, multiple ships and small boats...#isro has executed #TVD1 with military-like attention to detail..Infrared cameras, real-time drone videos and what not! #Indian armed forces showing their synergy for #GaganyaanMission Amazed to see it all unfold🚀❤️🇮🇳🫡 pic.twitter.com/k1NOfehsfE — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 21, 2023 × Recovering the adrift module, lifting it and securing it on the deck of a ship is no easy feat, as the crew module weighs in excess of 4.5 tonnes and this lifting task necessitates heavy-duty shipborne cranes. That's why the Indian Navy and the Shipping Corporation of India have deployed two adequately large vessels for this unique task at sea. The prevailing weather conditions in the Bay of Bengal, make this task even more challenging. Watch | Indian Navy gets third guided missile destroyer Imphal × Despite the challenges posed by the elements, the crew module was lifted onto the deck of the 35,000-tonne tanker INS Shakti and secured. The Indian Navy and ISRO had shared pictures of the crew module being secured on the deck of INS Shakti and the rescue team posted with the same. ISRO officials said that the three components in this test - Test Vehicle rocket, Crew Escape System and Crew Module had performed perfectly in their maiden attempt. However, the ISRO Chief added that more data from this mission would be available, once the crew module is recovered and handed over to ISRO at the Chennai Port. The mission was also closely monitored by aerial assets including drones with superior imaging capabilities. Every phase of the gradual descent and recovery of the crew module was captured by sophisticated imaging systems and relayed live to ISRO. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Indian Navy recovered ISRO's Gaganyaan Crew module, as storm brewed in Bay of Bengal

<p>It was a Saturday Science Thriller like no other! The&nbsp;much-anticipated ISRO rocket launch that was originally scheduled for 8:00 am, was rescheduled twice within an hour (to 8:30 and 8:45). At 8:45 am, as people and journalists at the spaceport looked skywards, the vehicle did not lift off. As the countdown timer was at minus five seconds, the computer had put the launch on hold, owing to an anomaly in engine ignition.&nbsp;Videos from the launchpad showed the rocket emitting red fumes, indicating that it was just moments away from launch. The ISRO Chief had acknowledged the anomaly and said that their team would identify the fault and schedule the launch after the fault was rectified. When most people lost hope, ISRO had silently rectified the issue within an hour and launched at 10 am sharp.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch closely, the L40 stage(Vikas engine) ignited at 5secs, as it usually does during GSLV Mk2 launch<br />
<br />
See the characteristic rust-shaded fumes of toxic fuel combo UDMH+N204<br />
<br />
Computer detected an anomaly&amp; halted the launch, saved the day<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TVD1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TVD1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gaganyaan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Science</a> <a href="https://t.co/vif8ThpNCL">pic.twitter.com/vif8ThpNCL</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1715577743684014116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>After the setback on the launchpad, ISRO Chief Dr S. Somanath said, "The lift-off attempt of TV-D1 could not happen today...We had a very smooth Automatic Launch Sequence leading up to the command to lift off the engine...But the engine ignition has not happened in the nominal course, we have to find out what went wrong with that. The entire vehicle is safe." While it seemed that the launch would happen only weeks later, ISRO was quick to rectify the issue with their computer systems and resume the countdown.</p>

<p>A few seconds after the clock struck 10:00 am, amid hazy skies, the only indication of the Test Vehicle having lifted off was the loud rumble of the liquid-fuelled Vikas engine that powers the Test Vehicle. Soon after, the flight events happened precisely in the planned sequence.&nbsp;As per the plan, 61 seconds from lift-off, the vehicle reached an altitude of 11.9km&nbsp;and a speed of Mach1.2 (1480kmph) and that's when the rocket shut down, as pre-programmed. Immediately, the Crew escape system triggered and the top portion of the rocket comprising the escape system and the crew module ejected itself higher and farther away from the rocket. They travelled a couple of kilometres higher away from the rocket. 90 seconds after lift-off, at around 17km&nbsp;altitude, the crew escape system and crew module separated. While the rocket and the crew escape system rapidly fell into the sea, the crew module used multiple parachutes to gradually descend and splash down, almost 10 km away from the spaceport's shore. From lift-off to splashdown, this mission took place in nine minutes, and the ISRO Mission Control broke into a celebration as the parachutes deployed during the crew module descent.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">2 postponements within an hour, owing to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/weather?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#weather</a>, then the vehicle suffers an anomaly at engine ignition and launch is put on hold...<br />
<br />
And now they've launched and all is well...<br />
<br />
As parachutes deploy in sequence - Mission Control erupts in cheer and ovation <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tvd1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tvd1</a> <a href="https://t.co/CUq92zcWma">pic.twitter.com/CUq92zcWma</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1715588821809836526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In his post-mission address, ISRO Chief Dr. S. Somanath said, 'TV-D1' fully accomplished its objectives. "Crew module has safely landed. I'm very happy to announce a successful mission accomplishment. The crew module has splashed down at the required velocity and this confirmation data has been received. The recovery activity will continue to happen" he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Explaining the delay, the anomaly and the suspense, Somanath said that the initial delay was owing to weather-related issues. "Thereafter, the computer detected an anomaly in the rocket and put the launch on hold, with barely 5 seconds to go for lift-off. "We understood that the non-conformance(error detected) was due to a monitoring anomaly in the system. We identified and rectified it very fast and took our time to refill the gases in the rocket and again went for the launch" he elaborated. Referring to the process of rapidly identifying and rectifying the anomaly, Somanath said that it was training for the team, in preparation for the Gaganyaan astronaut mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to 'TV-D1' Mission Director Sivakumar, the three components in this test - Test Vehicle rocket, Crew Escape System and Crew Module had performed perfectly in their maiden attempt. The ISRO Chief said that more data from this mission would be available, once the crew module is recovered and handed over to ISRO at the Chennai Port. WION had first reported that two Indian ships INS Shakti and SCI Saraswati would be waiting at a safe distance to recover the empty capsule. INS Shakti is a fleet tanker of the Indian Navy and SCI Saraswati is a multi-purpose support vessel (meant to supply offshore installations and serve research purposes) of the Shipping Corporation of India. Notably, both these vessels are capable of having helicopters on board, thereby acting as a force multiplier and offering airborne assistance to their respective primary missions.&nbsp;Visuals beamed to ISRO, from aerial assets showcased the crew module recovery activity at sea. The activity involved multiple large vessels and smaller crafts.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Multiple cams&amp; drones, multiple ships and small boats...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> has executed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TVD1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TVD1</a> with military-like attention to detail..Infrared cameras, real-time drone videos and what not! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> armed forces showing their synergy for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GaganyaanMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GaganyaanMission</a><br />
<br />
Amazed to see it all unfold🚀❤️🇮🇳🫡 <a href="https://t.co/k1NOfehsfE">pic.twitter.com/k1NOfehsfE</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1715596649710616608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The maiden Test Vehicle success offers more confidence to ISRO to execute at least three more missions under varied flight conditions. The ISRO Chief expressed optimism about the maiden unmanned flight(complete Gaganyaan mission flight, without astronauts) taking place in early 2024.</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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It was a Saturday Science Thriller like no other! The much-anticipated ISRO rocket launch that was originally scheduled for 8:00 am, was rescheduled twice within an hour (to 8:30 and 8:45).

It was a Saturday Science Thriller like no other! The much-anticipated ISRO rocket launch that was originally scheduled for 8:00 am, was rescheduled twice within an hour (to 8:30 and 8:45). At 8:45 am, as people and journalists at the spaceport looked skywards, the vehicle did not lift off. As the countdown timer was at minus five seconds, the computer had put the launch on hold, owing to an anomaly in engine ignition. Videos from the launchpad showed the rocket emitting red fumes, indicating that it was just moments away from launch. The ISRO Chief had acknowledged the anomaly and said that their team would identify the fault and schedule the launch after the fault was rectified. When most people lost hope, ISRO had silently rectified the issue within an hour and launched at 10 am sharp. Watch closely, the L40 stage(Vikas engine) ignited at 5secs, as it usually does during GSLV Mk2 launch See the characteristic rust-shaded fumes of toxic fuel combo UDMH+N204 Computer detected an anomaly& halted the launch, saved the day#isro #TVD1 #gaganyaan #tech #Science pic.twitter.com/vif8ThpNCL — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 21, 2023 × After the setback on the launchpad, ISRO Chief Dr S. Somanath said, "The lift-off attempt of TV-D1 could not happen today...We had a very smooth Automatic Launch Sequence leading up to the command to lift off the engine...But the engine ignition has not happened in the nominal course, we have to find out what went wrong with that. The entire vehicle is safe." While it seemed that the launch would happen only weeks later, ISRO was quick to rectify the issue with their computer systems and resume the countdown. A few seconds after the clock struck 10:00 am, amid hazy skies, the only indication of the Test Vehicle having lifted off was the loud rumble of the liquid-fuelled Vikas engine that powers the Test Vehicle. Soon after, the flight events happened precisely in the planned sequence. As per the plan, 61 seconds from lift-off, the vehicle reached an altitude of 11.9km and a speed of Mach1.2 (1480kmph) and that's when the rocket shut down, as pre-programmed. Immediately, the Crew escape system triggered and the top portion of the rocket comprising the escape system and the crew module ejected itself higher and farther away from the rocket. They travelled a couple of kilometres higher away from the rocket. 90 seconds after lift-off, at around 17km altitude, the crew escape system and crew module separated. While the rocket and the crew escape system rapidly fell into the sea, the crew module used multiple parachutes to gradually descend and splash down, almost 10 km away from the spaceport's shore. From lift-off to splashdown, this mission took place in nine minutes, and the ISRO Mission Control broke into a celebration as the parachutes deployed during the crew module descent. 2 postponements within an hour, owing to #weather, then the vehicle suffers an anomaly at engine ignition and launch is put on hold... And now they've launched and all is well... As parachutes deploy in sequence - Mission Control erupts in cheer and ovation #isro #tvd1 pic.twitter.com/CUq92zcWma — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 21, 2023 × In his post-mission address, ISRO Chief Dr. S. Somanath said, 'TV-D1' fully accomplished its objectives. "Crew module has safely landed. I'm very happy to announce a successful mission accomplishment. The crew module has splashed down at the required velocity and this confirmation data has been received. The recovery activity will continue to happen" he added. Explaining the delay, the anomaly and the suspense, Somanath said that the initial delay was owing to weather-related issues. "Thereafter, the computer detected an anomaly in the rocket and put the launch on hold, with barely 5 seconds to go for lift-off. "We understood that the non-conformance(error detected) was due to a monitoring anomaly in the system. We identified and rectified it very fast and took our time to refill the gases in the rocket and again went for the launch" he elaborated. Referring to the process of rapidly identifying and rectifying the anomaly, Somanath said that it was training for the team, in preparation for the Gaganyaan astronaut mission. According to 'TV-D1' Mission Director Sivakumar, the three components in this test - Test Vehicle rocket, Crew Escape System and Crew Module had performed perfectly in their maiden attempt. The ISRO Chief said that more data from this mission would be available, once the crew module is recovered and handed over to ISRO at the Chennai Port. WION had first reported that two Indian ships INS Shakti and SCI Saraswati would be waiting at a safe distance to recover the empty capsule. INS Shakti is a fleet tanker of the Indian Navy and SCI Saraswati is a multi-purpose support vessel (meant to supply offshore installations and serve research purposes) of the Shipping Corporation of India. Notably, both these vessels are capable of having helicopters on board, thereby acting as a force multiplier and offering airborne assistance to their respective primary missions. Visuals beamed to ISRO, from aerial assets showcased the crew module recovery activity at sea. The activity involved multiple large vessels and smaller crafts. Multiple cams& drones, multiple ships and small boats...#isro has executed #TVD1 with military-like attention to detail..Infrared cameras, real-time drone videos and what not! #Indian armed forces showing their synergy for #GaganyaanMission Amazed to see it all unfold🚀❤️🇮🇳🫡 pic.twitter.com/k1NOfehsfE — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 21, 2023 × The maiden Test Vehicle success offers more confidence to ISRO to execute at least three more missions under varied flight conditions. The ISRO Chief expressed optimism about the maiden unmanned flight(complete Gaganyaan mission flight, without astronauts) taking place in early 2024. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

ISRO delivers a Saturday Space Science Thriller, Gaganyaan maiden test flight 'TV-D1' successful

<p>Around 8:10 am, as ISRO's 'Gaganyaan' crew capsule splashes down in the Bay of Bengal, 10 kilometres off the coast of the Indian Spaceport in Sriharikota, two Indian ships INS Shakti and SCI Saraswati will be waiting at a safe distance to recover the empty capsule, WION has learnt. INS Shakti is a fleet tanker of the Indian Navy and SCI Saraswati is a multi-purpose support vessel (meant to supply offshore installations and serve research purposes) of the Shipping Corporation of India. Both these vessels are tasked with the crucial recovery process of the crew module. Notably, both these vessels are capable of having helicopters on-board, thereby acting as a force multiplier and offering airborne assistance to their respective primary missions.</p>

<p>Recovering the adrift module, lifting it and securing it on the deck of a ship is no easy feat, as the crew module weighs in excess of 4.5 tonnes and this lifting task necessitates heavy-duty shipborne cranes. That's why the Indian Navy and the Shipping Corporation of India have deployed two adequately large vessels for this unique task at sea.</p>

<p><img alt="SCI Saraswati" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aecdfba8-1479-4c3d-9f36-bc713d864fde" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/DEJCVPTVYAAf06R.jpg" /></p>

<p>INS Shakti is the Indian Navy's fleet replenishment tanker. Simply put, it is a floating and moving fuel station, grocery store and much more, at sea. When Indian assets at sea require any supplies and replenishment, such massive tankers rendezvous with them and cater to the needs. A unique capability of the INS Shakti is its on-board heavy-duty crane that is capable of lifting loads as heavy as 30 tonnes. Displacing 27,500 tonnes, this vessel is among the largest that are operated by the Indian Navy. Replenishment tankers enable a Navy to conduct missions far from home shores.</p>

<p>ISRO's mission is a very unique one. It is an effort to test the system's required to rescue the astronaut capsule from a rocket that fails mid-flight. This is being carried out in preparation for India's ambitious Human Spaceflight programme 'Gaganyaan'. As part of ISRO's 'TV-D1' test flight, a purpose-built rocket would be launched to an altitude that's a little more than that of passenger airliners. 61 seconds from lift-off, the vehicle would reach an altitude of 11.9 km and a speed of Mach 1.2(1480 kmph) and that's when the rocket would shut down, as pre-programmed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Immediately, the crew escape system would be triggered and the top portion of the rocket comprising the escape system and the crew module would eject itself higher and farther away from the rocket. They would travel a couple of kilometres higher away from the rocket. 90 seconds after lift-off, at around 17 km altitude, the crew escape system and crew module would separate. While the rocket and the crew escape system free-fall into the sea, the crew module uses multiple parachutes to gradually descend and splashdown, almost 10 km away from the spaceport's shore.</p>

<p>Effectively, three massive aerospace components (each weighing several tonnes) would be splashing down at sea, a few kilometres away from the Indian spaceport. Therefore, both INS Shakti and SCI Saraswati would be positioned far away, at a safe distance. When they get the go-ahead to recover the fallen capsule, they would set sail for the splashdown site of the crew module and deploy their swimmers and divers to secure the floating object and then help the crane do the rest. As there are no berthing facilities in the vicinity of the spaceport, the vessels would have to offload the crew module at the Chennai port, that is less than 80 km from the spaceport.</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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Around 8:10 am, as ISRO's 'Gaganyaan' crew capsule splashes down in the Bay of Bengal, 10 kilometres off the coast of the Indian Spaceport in Sriharikota, two Indian ships INS Shakti and SCI Saraswati will be waiting at a safe distance to recover the empty capsule, WION has learnt.

Around 8:10 am, as ISRO's 'Gaganyaan' crew capsule splashes down in the Bay of Bengal, 10 kilometres off the coast of the Indian Spaceport in Sriharikota, two Indian ships INS Shakti and SCI Saraswati will be waiting at a safe distance to recover the empty capsule, WION has learnt. INS Shakti is a fleet tanker of the Indian Navy and SCI Saraswati is a multi-purpose support vessel (meant to supply offshore installations and serve research purposes) of the Shipping Corporation of India. Both these vessels are tasked with the crucial recovery process of the crew module. Notably, both these vessels are capable of having helicopters on-board, thereby acting as a force multiplier and offering airborne assistance to their respective primary missions. Recovering the adrift module, lifting it and securing it on the deck of a ship is no easy feat, as the crew module weighs in excess of 4.5 tonnes and this lifting task necessitates heavy-duty shipborne cranes. That's why the Indian Navy and the Shipping Corporation of India have deployed two adequately large vessels for this unique task at sea. INS Shakti is the Indian Navy's fleet replenishment tanker. Simply put, it is a floating and moving fuel station, grocery store and much more, at sea. When Indian assets at sea require any supplies and replenishment, such massive tankers rendezvous with them and cater to the needs. A unique capability of the INS Shakti is its on-board heavy-duty crane that is capable of lifting loads as heavy as 30 tonnes. Displacing 27,500 tonnes, this vessel is among the largest that are operated by the Indian Navy. Replenishment tankers enable a Navy to conduct missions far from home shores. ISRO's mission is a very unique one. It is an effort to test the system's required to rescue the astronaut capsule from a rocket that fails mid-flight. This is being carried out in preparation for India's ambitious Human Spaceflight programme 'Gaganyaan'. As part of ISRO's 'TV-D1' test flight, a purpose-built rocket would be launched to an altitude that's a little more than that of passenger airliners. 61 seconds from lift-off, the vehicle would reach an altitude of 11.9 km and a speed of Mach 1.2(1480 kmph) and that's when the rocket would shut down, as pre-programmed. Immediately, the crew escape system would be triggered and the top portion of the rocket comprising the escape system and the crew module would eject itself higher and farther away from the rocket. They would travel a couple of kilometres higher away from the rocket. 90 seconds after lift-off, at around 17 km altitude, the crew escape system and crew module would separate. While the rocket and the crew escape system free-fall into the sea, the crew module uses multiple parachutes to gradually descend and splashdown, almost 10 km away from the spaceport's shore. Effectively, three massive aerospace components (each weighing several tonnes) would be splashing down at sea, a few kilometres away from the Indian spaceport. Therefore, both INS Shakti and SCI Saraswati would be positioned far away, at a safe distance. When they get the go-ahead to recover the fallen capsule, they would set sail for the splashdown site of the crew module and deploy their swimmers and divers to secure the floating object and then help the crane do the rest. As there are no berthing facilities in the vicinity of the spaceport, the vessels would have to offload the crew module at the Chennai port, that is less than 80 km from the spaceport. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Exclusive: India's INS Shakti and SCI Saraswati to recover ISRO Gaganyaan crew module from sea

<p>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched Gaganyaan Test Vehicle Development Flight Mission-1 test vehicle (TV-D1 Flight Test) on Saturday (Oct 21). The launch was kept on hold earlier this morning when ISRO made first attempt. At the time, the launch was aborted as on-board computers detected an anomaly, ISRO said. Within a matter of an hour, ISRO posted from its official account on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the&nbsp;anomaly had been identified and corrected.</p>

<p>After the lift-off, the Crew Module separated from the launch vehicle successfully. It then descended towards the ground using parachutes and splashed down in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Sriharikota as it was intended.</p>

<p>"Mission Gaganyaan. TV D1 Test Flight is accomplished. Crew Escape System performed as intended. Mission Gaganyaan gets off on a successful note," ISRO posted after the successful launch.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mission Gaganyaan<br />
<br />
TV D1 Test Flight is accomplished.<br />
<br />
Crew Escape System performed as intended.<br />
<br />
Mission Gaganyaan gets off on a successful note. <a href="https://twitter.com/DRDO_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DRDO_India</a><a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannavy</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1715590345340432519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The flight test vehicle abort mission was&nbsp;aimed at demonstrating performance of the Crew Escape system which will be part of the Gaganyaan mission. The aim was&nbsp;also to test safe landing in the Bay of Bengal after the launch.</p>

<p>TV-D1 is a liquid-propelled single state test vehicle. The Crew Escape System, which the test vehicle carried with it, is India's homegrown system which will be crucial for the safety of Indian astronauts.</p>

<p>Although it was launch of a&nbsp;test vehicle, it represents a major milestone as it is a step towards India's effort to send humans into space.</p>

<p>The Crew Escape System comprises of five types of quick-acting solid motors.</p>

<p>These are Crew Escape System Jettisoning Motor (CJM), High-altitude Escape Motor (HEM), Low-altitude Escape&nbsp;Motor (LEM), Low-altitude Pitch Motor (LPM) and High-altitude Pitch Motor (HPM).</p>

<p>A crew escape system is just like ejection seats in fighter jet planes. The system safeguards the astronauts in case a catastrophic error occurs during there spaceflight endangering the spacecraft they are travelling in.</p>

<p>It is an automatic system that is triggered by computer if it detects malfunctions or other issues moments after liftoff.</p>

<p>India has an ambitious aim of sending three astronauts into a 400-kilometre&nbsp;orbit around the Earth for three days. After the successful conclusion of that mission, India will join an elite club of nations that&nbsp;have sent astronauts into space.</p>

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched Gaganyaan Test Vehicle Development Flight Mission-1 test vehicle (TV-D1 Flight Test) on Saturday (Oct 21).

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched Gaganyaan Test Vehicle Development Flight Mission-1 test vehicle (TV-D1 Flight Test) on Saturday (Oct 21). The launch was kept on hold earlier this morning when ISRO made first attempt. At the time, the launch was aborted as on-board computers detected an anomaly, ISRO said. Within a matter of an hour, ISRO posted from its official account on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the anomaly had been identified and corrected. After the lift-off, the Crew Module separated from the launch vehicle successfully. It then descended towards the ground using parachutes and splashed down in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Sriharikota as it was intended. "Mission Gaganyaan. TV D1 Test Flight is accomplished. Crew Escape System performed as intended. Mission Gaganyaan gets off on a successful note," ISRO posted after the successful launch. Mission Gaganyaan TV D1 Test Flight is accomplished. Crew Escape System performed as intended. Mission Gaganyaan gets off on a successful note. @DRDO_India@indiannavy#Gaganyaan — ISRO (@isro) October 21, 2023 × The flight test vehicle abort mission was aimed at demonstrating performance of the Crew Escape system which will be part of the Gaganyaan mission. The aim was also to test safe landing in the Bay of Bengal after the launch. TV-D1 is a liquid-propelled single state test vehicle. The Crew Escape System, which the test vehicle carried with it, is India's homegrown system which will be crucial for the safety of Indian astronauts. Although it was launch of a test vehicle, it represents a major milestone as it is a step towards India's effort to send humans into space. The Crew Escape System comprises of five types of quick-acting solid motors. These are Crew Escape System Jettisoning Motor (CJM), High-altitude Escape Motor (HEM), Low-altitude Escape Motor (LEM), Low-altitude Pitch Motor (LPM) and High-altitude Pitch Motor (HPM). A crew escape system is just like ejection seats in fighter jet planes. The system safeguards the astronauts in case a catastrophic error occurs during there spaceflight endangering the spacecraft they are travelling in. It is an automatic system that is triggered by computer if it detects malfunctions or other issues moments after liftoff. India has an ambitious aim of sending three astronauts into a 400-kilometre orbit around the Earth for three days. After the successful conclusion of that mission, India will join an elite club of nations that have sent astronauts into space. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

After initial hiccup, ISRO successfully launches Gaganyaan TV-D1 test vehicle

The unmanned test flight for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission is scheduled to launch on October 21, according to an announcement made by the Indian Space Research Organization (Isro). The test will show how well the crew escape system functions.

India: Gaganyaan mission involves a three-day stay in space

For India, even the Moon is not enough after successfully landing on the lunar surface ISRO the Indian space agency has now given itself an ambitious target of sending an astronaut to the Moon by 2040.

Gaganyaan: India's first mission to send astronauts to space

<p>While developing a fighter plane, it is crucial to prove the mechanism to eject the pilot(s) safely, mid-flight. Likewise, while working towards an astronaut mission, it is of utmost importance to prove the mechanism to eject the crew module (astronaut-carrying shell) to safety, when the rocket is mid-flight. The Indian Space agency ISRO is now gearing up for the maiden mid-flight eject test, in preparation for its human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan. By the end of this month, ISRO is expected to perform the mission known as TV-D1 or Test Vehicle Development Flight 1. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-seeks-designs-for-lunar-freezer-to-safeguard-moon-mission-samples-643591">NASA seeks designs for 'lunar freezer' to safeguard moon mission samples</a></p>

<p>The Crew Module (CM) is where the astronauts are nestled in. It is maintained in a pressurized earth-like atmospheric condition during the Gaganyaan mission, for the safe sustenance of the astronauts. The CM for the Gaganyaan mission is in different stages of development. For the Test Vehicle Abort mission-1 (TV-D1), the CM is an unpressurised version that has completed its integration and testing and is ready to be shipped to the launch complex. This unpressurised CM has the overall size and mass of the actual Gaganyaan CM. It houses all the systems for the deceleration and recovery, which includes multiple parachutes and associated systems.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mission Gaganyaan:<br />
ISRO to commence unmanned flight tests for the Gaganyaan mission.<br />
<br />
Preparations for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), which demonstrates the performance of the Crew Escape System, are underway.<a href="https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH">https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannavy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a> <a href="https://t.co/XszSDEqs7w">pic.twitter.com/XszSDEqs7w</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1710506719124570606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The avionics systems in CM are in a dual redundant mode (even if one fails, the backup systems takeover) configuration for navigation, sequencing, telemetry, instrumentation and power. The CM in this mission is designed to capture the flight data for evaluation of the performance of various systems.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the TV-D1 mission, the crew module and associated systems will be mounted atop a mini-rocket known as Test vehicle. This is a liquid-fuelled mini rocket based on the L40 stage booster of the GSLV (erstwhile GSLV Mk2) rocket. Mid-flight, as the required conditions(Mach 1.2 or 1.2 times the speed of sound) are achieved, the Crew escape system and crew module would eject from the rocket, when the vehicle is at an altitude of 17km. thereafter, the crew module will be carried to a higher altitude(away from the rocket) and then it would use onboard parachutes to decelerate and gradually splash down in the sea, about 10kms from the coast of the spaceport in Sriharikota. After splashdown, the Crew Module will be recovered, using a dedicated vessel and diving team from the Indian Navy.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-launches-barrage-of-rockets-at-israel-terrorists-infiltrate-border-towns-643577">Gaza launches barrage of rockets at Israel; 'terrorists' infiltrate border towns</a></p>

<p>ISRO said that the Crew Module underwent electrical testing, at ISRO’s facility in Bengaluru, including an acoustic test and was dispatched to the spaceport on 13th August. At the spaceport, it will undergo vibration tests and pre-integration with the Crew Escape System, before final integration to the Test Vehicle at the Launch Pad.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>This Test Vehicle mission with this CM is a significant milestone for the overall Gaganyaan program as a near-complete system is getting ready for a flight test. The success of this test flight will set the stage for the remaining qualification tests and multiple unmanned missions, leading to the first Gaganyaan mission with Indian Astronauts, ISRO said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, ISRO has also taken possession of a crew module shell. This shell is meant to be used for air-drop tests of the same. Air drop tests are another means of testing the parachute systems of the crew module, by dropping it from a flying helicopter. WION had reported on the delivery of the new crew module shell.</p>

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While developing a fighter plane, it is crucial to prove the mechanism to eject the pilot(s) safely, mid-flight. Likewise, while working towards an astronaut mission, it is of utmost importance to prove the mechanism to eject the crew module (astronaut-carrying shell) to safety, when the rocket is mid-flight.

While developing a fighter plane, it is crucial to prove the mechanism to eject the pilot(s) safely, mid-flight. Likewise, while working towards an astronaut mission, it is of utmost importance to prove the mechanism to eject the crew module (astronaut-carrying shell) to safety, when the rocket is mid-flight. The Indian Space agency ISRO is now gearing up for the maiden mid-flight eject test, in preparation for its human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan. By the end of this month, ISRO is expected to perform the mission known as TV-D1 or Test Vehicle Development Flight 1. Also Read | NASA seeks designs for 'lunar freezer' to safeguard moon mission samples The Crew Module (CM) is where the astronauts are nestled in. It is maintained in a pressurized earth-like atmospheric condition during the Gaganyaan mission, for the safe sustenance of the astronauts. The CM for the Gaganyaan mission is in different stages of development. For the Test Vehicle Abort mission-1 (TV-D1), the CM is an unpressurised version that has completed its integration and testing and is ready to be shipped to the launch complex. This unpressurised CM has the overall size and mass of the actual Gaganyaan CM. It houses all the systems for the deceleration and recovery, which includes multiple parachutes and associated systems. Mission Gaganyaan: ISRO to commence unmanned flight tests for the Gaganyaan mission. Preparations for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), which demonstrates the performance of the Crew Escape System, are underway.https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH @indiannavy #Gaganyaan pic.twitter.com/XszSDEqs7w — ISRO (@isro) October 7, 2023 × The avionics systems in CM are in a dual redundant mode (even if one fails, the backup systems takeover) configuration for navigation, sequencing, telemetry, instrumentation and power. The CM in this mission is designed to capture the flight data for evaluation of the performance of various systems. During the TV-D1 mission, the crew module and associated systems will be mounted atop a mini-rocket known as Test vehicle. This is a liquid-fuelled mini rocket based on the L40 stage booster of the GSLV (erstwhile GSLV Mk2) rocket. Mid-flight, as the required conditions(Mach 1.2 or 1.2 times the speed of sound) are achieved, the Crew escape system and crew module would eject from the rocket, when the vehicle is at an altitude of 17km. thereafter, the crew module will be carried to a higher altitude(away from the rocket) and then it would use onboard parachutes to decelerate and gradually splash down in the sea, about 10kms from the coast of the spaceport in Sriharikota. After splashdown, the Crew Module will be recovered, using a dedicated vessel and diving team from the Indian Navy. Also Read | Gaza launches barrage of rockets at Israel; 'terrorists' infiltrate border towns ISRO said that the Crew Module underwent electrical testing, at ISRO’s facility in Bengaluru, including an acoustic test and was dispatched to the spaceport on 13th August. At the spaceport, it will undergo vibration tests and pre-integration with the Crew Escape System, before final integration to the Test Vehicle at the Launch Pad. Watch | Moody's downgrades Egypt × This Test Vehicle mission with this CM is a significant milestone for the overall Gaganyaan program as a near-complete system is getting ready for a flight test. The success of this test flight will set the stage for the remaining qualification tests and multiple unmanned missions, leading to the first Gaganyaan mission with Indian Astronauts, ISRO said. Meanwhile, ISRO has also taken possession of a crew module shell. This shell is meant to be used for air-drop tests of the same. Air drop tests are another means of testing the parachute systems of the crew module, by dropping it from a flying helicopter. WION had reported on the delivery of the new crew module shell. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

ISRO gearing up for mid-flight ejection test, in prep for Gaganyaan

<p>As part of the ongoing testing process for the Gaganyaan Human spaceflight mission, the Indian space agency is to take possession of crucial flight hardware. Known as the Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-CM) Crew Module structure, this is the shell within which the Indian astronauts would be safely nestled in during their rocket-powered journey to space, their stay in orbit, and back. The first of two such aluminum-alloy structures, made by Chennai-based firm KCP Limited, is to be handed over to the Indian space agency, on Saturday (Oct 7).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> to take possession of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gaganyaan</a> crew module shell, made in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chennai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> by KCP Heavy Engg<br />
<br />
Soon, an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianAirForce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianAirForce</a> Chinook helo will carry this shell to 4kms altitude&amp; drop it, as part of testing parachutes, related systems<br />
<br />
Many tests coming up <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/sp1zhx9DZs">pic.twitter.com/sp1zhx9DZs</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1710194040589975658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to the firm, this crew module structure weighs 3.1 tonnes, measures 3.1 metre in diameter, stands 2.6 metre tall, and is made using a light alloy of aluminium and 15CDV6 steel.</p>

<p>The structure has been built by joining, welding, riveting, and thread fastening more than 100 components. In this form, this structure comprises only the outer shell and not the electronics and avionics components that are to be fitted within.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-human-rights-activist-narges-mohammadi-gets-nobel-peace-prize-643284">Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi gets Nobel Peace Prize</a></p>

<p>Queried about a similar crew module structure that ISRO had taken possession from a Hyderabad-based firm in March 2023, Narayan Rao, President, KCP Limited told WION, "ISRO generally sources a similar component from two industry partners. While these are the same product/hardware, there are differences in their manufacturing processes and the materials used. This specific model is designed by ISRO and made by us. The process of manufacturing this took almost a year".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-evacuates-diplomats-from-india-after-new-delhi-asks-for-staff-reduction-643197">Canada evacuates diplomats from India, moves them to Singapore, Malaysia</a></p>

<p>He added that manufacturing of such components for aerospace needs is very sophisticated, owing to how new changes and modifications need to be incorporated.</p>

<p>For example, in the second crew module that we are supplying to ISRO, they might suggest some changes based on their learnings from the first one. We will have to keep making the changes, as this is a zero-error astronaut mission that we are working towards, he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-rishi-sunaks-common-sense-gender-lesson-643300">UK PM Rishi Sunak's 'common sense' gender lesson</a></strong></p>

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<p>The Integrated Air Drop Test is one where the crew module shell will be integrated with its associated systems, parachutes etc. This crew module will be underslung on an Indian Air Force Chinook heavy-lift helicopter and it will be carried to an altitude of four kilometres or approx 13,100 feet.</p>

<p>From there, it will be dropped vertically and then it would be slowed down by a set of on-board parachutes and then descend slowly and safely. This is a crucial test, given that this is the final phase of descent for the astronaut-carrying crew module.</p>

<p>It is required to safely splashdown within a designated area in the ocean, from where it will be recovered by designated Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard assets.</p>

<p>In November 2022, ISRO had done a similar drop test using a heavy-lift aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Back then, ISRO did not have a crew module structure at their disposal. Therefore, ISRO dropped a dummy weight similar to that of the crew module and deployed parachutes to slow it down.</p>

<p>"A 5-ton dummy mass, equivalent to the Crew module mass, was taken to an altitude of 2.5 kilometres and dropped using the Indian Air force’s IL-76 aircraft. Two small pyro-based mortar-deployed pilot parachutes, then pulled the main parachutes. The fully inflated main parachutes reduced the payload speed to a safe landing speed as the entire sequence lasted about 2-3 minutes and the payload mass landed softly on the ground," ISRO had said in November 2022.</p>

<p>After being handed over to ISRO officials, the crew module structure is expected to be transported to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, where it would be integrated with its parachutes and other systems. Once that is completed, ISRO would commence the air drop tests of the same.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISRO's Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of indigenously-designed and developed human spaceflight capability. It will be done by launching a crew of three Indian astronauts to an earth orbit of 400 km for a three-day mission and then bringing them back safely to earth, by splash-landing in Indian sea waters.</p>

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As part of the ongoing testing process for the Gaganyaan Human spaceflight mission, the Indian space agency is to take possession of crucial flight hardware. Known as the Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-CM) Crew Module structure, this is the shell within which the Indian astronauts would be safely nestled in during their rocket-powered journey to space, their stay in orbit, and back.

As part of the ongoing testing process for the Gaganyaan Human spaceflight mission, the Indian space agency is to take possession of crucial flight hardware. Known as the Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-CM) Crew Module structure, this is the shell within which the Indian astronauts would be safely nestled in during their rocket-powered journey to space, their stay in orbit, and back. The first of two such aluminum-alloy structures, made by Chennai-based firm KCP Limited, is to be handed over to the Indian space agency, on Saturday (Oct 7). #isro to take possession of #gaganyaan crew module shell, made in #chennai #TamilNadu by KCP Heavy Engg Soon, an #IndianAirForce Chinook helo will carry this shell to 4kms altitude& drop it, as part of testing parachutes, related systems Many tests coming up #tech #space 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/sp1zhx9DZs — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 6, 2023 × According to the firm, this crew module structure weighs 3.1 tonnes, measures 3.1 metre in diameter, stands 2.6 metre tall, and is made using a light alloy of aluminium and 15CDV6 steel. The structure has been built by joining, welding, riveting, and thread fastening more than 100 components. In this form, this structure comprises only the outer shell and not the electronics and avionics components that are to be fitted within. Also Read | Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi gets Nobel Peace Prize Queried about a similar crew module structure that ISRO had taken possession from a Hyderabad-based firm in March 2023, Narayan Rao, President, KCP Limited told WION, "ISRO generally sources a similar component from two industry partners. While these are the same product/hardware, there are differences in their manufacturing processes and the materials used. This specific model is designed by ISRO and made by us. The process of manufacturing this took almost a year". Also Read | Canada evacuates diplomats from India, moves them to Singapore, Malaysia He added that manufacturing of such components for aerospace needs is very sophisticated, owing to how new changes and modifications need to be incorporated. For example, in the second crew module that we are supplying to ISRO, they might suggest some changes based on their learnings from the first one. We will have to keep making the changes, as this is a zero-error astronaut mission that we are working towards, he said. Watch | UK PM Rishi Sunak's 'common sense' gender lesson × The Integrated Air Drop Test is one where the crew module shell will be integrated with its associated systems, parachutes etc. This crew module will be underslung on an Indian Air Force Chinook heavy-lift helicopter and it will be carried to an altitude of four kilometres or approx 13,100 feet. From there, it will be dropped vertically and then it would be slowed down by a set of on-board parachutes and then descend slowly and safely. This is a crucial test, given that this is the final phase of descent for the astronaut-carrying crew module. It is required to safely splashdown within a designated area in the ocean, from where it will be recovered by designated Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard assets. In November 2022, ISRO had done a similar drop test using a heavy-lift aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Back then, ISRO did not have a crew module structure at their disposal. Therefore, ISRO dropped a dummy weight similar to that of the crew module and deployed parachutes to slow it down. "A 5-ton dummy mass, equivalent to the Crew module mass, was taken to an altitude of 2.5 kilometres and dropped using the Indian Air force’s IL-76 aircraft. Two small pyro-based mortar-deployed pilot parachutes, then pulled the main parachutes. The fully inflated main parachutes reduced the payload speed to a safe landing speed as the entire sequence lasted about 2-3 minutes and the payload mass landed softly on the ground," ISRO had said in November 2022. After being handed over to ISRO officials, the crew module structure is expected to be transported to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, where it would be integrated with its parachutes and other systems. Once that is completed, ISRO would commence the air drop tests of the same. ISRO's Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of indigenously-designed and developed human spaceflight capability. It will be done by launching a crew of three Indian astronauts to an earth orbit of 400 km for a three-day mission and then bringing them back safely to earth, by splash-landing in Indian sea waters. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

ISRO to take possession of Gaganyaan Crew Module for helicopter-drop tests

<p>In what is the first-ever official glimpse of the Indian astronaut candidates, the Indian Air Force shared a clip that showed them in intense workout mode. They are featured in the video clip that was released by the Indian Air Force, as part of the 91<sup>st</sup>&nbsp;Indian Air Force Day celebrations.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">First-look of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indian</a> astronaut candidates revealed in latest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianAirForce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianAirForce</a> video 🇮🇳🚀👨‍🚀<br />
<br />
Could be the IAF pilot-astronauts working out&amp; preparing for their new role..why else would they share a back-facing-camera shot ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Science</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://t.co/0WbsyHElXI">pic.twitter.com/0WbsyHElXI</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1709200253130543198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Four Indian Air Force pilots have been screened and handpicked after multiple rounds of scrutiny, to undertake ISRO's ambitious Gaganyaan Human spaceflight mission to Low Earth orbit.</p>

<p>Since India doesn't yet have an exclusive pool of astronauts, the best option was to pick the ideal candidates from the Indian Air Force pilots, who are accustomed to bearing the high-loads of 'g' forces experienced during complex aerial manoeuvres.</p>

<p>All of us on the Earth's surface of the earth experience '1g' force,&nbsp;which is the ordinary pull of gravity.</p>

<p>During rapid acceleration or deceleration of an aerospace vehicle, this force is manifold (denoted by the number preceding the 'g'). Simply put, the phenomenon is referred to as 'g force' or the acceleration due to gravity.</p>

<p>Given the nature of their profession, fighter pilots are trained to take sustained loads of g forces, thereby making them better suited for undergoing training for astronaut missions.</p>

<p>Indian astronaut candidates had already completed a round of training at Russia's Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre and have been undergoing simulator and theoretical training in India.</p>

<p>WION learnt that they even visited ISRO's lead centre Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Kerala's&nbsp;Thiruvananthapuram, earlier this year.</p>

<p>VSSC, which is responsible for conceptualising, designing and developing all space-transportation systems for the country, is preparing the crew module that would house the astronauts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;PM Modi in the US: India signs Artemis Accords that brings nations for civil space exploration</strong></p>

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<p>This year, during&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US, US President Joe Biden had announced a mission to launch Indian astronauts to the International Space Station in 2024 and mentioned it as a collaboration on Human Spaceflight.</p>

<p>This also means that Indian astronauts would train at the Johnson Space Centre in Texas, USA.</p>

<p><strong>Also read</strong> | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-astronaut-to-fly-to-international-space-station-in-2024-what-does-it-mean-for-gaganyaan-607731"><strong>Indian astronaut to fly to International Space Station in 2024. What does it mean for Gaganyaan?</strong></a></p>

<p>The Indian astronaut mission to the ISS is expected to serve as a precursor to the Indian Gaganyaan mission and offer valuable insights and practical lessons on living and working in space.</p>

<p>This is crucial, given how the first and only Indian astronaut (Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma) who had travelled to space, did so as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme in 1984.</p>

<p><img alt="Indian Air Force's Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, flight engineer Gennady Strekalov and commander Yury Malyshev alongside screengrabs of the-then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's interaction with Rakesh Sharma" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-07-09T123411.047.png" /></p>

<p><em>Indian Air Force's Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (centre), flight engineer Gennady Strekalov (L) and commander Yury Malyshev (R) alongside the screengrabs of the-then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's interaction with Rakesh Sharma |&nbsp;spacefacts.de/YouTube&nbsp;via Indian National Congress</em></p>

<p>The Indian Air Force video clip offering a glimpse of the astronaut candidates comes ahead of the 91st Indian Air Force day that is to be celebrated on October 8th.</p>

<p>By the end of this month, ISRO is expected to perform the maiden in-flight abort test of the Gaganyaan crew module. The crew module would be mounted atop a mini-rocket named as 'Test Vehicle' and launched to an altitude of 11-14km.</p>

<p>On reaching the designated altitude and flight parameters, the crew module would be ejected from the rocket and carried to a safe altitude away from the rocket, and then deploy parachutes for&nbsp;a splash down in the Bay of Bengal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/gaganyaan-indian-astronauts-to-experience-4g-acceleration-during-ascent-12g-if-aborted-557263">Gaganyaan: Indian astronauts to experience '4g' acceleration during ascent, '12g' if aborted</a></strong></p>

<p>This test is similar to a fighter pilot ejecting from a fighter aircraft that is in extreme danger. In the astronaut mission, in case there is an issue with the rocket carrying the astronauts, the crew module would have to eject itself to safety and protect the astronauts nestled within.</p>

<p>This is a crucial test ahead of the maiden unmanned flight of the actual Gaganyaan mission that ISRO hopes to undertake by March 2024. After a series of successful uncrewed flights, ISRO would be undertaking the astronaut mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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In what is the first-ever official glimpse of the Indian astronaut candidates, the Indian Air Force shared a clip that showed them in intense workout mode. They are featured in the video clip that was released by the Indian Air Force, as part of the 91st Indian Air Force Day celebrations.

In what is the first-ever official glimpse of the Indian astronaut candidates, the Indian Air Force shared a clip that showed them in intense workout mode. They are featured in the video clip that was released by the Indian Air Force, as part of the 91st Indian Air Force Day celebrations. First-look of #indian astronaut candidates revealed in latest #IndianAirForce video 🇮🇳🚀👨‍🚀 Could be the IAF pilot-astronauts working out& preparing for their new role..why else would they share a back-facing-camera shot ?? #isro #india #space #Gaganyaan #Science #tech pic.twitter.com/0WbsyHElXI — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 3, 2023 × Four Indian Air Force pilots have been screened and handpicked after multiple rounds of scrutiny, to undertake ISRO's ambitious Gaganyaan Human spaceflight mission to Low Earth orbit. Since India doesn't yet have an exclusive pool of astronauts, the best option was to pick the ideal candidates from the Indian Air Force pilots, who are accustomed to bearing the high-loads of 'g' forces experienced during complex aerial manoeuvres. All of us on the Earth's surface of the earth experience '1g' force, which is the ordinary pull of gravity. During rapid acceleration or deceleration of an aerospace vehicle, this force is manifold (denoted by the number preceding the 'g'). Simply put, the phenomenon is referred to as 'g force' or the acceleration due to gravity. Given the nature of their profession, fighter pilots are trained to take sustained loads of g forces, thereby making them better suited for undergoing training for astronaut missions. Indian astronaut candidates had already completed a round of training at Russia's Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre and have been undergoing simulator and theoretical training in India. WION learnt that they even visited ISRO's lead centre Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, earlier this year. VSSC, which is responsible for conceptualising, designing and developing all space-transportation systems for the country, is preparing the crew module that would house the astronauts. Also watch | PM Modi in the US: India signs Artemis Accords that brings nations for civil space exploration × This year, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US, US President Joe Biden had announced a mission to launch Indian astronauts to the International Space Station in 2024 and mentioned it as a collaboration on Human Spaceflight. This also means that Indian astronauts would train at the Johnson Space Centre in Texas, USA. Also read | Indian astronaut to fly to International Space Station in 2024. What does it mean for Gaganyaan? The Indian astronaut mission to the ISS is expected to serve as a precursor to the Indian Gaganyaan mission and offer valuable insights and practical lessons on living and working in space. This is crucial, given how the first and only Indian astronaut (Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma) who had travelled to space, did so as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme in 1984. Indian Air Force's Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (centre), flight engineer Gennady Strekalov (L) and commander Yury Malyshev (R) alongside the screengrabs of the-then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's interaction with Rakesh Sharma | spacefacts.de/YouTube via Indian National Congress The Indian Air Force video clip offering a glimpse of the astronaut candidates comes ahead of the 91st Indian Air Force day that is to be celebrated on October 8th. By the end of this month, ISRO is expected to perform the maiden in-flight abort test of the Gaganyaan crew module. The crew module would be mounted atop a mini-rocket named as 'Test Vehicle' and launched to an altitude of 11-14km. On reaching the designated altitude and flight parameters, the crew module would be ejected from the rocket and carried to a safe altitude away from the rocket, and then deploy parachutes for a splash down in the Bay of Bengal. Also read | Gaganyaan: Indian astronauts to experience '4g' acceleration during ascent, '12g' if aborted This test is similar to a fighter pilot ejecting from a fighter aircraft that is in extreme danger. In the astronaut mission, in case there is an issue with the rocket carrying the astronauts, the crew module would have to eject itself to safety and protect the astronauts nestled within. This is a crucial test ahead of the maiden unmanned flight of the actual Gaganyaan mission that ISRO hopes to undertake by March 2024. After a series of successful uncrewed flights, ISRO would be undertaking the astronaut mission. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch: Indian Air Force shares 'first-look' of India's ISRO Gaganyaan Astronauts

The first test vehicle mission of India's ambitious maiden human spaceflight venture Gaganyaan to validate the crew escape system will be launched in a month or two, a key ISRO official said on Friday.

Gaganyaan: $1.1 Billion allocated for India's Gaganyaan mission

Indian Space Research Organisation is set to launch a humanoid robot into space as a part of its Gaganyaan Mission. This is the second phase of the mission and will launch a female space fairing humanoid robot called Vyommitra let's tell you more about this.

Who is ISRO's Vyommitra and what can she do?

France has been a key collaborator in India space journey there's the Indian Prime Minister will be the guest of honor the Bastille Days parade celebrations in France expectations are that the Indo-French space cooperation will reach New Heights the visit also coincides with the launch of India's third lunar space mission called Chandrayaan III on the 14th of July in our senior correspondent Siddharth MP spoke with John Mark Stork a top profession of the French Space Agency CNES for some special insights.

Indo-French 'Trishna' satellite in the works; France to share expertise on Gaganyaan

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