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.

India and France to work on new engines, satellites

On November 21, 1963, the launch of a US-origin Nike Apache sounding rocket from Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram, in southern India marked the beginning of the Indian Space programme. Sixty years later, in 2023, the Indian and American governments are collaborating on human spaceflight and working towards sending an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024.

This announcement on the highest-ever level of Indo-US Space cooperation was made during the Joint Press Conference at the White House, addressed by US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

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“Collaboration on Human Spaceflight, including sending an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> astronaut to the International <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> station in 2024” says <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> as he lists out areas of bilateral cooperation between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USA</a> 
 
Travel to <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> &amp; working there will prep astronauts for Gaganyaan <a href="https://t.co/mJfcX4sKdP">pic.twitter.com/mJfcX4sKdP</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1672074359031361537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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“From designing new ways to diagnosing and treating new illnesses like cancer and diabetes to collaboration on human space flight, including on sending an Indian astronaut to the international space station in 2024…,” President Biden said while listing out the areas of bilateral cooperation.

The coming year would be the most significant-yet milestone in Indo-US space ties, as the two countries are expected to undertake two high-profile missions: The launch of jointly-built earth-imaging NISAR Satellite (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) from India's spaceport in Sriharikota by early 2024 and the newly-announced mission to launch an Indian Astronaut to the ISS.

NISAR Project Scientist from NASA-JPL Dr Paul Rosen recently explained to WION the capabilities of the jointly-developed imaging satellite.

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This will also mark the first-ever trip of an Indian astronaut to the ISS and the second foray of an Indian into space. Thus far, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma has been the only Indian to venture into space. He had travelled as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme in 1984.&nbsp;

"President Biden and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the decision of NASA and ISRO to develop a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation by the end of 2023. The leaders hailed the announcement by NASA to provide advanced training to Indian astronauts at Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas, with the goal of mounting a joint effort to the International Space Station in 2024", read the joint statement from the US and India.&nbsp;

"India and the US have had a deep and long legacy of cooperation in the areas of Space science and technology. Furthering our cooperation in the field of space, we have decided to sign the Artemis Accords.... For India-US ties, even sky is not the limit," said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his media address. Going by his announcement, India would become the 27th&nbsp;signatory of the Artemis Accords, a common set of principles to govern the civil exploration and safe, peaceful, prosperous use of outer space.

NASA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, established the Artemis Accords in 2020 along with seven other founding member nations.

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“<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USA</a> have had a deep and long legacy of cooperation in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#science</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/technology?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#technology</a>…furthering our ties in space, we have decided to sign the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArtemisAccords?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArtemisAccords</a>.. for India-US ties, even sky is not the limit” <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> 
 
India to be 27th Signatory of US-led Accords <a href="https://t.co/XnoCV0dpCm">pic.twitter.com/XnoCV0dpCm</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1672077169856757762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The Artemis Accords is not just limited to Lunar exploration. "The principles set out in these Accords are intended to apply to civil space activities conducted by the civil space agencies of each Signatory. These activities may take place on the Moon, Mars, comets, and asteroids, including their surfaces and sub-surfaces, as well as in orbit of the Moon or Mars, in the Lagrangian points for the Earth-Moon system, and in transit between these celestial bodies and locations," the Artemis Accords document states.

Signing the Artemis Accords must not be construed as joining the US-led Artemis manned Lunar exploration programme. Notably, even non-spacefaring nations have signed the accords, which are legally non-binding.

As one of the few elite nations that possess end-to-end space capabilities (means to design, develop and launch rockets and satellites indigenously), both the announcements made in the White House are expected to immensely benefit India's space programme - be it human spaceflight missions or exploratory ones.&nbsp;

<h2>Gaganyaan</h2>

Over the last four years, India's space agency ISRO has been working on the country's ambitious indigenous Human Spaceflight programme known as Gaganyaan. This endeavour is envisioned as a three-day mission, where a crew of three Indian astronauts housed within a capsule (crew module) will be carried to space on an Indian rocket and brought back to Earth.

Once in Earth orbit, the crew are expected to perform in-orbit experiments during their&nbsp;stay in space and then the crew module would de-orbit and splash down, off the Indian coast.

Chairman ISRO, Dr S Somanath recently told WION that the Indian astronaut candidates (crew of Indian Air Force Pilots) have completed the first round of training abroad, have completed simulator training in India and are now undergoing theoretical training.

He added that the maiden unmanned mission of Gaganyaan would be carried out in early-2024 and the astronaut mission would be attempted in late-2024 or early-2025. India's efforts towards its maiden human spaceflight programme are being supported by Russia, US, Japan, France, European Union etc.

As India's astronauts gear up for the Gaganyaan mission, the ISRO-NASA joint mission to ISS in 2024 could be a precursor. Such a mission can help in preparing the Indian crew for their own national mission and give them a feel of travelling to space, living in Low Earth orbit and working there.

While the ISS is originally a cooperative programme between US, Russia, Europe, Canada and Japan, astronauts from Israel, Saudi Arabia and UAE have also flown to the ISS and worked there. The advanced astronaut training that is to be provided for Indian astronauts at the Johnson Space Centre would better equip Indian astronauts for handling the several challenges that come with space travel.&nbsp;

ISRO officials have said on multiple occasions that India's Gaganyaan is not a one-off mission and will have several follow-on missions. As a nation with end-to-end indigenous space capability, India aspires to have a sustained human presence in space, possibly an Indian Space Station.

Till the time that plan becomes a reality, ISRO-NASA missions to the ISS and similar efforts could provide a great wealth of learnings and experience for India's space science community and aid in developing India's own efforts and resources towards sustained human presence in Low Earth Orbit.

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On November 21, 1963, the launch of a US-origin Nike Apache sounding rocket from Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram, in southern India marked the beginning of the Indian Space programme.

On November 21, 1963, the launch of a US-origin Nike Apache sounding rocket from Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram, in southern India marked the beginning of the Indian Space programme. Sixty years later, in 2023, the Indian and American governments are collaborating on human spaceflight and working towards sending an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024. This announcement on the highest-ever level of Indo-US Space cooperation was made during the Joint Press Conference at the White House, addressed by US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Collaboration on Human Spaceflight, including sending an #Indian astronaut to the International #space station in 2024” says @POTUS as he lists out areas of bilateral cooperation between #india & #USA Travel to @Space_Station & working there will prep astronauts for Gaganyaan pic.twitter.com/mJfcX4sKdP — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) June 23, 2023 × “From designing new ways to diagnosing and treating new illnesses like cancer and diabetes to collaboration on human space flight, including on sending an Indian astronaut to the international space station in 2024…,” President Biden said while listing out the areas of bilateral cooperation. The coming year would be the most significant-yet milestone in Indo-US space ties, as the two countries are expected to undertake two high-profile missions: The launch of jointly-built earth-imaging NISAR Satellite (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) from India's spaceport in Sriharikota by early 2024 and the newly-announced mission to launch an Indian Astronaut to the ISS. NISAR Project Scientist from NASA-JPL Dr Paul Rosen recently explained to WION the capabilities of the jointly-developed imaging satellite. This will also mark the first-ever trip of an Indian astronaut to the ISS and the second foray of an Indian into space. Thus far, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma has been the only Indian to venture into space. He had travelled as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme in 1984. "President Biden and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the decision of NASA and ISRO to develop a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation by the end of 2023. The leaders hailed the announcement by NASA to provide advanced training to Indian astronauts at Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas, with the goal of mounting a joint effort to the International Space Station in 2024", read the joint statement from the US and India. "India and the US have had a deep and long legacy of cooperation in the areas of Space science and technology. Furthering our cooperation in the field of space, we have decided to sign the Artemis Accords.... For India-US ties, even sky is not the limit," said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his media address. Going by his announcement, India would become the 27th signatory of the Artemis Accords, a common set of principles to govern the civil exploration and safe, peaceful, prosperous use of outer space. NASA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, established the Artemis Accords in 2020 along with seven other founding member nations. “#india & #USA have had a deep and long legacy of cooperation in #space #science & #technology…furthering our ties in space, we have decided to sign the #ArtemisAccords.. for India-US ties, even sky is not the limit” @narendramodi India to be 27th Signatory of US-led Accords pic.twitter.com/XnoCV0dpCm — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) June 23, 2023 × The Artemis Accords is not just limited to Lunar exploration. "The principles set out in these Accords are intended to apply to civil space activities conducted by the civil space agencies of each Signatory. These activities may take place on the Moon, Mars, comets, and asteroids, including their surfaces and sub-surfaces, as well as in orbit of the Moon or Mars, in the Lagrangian points for the Earth-Moon system, and in transit between these celestial bodies and locations," the Artemis Accords document states. Signing the Artemis Accords must not be construed as joining the US-led Artemis manned Lunar exploration programme. Notably, even non-spacefaring nations have signed the accords, which are legally non-binding. As one of the few elite nations that possess end-to-end space capabilities (means to design, develop and launch rockets and satellites indigenously), both the announcements made in the White House are expected to immensely benefit India's space programme - be it human spaceflight missions or exploratory ones. Gaganyaan Over the last four years, India's space agency ISRO has been working on the country's ambitious indigenous Human Spaceflight programme known as Gaganyaan. This endeavour is envisioned as a three-day mission, where a crew of three Indian astronauts housed within a capsule (crew module) will be carried to space on an Indian rocket and brought back to Earth. Once in Earth orbit, the crew are expected to perform in-orbit experiments during their stay in space and then the crew module would de-orbit and splash down, off the Indian coast. Chairman ISRO, Dr S Somanath recently told WION that the Indian astronaut candidates (crew of Indian Air Force Pilots) have completed the first round of training abroad, have completed simulator training in India and are now undergoing theoretical training. He added that the maiden unmanned mission of Gaganyaan would be carried out in early-2024 and the astronaut mission would be attempted in late-2024 or early-2025. India's efforts towards its maiden human spaceflight programme are being supported by Russia, US, Japan, France, European Union etc. As India's astronauts gear up for the Gaganyaan mission, the ISRO-NASA joint mission to ISS in 2024 could be a precursor. Such a mission can help in preparing the Indian crew for their own national mission and give them a feel of travelling to space, living in Low Earth orbit and working there. While the ISS is originally a cooperative programme between US, Russia, Europe, Canada and Japan, astronauts from Israel, Saudi Arabia and UAE have also flown to the ISS and worked there. The advanced astronaut training that is to be provided for Indian astronauts at the Johnson Space Centre would better equip Indian astronauts for handling the several challenges that come with space travel. ISRO officials have said on multiple occasions that India's Gaganyaan is not a one-off mission and will have several follow-on missions. As a nation with end-to-end indigenous space capability, India aspires to have a sustained human presence in space, possibly an Indian Space Station. Till the time that plan becomes a reality, ISRO-NASA missions to the ISS and similar efforts could provide a great wealth of learnings and experience for India's space science community and aid in developing India's own efforts and resources towards sustained human presence in Low Earth Orbit. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian astronaut to fly to International Space Station in 2024. What does it mean for Gaganyaan?

Announcing the successful launch of India's heaviest rocket LVM3 in its second commercial mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said that all 36 satellites belonging to OneWeb were injected into the intended orbit.

In his post-launch address, ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath said that ISRO is gearing up for impending launches of its PSLV, GSLV Mk2 and LVM3 rockets in the coming months.

Acknowledging that the LVM3 vehicle did extremely well in its 9 am launch mission on Sunday, Somanath said that the satellites were placed in orbit with minimal disturbance.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isros-largest-rocket-lvm3-lifts-off-successfully-on-2nd-commercial-mission-575788">ISRO's largest rocket LVM3 lifts off successfully on 2nd commercial mission</a>

As per the plan, the rocket deployed 16 satellites in orbit initially and 20 satellites were deployed thereafter. ISRO initially confirmed the successful placement of 16 satellites in orbit and said that they would update regarding the deployment of the 20 remaining satellites when they receive tracking information about the same.

When satellites are deployed in space, often they are not immediately visible to ground-based tracking stations or even ship-borne tracking stations. It takes some time before satellites make the orbit and are visible in the range of the tracking stations.

D Radhakrishnan, Chairman of NSIL, the commercial arm of ISRO, said that this was an extremely momentous day. Just as was done in the October 2022 launch, the 'C25' cryogenic stage was used to perform a series of complex manoeuvres to inject the OneWeb satellites in nine batches of four each. He also reassured the customer OneWeb that ISRO-NSIL would be happy to provide more launch solutions as required.

S Mohana Kumar, the Mission Director of the LVM3-M3 mission said that the LVM3 rocket had shown its might and ruggedness in carrying heavy payloads to the required orbit. He also acknowledged team ISRO for having completed the launch campaign (the entire process of integrating, stacking, assembling and launching the rocket) of India's largest rocket in a record time of 72 days.

"We have done the rocket assembly in the 2nd vehicle assembly building and the entire vehicle integration was carried out under a single roof,” he said. He also thanked ISRO's numerous industry partners for supplying thousands of components and hardware to execute the launch successfully.

Referring to the steady and swift progress towards India's high-profile 'Gaganyaan' astronaut mission, chairman Somanath said that the first stage 'S200' twin boosters used on the LVM3-M3 mission was designed with higher margins and features geared towards Gaganyaan, he stated that progress towards Gaganyaan is happening incrementally.

As part of Gaganyaan, the Indian space agency is human-rating the LVM3 rocket (modifying it to be suitable, safe and reliable for ferrying humans to space). In recent years, ISRO has been developing hardware and conducting a host of tests of various systems and sub-systems in preparation for the Gaganyaan Mission.

OneWeb had signed a pact with NSIL and ISRO for placing a total of 72 satellites in orbit (in batches of 36). This deal has raked in more than Rs 10 billion in revenue for the Indian government-run space agency. It also provides an opportunity for ISRO to demonstrate the capability and reliability of their largest rocket for offering commercial launch services.

WATCH | WION Wings from Aero India 2023, Sidharth MP reports

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Until October 2022, (the maiden commercial mission of LVM3), ISRO's LVM3 or GSLV Mk3 rocket was being used only for fulfilling India's national missions such as Chandrayaan-2 and launching heavy satellites. Notably, the LVM3 has performed successful launches in all its six missions (including that of March 26).

OneWeb has been utilising the launch services of SpaceX, Arianespace and ISRO to place all its 1st generation constellation satellites in orbit and OneWeb satellites have flown 17&nbsp;times to date, ISRO has carried and delivered the 18th set, thus enabling OneWeb to roll out commercial services. OneWeb aims to offer high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity from space via its constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit.

 
 
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Announcing the successful launch of India's heaviest rocket LVM3 in its second commercial mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said that all 36 satellites belonging to OneWeb were injected into the intended orbit.

Announcing the successful launch of India's heaviest rocket LVM3 in its second commercial mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said that all 36 satellites belonging to OneWeb were injected into the intended orbit. In his post-launch address, ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath said that ISRO is gearing up for impending launches of its PSLV, GSLV Mk2 and LVM3 rockets in the coming months. Acknowledging that the LVM3 vehicle did extremely well in its 9 am launch mission on Sunday, Somanath said that the satellites were placed in orbit with minimal disturbance. ALSO READ | ISRO's largest rocket LVM3 lifts off successfully on 2nd commercial mission As per the plan, the rocket deployed 16 satellites in orbit initially and 20 satellites were deployed thereafter. ISRO initially confirmed the successful placement of 16 satellites in orbit and said that they would update regarding the deployment of the 20 remaining satellites when they receive tracking information about the same. When satellites are deployed in space, often they are not immediately visible to ground-based tracking stations or even ship-borne tracking stations. It takes some time before satellites make the orbit and are visible in the range of the tracking stations. D Radhakrishnan, Chairman of NSIL, the commercial arm of ISRO, said that this was an extremely momentous day. Just as was done in the October 2022 launch, the 'C25' cryogenic stage was used to perform a series of complex manoeuvres to inject the OneWeb satellites in nine batches of four each. He also reassured the customer OneWeb that ISRO-NSIL would be happy to provide more launch solutions as required. S Mohana Kumar, the Mission Director of the LVM3-M3 mission said that the LVM3 rocket had shown its might and ruggedness in carrying heavy payloads to the required orbit. He also acknowledged team ISRO for having completed the launch campaign (the entire process of integrating, stacking, assembling and launching the rocket) of India's largest rocket in a record time of 72 days. "We have done the rocket assembly in the 2nd vehicle assembly building and the entire vehicle integration was carried out under a single roof,” he said. He also thanked ISRO's numerous industry partners for supplying thousands of components and hardware to execute the launch successfully. Referring to the steady and swift progress towards India's high-profile 'Gaganyaan' astronaut mission, chairman Somanath said that the first stage 'S200' twin boosters used on the LVM3-M3 mission was designed with higher margins and features geared towards Gaganyaan, he stated that progress towards Gaganyaan is happening incrementally. As part of Gaganyaan, the Indian space agency is human-rating the LVM3 rocket (modifying it to be suitable, safe and reliable for ferrying humans to space). In recent years, ISRO has been developing hardware and conducting a host of tests of various systems and sub-systems in preparation for the Gaganyaan Mission. OneWeb had signed a pact with NSIL and ISRO for placing a total of 72 satellites in orbit (in batches of 36). This deal has raked in more than Rs 10 billion in revenue for the Indian government-run space agency. It also provides an opportunity for ISRO to demonstrate the capability and reliability of their largest rocket for offering commercial launch services. WATCH | WION Wings from Aero India 2023, Sidharth MP reports Until October 2022, (the maiden commercial mission of LVM3), ISRO's LVM3 or GSLV Mk3 rocket was being used only for fulfilling India's national missions such as Chandrayaan-2 and launching heavy satellites. Notably, the LVM3 has performed successful launches in all its six missions (including that of March 26). OneWeb has been utilising the launch services of SpaceX, Arianespace and ISRO to place all its 1st generation constellation satellites in orbit and OneWeb satellites have flown 17 times to date, ISRO has carried and delivered the 18th set, thus enabling OneWeb to roll out commercial services. OneWeb aims to offer high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity from space via its constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit. 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.

Largest rocket LVM3 places 36 satellites in orbit, augments confidence for Gaganyaan: ISRO chairman

Dr S Somanath, Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) refuted media reports that had claimed that ISRO's proposed space tourism initiative would ferry tourists to space at a cost of Rs 6 crore or USD 700,000 per seat, by the year 2030. Speaking to WION, he mentioned that he had not shared any such per-seat cost or any such specific details about India's proposed space tourism plan in any media interview or at any event. Instead, he said that the Indian space agency is now working on the all-important Indian astronaut mission 'Gaganyaan'.&nbsp;

In line with what was revealed in the upper house of Indian Parliament, Dr Somanath maintains that ISRO's space tourism activities shall be firmed up after successful completion of the Indian Astronaut mission 'Gaganyaan'.

"The objective of India’s maiden human spaceflight programme ‘Gaganyaan’ is demonstration of human spaceflight capability to Low Earth Orbit, which is a precursor to future Space Tourism Programme. ISRO has carried out a few feasibility studies for a sub-orbital space tourism mission," Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State had revealed to the parliament in February 2023.&nbsp;

Given that 'Gaganyaan' is India's maiden attempt at ferrying astronauts to space on an Indian launch vehicle, a host of tests are being carried out by ISRO in order to test and prove the reliability, robustness of the systems. As per the information revealed in the ongoing session of the Lok Sabha (India's ower house of parliament), the first test vehicle mission for 'Gaganyaan', TV-D1, is planned in May 2023. This will be followed by the second test vehicle TV-D2 mission and first uncrewed mission of 'Gaganyaan' (LVM3-G1) in the first quarter of 2024.

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Dr S Somanath, Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) refuted media reports that had claimed that ISRO's proposed space tourism initiative would ferry tourists to space at a cost of Rs 6 crore or USD 700,000 per seat, by the year 2030.

Dr S Somanath, Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) refuted media reports that had claimed that ISRO's proposed space tourism initiative would ferry tourists to space at a cost of Rs 6 crore or USD 700,000 per seat, by the year 2030. Speaking to WION, he mentioned that he had not shared any such per-seat cost or any such specific details about India's proposed space tourism plan in any media interview or at any event. Instead, he said that the Indian space agency is now working on the all-important Indian astronaut mission 'Gaganyaan'. In line with what was revealed in the upper house of Indian Parliament, Dr Somanath maintains that ISRO's space tourism activities shall be firmed up after successful completion of the Indian Astronaut mission 'Gaganyaan'. "The objective of India’s maiden human spaceflight programme ‘Gaganyaan’ is demonstration of human spaceflight capability to Low Earth Orbit, which is a precursor to future Space Tourism Programme. ISRO has carried out a few feasibility studies for a sub-orbital space tourism mission," Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State had revealed to the parliament in February 2023. Given that 'Gaganyaan' is India's maiden attempt at ferrying astronauts to space on an Indian launch vehicle, a host of tests are being carried out by ISRO in order to test and prove the reliability, robustness of the systems. As per the information revealed in the ongoing session of the Lok Sabha (India's ower house of parliament), the first test vehicle mission for 'Gaganyaan', TV-D1, is planned in May 2023. This will be followed by the second test vehicle TV-D2 mission and first uncrewed mission of 'Gaganyaan' (LVM3-G1) in the first quarter of 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 chairman refutes reports on space tourism in India at $700,000 per seat

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is performing a host of tests in the run up to the ambitious 'Gaganyaan' astronaut mission. In a latest development, the Indian space agency has taken possession of an indigenously designed and developed Simulated Crew Module (SCM). The SCM is a near-total replica of the structure that will house Indian astronauts during the Gaganyaan mission. In the coming months, ISRO will be flight testing this SCM, on-board a new mini-rocket known as Test Vehicle (TV). WION spoke to Dr&nbsp;S&nbsp;Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the lead facility for the development of rockets. Both TV and SCM were also developed by the teams at VSSC, in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram.

On Friday, ISRO said that Dr&nbsp;S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, VSSC, received the Simulated Crew Module from V.N. Sai Prakash, MD, Manjira Machine Builders in a ceremony held in Hyderabad. Dr S. Somanath, Chairman, ISRO and Dr R. Umamaheswaran, Director HSFC, graced the occasion through virtual presence.

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(1/4) Today, ISRO received Simulated Crew Module (SCM) Structure Assembly for the Gaganyaan project. 
 
This first indigenous SCM is developed by VSSC and realized by Manjira Machine Builders Pvt Ltd., Hyderabad. <a href="https://t.co/yV1WkKMz4U">pic.twitter.com/yV1WkKMz4U</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1629126794669600777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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In a rocket launch where astronauts are being ferried to space, crew safety is of paramount priority. To ensure this, ISRO is working on demonstrating the capability to abort (eject) and rescue the crew module alone, during different stages of the rocket's flight and under varying conditions. Similar to how a pilot can rapidly (in micro-seconds) eject from a fighter aircraft, the entire crew module (structure) will be able to eject itself from the rocket, by using small, high-thrust, solid-propelled escape motors (mini-rockets).&nbsp;

"The actual crew module and the full-fledged GSLV Mk3 rocket are very expensive, so they cannot be used for conducting multiple abort tests. In order to perform low-cost and highly-efficient testing, we have developed the Simulated Crew Module and a mini liquid-fuelled rocket known as Test Vehicle (based on a single L40 Booster of the GSLV Mk2 rocket)," Dr&nbsp;Nair explained. Our goal is to perform abort tests and check all systems at different stages- at the launchpad, when the rocket is flying and transitioning from subsonic to supersonic, when the rocket is undergoing maximum dynamic pressure, he added.&nbsp;

The mass, aerodynamic characteristics, center of gravity, moment of inertia and several technical and engineering parameters of the SCM are exactly the same as the original crew module. Similarly, it also has provisions for parachutes and pyro systems, just like the original. This will help test how the abort system and its multiple associated systems would work under varying, challenging flight conditions. In 2018, ISRO had tested the abort mechanism at the launchpad from a stationary setup. But the real test would be to conduct an abort when the crew module is being flown atop the rocket.

"The abort mechanism we are using includes multiple mini-rockets or escape motors. During the tests, we will identify how many of these rockets need to be fired at different altitudes to ensure a safe ejection. For example, aborting at the launchpad would mean firing all mini-rockets. Whereas, when the rocket is flying at an altitude of 20 km, only a few mini-rockets would have to be fired for a safe abort. There are different combinations (high-altitude and low-altitude escape motors) for different contingency scenarios. Such testing will also help understand whether the forces exerted by our abort system are suitable and tolerable for human limits," Dr Nair elaborated.&nbsp;

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>

ISRO plans to perform at least four missions with the Test Vehicle, before proceeding to the two Unmanned Missions involving the human-rated GSLV Mk3 rocket. The maiden mission involving astronauts is expected to be carried out after the two Unmanned missions. At present, the Test Vehicle is ready at our spaceport, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, said Dr. Nair. The Test Vehicle is a low-cost platform that ISRO hopes to utilise for demonstrating a wide-range of technologies- vertical landing, recovery and re-use of rocket stages, hypersonic scramjet, etc.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is performing a host of tests in the run up to the ambitious 'Gaganyaan' astronaut mission. In a latest development, the Indian space agency has taken possession of an indigenously designed and developed Simulated Crew Module (SCM).

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is performing a host of tests in the run up to the ambitious 'Gaganyaan' astronaut mission. In a latest development, the Indian space agency has taken possession of an indigenously designed and developed Simulated Crew Module (SCM). The SCM is a near-total replica of the structure that will house Indian astronauts during the Gaganyaan mission. In the coming months, ISRO will be flight testing this SCM, on-board a new mini-rocket known as Test Vehicle (TV). WION spoke to Dr S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the lead facility for the development of rockets. Both TV and SCM were also developed by the teams at VSSC, in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram. On Friday, ISRO said that Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, VSSC, received the Simulated Crew Module from V.N. Sai Prakash, MD, Manjira Machine Builders in a ceremony held in Hyderabad. Dr S. Somanath, Chairman, ISRO and Dr R. Umamaheswaran, Director HSFC, graced the occasion through virtual presence. (1/4) Today, ISRO received Simulated Crew Module (SCM) Structure Assembly for the Gaganyaan project. This first indigenous SCM is developed by VSSC and realized by Manjira Machine Builders Pvt Ltd., Hyderabad. pic.twitter.com/yV1WkKMz4U — ISRO (@isro) February 24, 2023 × In a rocket launch where astronauts are being ferried to space, crew safety is of paramount priority. To ensure this, ISRO is working on demonstrating the capability to abort (eject) and rescue the crew module alone, during different stages of the rocket's flight and under varying conditions. Similar to how a pilot can rapidly (in micro-seconds) eject from a fighter aircraft, the entire crew module (structure) will be able to eject itself from the rocket, by using small, high-thrust, solid-propelled escape motors (mini-rockets). "The actual crew module and the full-fledged GSLV Mk3 rocket are very expensive, so they cannot be used for conducting multiple abort tests. In order to perform low-cost and highly-efficient testing, we have developed the Simulated Crew Module and a mini liquid-fuelled rocket known as Test Vehicle (based on a single L40 Booster of the GSLV Mk2 rocket)," Dr Nair explained. Our goal is to perform abort tests and check all systems at different stages- at the launchpad, when the rocket is flying and transitioning from subsonic to supersonic, when the rocket is undergoing maximum dynamic pressure, he added. The mass, aerodynamic characteristics, center of gravity, moment of inertia and several technical and engineering parameters of the SCM are exactly the same as the original crew module. Similarly, it also has provisions for parachutes and pyro systems, just like the original. This will help test how the abort system and its multiple associated systems would work under varying, challenging flight conditions. In 2018, ISRO had tested the abort mechanism at the launchpad from a stationary setup. But the real test would be to conduct an abort when the crew module is being flown atop the rocket. "The abort mechanism we are using includes multiple mini-rockets or escape motors. During the tests, we will identify how many of these rockets need to be fired at different altitudes to ensure a safe ejection. For example, aborting at the launchpad would mean firing all mini-rockets. Whereas, when the rocket is flying at an altitude of 20 km, only a few mini-rockets would have to be fired for a safe abort. There are different combinations (high-altitude and low-altitude escape motors) for different contingency scenarios. Such testing will also help understand whether the forces exerted by our abort system are suitable and tolerable for human limits," Dr Nair elaborated. Also read | Gaganyaan: Indian astronauts to experience '4g' acceleration during ascent, '12g' if aborted ISRO plans to perform at least four missions with the Test Vehicle, before proceeding to the two Unmanned Missions involving the human-rated GSLV Mk3 rocket. The maiden mission involving astronauts is expected to be carried out after the two Unmanned missions. At present, the Test Vehicle is ready at our spaceport, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, said Dr. Nair. The Test Vehicle is a low-cost platform that ISRO hopes to utilise for demonstrating a wide-range of technologies- vertical landing, recovery and re-use of rocket stages, hypersonic scramjet, etc.

Exclusive | Gaganyaan: ISRO's crew module to undergo in-flight abort tests on mini-rocket 'TV'

When India’s heaviest rocket LMV3 carrying Indian astronauts ascends towards space as part of the Gaganyaan manned mission, each crew member will feel a sustained load of almost four times of his/her body weight or '4g'.

All of us on Earth feel '1g', which is the ordinary pull of gravity. Whereas 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.

Gaganyaan's Project Director, R&nbsp;Hutton, explained that Indian astronauts, who are originally test pilots of the Indian Air Force, would undergo a sustained acceleration of '4g' during the rocket flight, and during in an untoward event&nbsp;of an abort, they would face up to '12g' for a few seconds.

During an abort, the mini rockets fitted atop the rocket's nose would fire and carry the crew module (which houses the astronauts) to a safe altitude at least 3km away from the rocket. This is done in order to save the crew in case there is a mid-flight anomaly detected in the rocket that is carrying them. For context, fighter pilots ejecting from aircraft can experience '12-14g'.

Speaking at the Space Tech Summit at IIT Madras' Shaastra fest, Hutton outlined that the Gaganyaan crew's journey from launchpad to 400km orbit would take 16 minutes, whereas their return to Earth (de-boost to splashdown) would take 50 minutes. The crew module carrying the astronauts is being designed for a 48-hour mission, he added.

To a query from WION about the flight suits and how long they would be worn, Hutton replied that during the ascent, re-entry, and descent phase, the astronauts would be wearing Russian-origin flight suits. Once in orbit, all crew module conditions such as temperature, and pressure are found to be ideal and there is adequate confidence. The astronauts would be able to exit their flight suits and wear comfortable garments, he said.

Regarding the rescue and recovery of astronauts and crew module after the water landing, he said that the Indian Navy was the lead agency for the task and that the Maritime Force would task their ships and helicopters to the splashdown spot within an hour or two. Even if the landing were to take place away from the Indian waters, he said that the navy would be able to get the job done.

Considering that it would take a maximum of six hours for the ship to recover, the crew module is accordingly designed to retain power for the same duration to cater to lighting, life support, climate control, valve operation, displays, sensors, communication, etc.

During the orbital flight, the crew module power would not be used and it would be drawing power from the service module. Prior to re-entry (at an altitude of 170km), the service module would be jettisoned.

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When India’s heaviest rocket LMV3 carrying Indian astronauts ascends towards space as part of the Gaganyaan manned mission, each crew member will feel a sustained load of almost four times of his/her body weight or '4g'.

When India’s heaviest rocket LMV3 carrying Indian astronauts ascends towards space as part of the Gaganyaan manned mission, each crew member will feel a sustained load of almost four times of his/her body weight or '4g'. All of us on Earth feel '1g', which is the ordinary pull of gravity. Whereas 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. Gaganyaan's Project Director, R Hutton, explained that Indian astronauts, who are originally test pilots of the Indian Air Force, would undergo a sustained acceleration of '4g' during the rocket flight, and during in an untoward event of an abort, they would face up to '12g' for a few seconds. During an abort, the mini rockets fitted atop the rocket's nose would fire and carry the crew module (which houses the astronauts) to a safe altitude at least 3km away from the rocket. This is done in order to save the crew in case there is a mid-flight anomaly detected in the rocket that is carrying them. For context, fighter pilots ejecting from aircraft can experience '12-14g'. Speaking at the Space Tech Summit at IIT Madras' Shaastra fest, Hutton outlined that the Gaganyaan crew's journey from launchpad to 400km orbit would take 16 minutes, whereas their return to Earth (de-boost to splashdown) would take 50 minutes. The crew module carrying the astronauts is being designed for a 48-hour mission, he added. To a query from WION about the flight suits and how long they would be worn, Hutton replied that during the ascent, re-entry, and descent phase, the astronauts would be wearing Russian-origin flight suits. Once in orbit, all crew module conditions such as temperature, and pressure are found to be ideal and there is adequate confidence. The astronauts would be able to exit their flight suits and wear comfortable garments, he said. Regarding the rescue and recovery of astronauts and crew module after the water landing, he said that the Indian Navy was the lead agency for the task and that the Maritime Force would task their ships and helicopters to the splashdown spot within an hour or two. Even if the landing were to take place away from the Indian waters, he said that the navy would be able to get the job done. Considering that it would take a maximum of six hours for the ship to recover, the crew module is accordingly designed to retain power for the same duration to cater to lighting, life support, climate control, valve operation, displays, sensors, communication, etc. During the orbital flight, the crew module power would not be used and it would be drawing power from the service module. Prior to re-entry (at an altitude of 170km), the service module would be jettisoned. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Gaganyaan: Indian astronauts to experience '4g' acceleration during ascent, '12g' if aborted

A seat on a rocket that would fly from Earth to the Moon's orbit, an opportunity to reach the furthest that earthly humans ever have and to return to the planet that we call home. All for Free! Would you sign up? If all goes well, Dev Joshi, a 22-year-old from India will be accomplishing all of the above well before he turns 24.&nbsp;

Indian Astronaut Rakesh Sharma has been the only Indian citizen to travel to space. He accomplished the feat&nbsp;way&nbsp;back in 1984, as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme.

Dev aspires to be the second Indian to match Sharma's feat&nbsp;as India's own national astronaut mission 'Gaganyaan' is expected to kick off, only by the end of 2024 or later.

WION spoke to Dev Joshi to understand his thoughts on the immense calculated risk he has chosen to take and what he hopes to gain from this out-of-the-world experience.

An established actor in the Indian television space, Dev Joshi was in the midst of a shoot when he came across the 'dearMoon Project'.

Announced in 2018 and entirely funded by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, the project would take eight individuals along with Maezawa on a week-long trip to the moon on board a SpaceX Starship and Superheavy rocket. The initiative is aimed at promoting art and global peace.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-to-carry-out-two-test-missions-two-uncrewed-missions-before-gaganyaan-astronaut-flight-545422">Read more:&nbsp;ISRO to carry out two test missions, two uncrewed missions before ‘Gaganyaan’ astronaut flight&nbsp;</a>

"It was my interest about space that motivated me to try and apply, sometime in 2021 when the applications were invited...Then on, there were assignments, Zoom meetings and finally an in-person meeting with Yusaku Maezawa in 2021 (at a location that I'm not permitted to disclose)," Joshi recalls.&nbsp;

The youngster says he cherished his&nbsp;interactions with the 47-year-old Japanese billionaire as both shared their aspirations and outlook.

"He didn't have the airs of a big billionaire, we enjoyed a game of table tennis and listened to music together."

Several rigorous and expensive medical tests and interviews later, Dev knew that he had made it to the "dear Moon CREW". However, it was only in December 2022 that the formal announcement was made.

Dev sees it as a huge opportunity for his generation and his home country India, as this is a first-of-its-kind project and the most ambitious space tourism venture.

His co-passengers on this mission are artists from across domains, hailing from South Korea, USA, UK, Japan, Czech Republic, and Ireland.

"Even today only astronauts and scientists are going to space and beyond...I believe that a team of diverse artists heading to Lunar orbit will give rise to artistic perspectives about the experience and will inspire the next generation... We are even having a discussion on what we can carry to space - musical instruments, cameras,costumes etc.," Joshi says.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-start-up-partners-with-isro-to-develop-satellite-based-qkd-secure-communication-544849">Read more: Indian start-up partners with ISRO to develop satellite-based QKD secure communication</a>

While there is cheer and excitement about this journey, there are immense risks involved because it's an all-new rocket and spacecraft and the crew onboard is a team without a scientific background.

Following the first orbital test of the new rocket, sometime in 2023, the crew is expected to undergo rigorous training to undertake the journey.

Dev's businessman father Dushyant and homemaker mother Devangna are equally excited about what lies ahead for their son. Dev held discussions and sought his parents' mentorship at every stage of the process.&nbsp; 
"Not much fear...of course it is risky...we are excited...the feeling cannot be expressed in words..." the parents say.

Usually, those in their early 20s would be bidding goodbye to their parents, while heading abroad for higher studies. In this case, it's a trip to the lunar orbit, the greatest adventure and risk in human history.

While the actual flight is scheduled to happen in 2023, a lot of questions remain unanswered - the mission readiness and safety record of the SpaceX Starship and Superheavy rocket, whether an uncrewed flight would first be carried out to lunar orbit, whether the crew is adequately prepared for such a daunting task.

It&nbsp;must be remembered, despite their experience of the Apollo lunar landing missions in the 60s and 70s, even NASA is taking a safe approach by performing unmanned flights to the moon, before the actual manned mission as part of the ongoing Artemis programme.

"I trust Elon Musk and SpaceX," says Dev, confident about the historic journey.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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A seat on a rocket that would fly from Earth to the Moon's orbit, an opportunity to reach the furthest that earthly humans ever have and to return to the planet that we call home.

A seat on a rocket that would fly from Earth to the Moon's orbit, an opportunity to reach the furthest that earthly humans ever have and to return to the planet that we call home. All for Free! Would you sign up? If all goes well, Dev Joshi, a 22-year-old from India will be accomplishing all of the above well before he turns 24. Indian Astronaut Rakesh Sharma has been the only Indian citizen to travel to space. He accomplished the feat way back in 1984, as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme. Dev aspires to be the second Indian to match Sharma's feat as India's own national astronaut mission 'Gaganyaan' is expected to kick off, only by the end of 2024 or later. WION spoke to Dev Joshi to understand his thoughts on the immense calculated risk he has chosen to take and what he hopes to gain from this out-of-the-world experience. An established actor in the Indian television space, Dev Joshi was in the midst of a shoot when he came across the 'dearMoon Project'. Announced in 2018 and entirely funded by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, the project would take eight individuals along with Maezawa on a week-long trip to the moon on board a SpaceX Starship and Superheavy rocket. The initiative is aimed at promoting art and global peace. Read more: ISRO to carry out two test missions, two uncrewed missions before ‘Gaganyaan’ astronaut flight "It was my interest about space that motivated me to try and apply, sometime in 2021 when the applications were invited...Then on, there were assignments, Zoom meetings and finally an in-person meeting with Yusaku Maezawa in 2021 (at a location that I'm not permitted to disclose)," Joshi recalls. The youngster says he cherished his interactions with the 47-year-old Japanese billionaire as both shared their aspirations and outlook. "He didn't have the airs of a big billionaire, we enjoyed a game of table tennis and listened to music together." Several rigorous and expensive medical tests and interviews later, Dev knew that he had made it to the "dear Moon CREW". However, it was only in December 2022 that the formal announcement was made. Dev sees it as a huge opportunity for his generation and his home country India, as this is a first-of-its-kind project and the most ambitious space tourism venture. His co-passengers on this mission are artists from across domains, hailing from South Korea, USA, UK, Japan, Czech Republic, and Ireland. "Even today only astronauts and scientists are going to space and beyond...I believe that a team of diverse artists heading to Lunar orbit will give rise to artistic perspectives about the experience and will inspire the next generation... We are even having a discussion on what we can carry to space - musical instruments, cameras,costumes etc.," Joshi says. Read more: Indian start-up partners with ISRO to develop satellite-based QKD secure communication While there is cheer and excitement about this journey, there are immense risks involved because it's an all-new rocket and spacecraft and the crew onboard is a team without a scientific background. Following the first orbital test of the new rocket, sometime in 2023, the crew is expected to undergo rigorous training to undertake the journey. Dev's businessman father Dushyant and homemaker mother Devangna are equally excited about what lies ahead for their son. Dev held discussions and sought his parents' mentorship at every stage of the process. "Not much fear...of course it is risky...we are excited...the feeling cannot be expressed in words..." the parents say. Usually, those in their early 20s would be bidding goodbye to their parents, while heading abroad for higher studies. In this case, it's a trip to the lunar orbit, the greatest adventure and risk in human history. While the actual flight is scheduled to happen in 2023, a lot of questions remain unanswered - the mission readiness and safety record of the SpaceX Starship and Superheavy rocket, whether an uncrewed flight would first be carried out to lunar orbit, whether the crew is adequately prepared for such a daunting task. It must be remembered, despite their experience of the Apollo lunar landing missions in the 60s and 70s, even NASA is taking a safe approach by performing unmanned flights to the moon, before the actual manned mission as part of the ongoing Artemis programme. "I trust Elon Musk and SpaceX," says Dev, confident about the historic journey. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Exclusive: 'Trust Elon Musk & SpaceX', says 22-year-old Dev Joshi on his week-long trip to Moon

India's much-anticipated and most sophisticated spacefaring mission 'Gaganyaan' Human Spaceflight is expected to be carried out by the fourth quarter of 2024, the government revealed in Parliament. However, there will be four crucial test flights that will be conducted prior to the actual mission, it was added.&nbsp;

Gaganyaan aims to launch an Indian rocket carrying a crew module with Indian astronauts to low earth orbit, where they would orbit for a few days and then return to earth by splashing down in the ocean. Originally targeted for 2022, coinciding with the 75th year of Indian independence, the project has been set back by delays owing to COVID-19 and related restrictions in 2020-21.&nbsp;

As per the information shared in Parliament by Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office, two initial test missions would be carried out using a Test Vehicle (TV). This would be followed by the uncrewed mission 'G1'(in the last quarter of 2023) and the second uncrewed mission 'G2' in the second quarter of 2024. "India’s maiden human space flight ‘H1’ mission is targeted to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2024," it was mentioned.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-second-spaceport-118-million-sanctioned-for-land-acquisition-setting-up-launch-infra-545119">India's second spaceport: $118 million sanctioned for land acquisition, setting up launch infra</a>

Dr Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, VSSC, ISRO had earlier told WION that the test vehicle is a newly-realised multi-purpose rocket to accomplish various tests and demonstrations. "This vehicle will be powered by the engine of a liquid fuel strap-on motor used on the GSLV Mk 2 rocket, which is ISRO's trusted and reliable Vikas engine. During the test, it can carry the crew module to the required altitude depending upon mission requirements. Once the rocket and crew module separate, the crew module will be on its own and deploy parachutes to slowly splash-land on water," Dr Nair had explained.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/100-indian-space-sector-start-ups-have-raised-nearly-250mn-in-funding-industry-body-543833">100+ Indian space-sector start-ups have raised nearly $250mn in funding: Industry body</a>

While the two Test Vehicle missions are meant to demonstrate the performance of the crew escape system and parachute-based deceleration system for different flight conditions, the two uncrewed flights of the actual Human-rated LVM3 rocket are meant to validate the performance of the human-rated launch vehicle, orbital module propulsion system, mission management, communication system and recovery operations. The human-rated launch vehicle will also be carrying a humanoid robot to test the crucial parameters throughout the mission.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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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">here</a>.

India's much-anticipated and most sophisticated spacefaring mission 'Gaganyaan' Human Spaceflight is expected to be carried out by the fourth quarter of 2024, the government revealed in Parliament.

India's much-anticipated and most sophisticated spacefaring mission 'Gaganyaan' Human Spaceflight is expected to be carried out by the fourth quarter of 2024, the government revealed in Parliament. However, there will be four crucial test flights that will be conducted prior to the actual mission, it was added. Gaganyaan aims to launch an Indian rocket carrying a crew module with Indian astronauts to low earth orbit, where they would orbit for a few days and then return to earth by splashing down in the ocean. Originally targeted for 2022, coinciding with the 75th year of Indian independence, the project has been set back by delays owing to COVID-19 and related restrictions in 2020-21. As per the information shared in Parliament by Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office, two initial test missions would be carried out using a Test Vehicle (TV). This would be followed by the uncrewed mission 'G1'(in the last quarter of 2023) and the second uncrewed mission 'G2' in the second quarter of 2024. "India’s maiden human space flight ‘H1’ mission is targeted to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2024," it was mentioned. Also read | India's second spaceport: $118 million sanctioned for land acquisition, setting up launch infra Dr Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, VSSC, ISRO had earlier told WION that the test vehicle is a newly-realised multi-purpose rocket to accomplish various tests and demonstrations. "This vehicle will be powered by the engine of a liquid fuel strap-on motor used on the GSLV Mk 2 rocket, which is ISRO's trusted and reliable Vikas engine. During the test, it can carry the crew module to the required altitude depending upon mission requirements. Once the rocket and crew module separate, the crew module will be on its own and deploy parachutes to slowly splash-land on water," Dr Nair had explained. Also read | 100+ Indian space-sector start-ups have raised nearly $250mn in funding: Industry body While the two Test Vehicle missions are meant to demonstrate the performance of the crew escape system and parachute-based deceleration system for different flight conditions, the two uncrewed flights of the actual Human-rated LVM3 rocket are meant to validate the performance of the human-rated launch vehicle, orbital module propulsion system, mission management, communication system and recovery operations. The human-rated launch vehicle will also be carrying a humanoid robot to test the crucial parameters throughout the 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.

ISRO to carry out two test missions, two uncrewed missions before ‘Gaganyaan’ astronaut flight

The Indian Space Agency (ISRO) has been carrying out developmental work towards its maiden Human Spaceflight mission 'Gaganyaan'. On one hand, while the&nbsp;work is progressing towards human-rating the country's largest rocket LVM3, to be able to carry astronauts;&nbsp;efforts are underway to ensure that the astronauts land safely on the water. In order to fulfil the latter objective, ISRO recently conducted a parachute-based test&nbsp;meant to be used for Mission 'Gaganyaan'.

Conducted by ISRO's lead facility, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, the test was carried out in Uttar Pradesh in Northern India, in close coordination with the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and Defence Research Development Organization(DRDO). Known as the Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test, or IMAT, the crew module deceleration system was tested at the Babina Field Fire Range (BFFR) in the Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-firm-successfully-test-fires-3d-printed-rocket-engine-at-isro-facility-532582">Also read |&nbsp;Indian firm successfully test-fires 3D-printed rocket engine at ISRO facility</a>

Objects in low Earth orbit travel at speeds over 27,000kmph and this applies to the Gaganyaan crew module carrying Indian astronauts as well. On re-entering the denser parts of the earth's atmosphere, the capsule will be encountering temperatures of several thousand degrees centigrade and will slow down considerably. Even then, the rapidly falling object would have to be further slowed down from hundreds of kilometres per hour to around 10 kilometres per hour, a safe landing speed for splashing down at sea.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;ISRO increases carrying capacity of LVM3 rocket by 450kg

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It is for this important purpose of slowing down the rapidly falling capsule, that the Parachutes are being tested. According to ISRO, the Gaganyaan Crew Module comprises a total of ten parachutes."In flight, the parachute sequence starts with deployment of 2 Nos. of Apex cover separation parachutes (protection cover for the Crew Module Parachute compartment) followed by 2 Nos. of Drogue parachute deployment to stabilise &amp; bring down the velocity. Upon Drogue parachute release, 3 Nos. of Pilot chute will be used to extract 3 Nos. of Main parachute individually, to reduce the speed of the Crew module to safe levels during its landing. Two of the three main chutes are sufficient to land the astronauts on earth, and the third is redundant" ISRO said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-delivers-rocket-self-destruct-mechanism-for-launch-vehicle-built-by-indian-start-up-533396">Also read |&nbsp;ISRO delivers rocket self-destruct mechanism for launch vehicle built by Indian start-up</a>

The recent test was a simulation, wherein the main parachute fails to open and how the landings were carried out under such a scenario. ISRO said,&nbsp;a 5-tonne 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 heavy-lift transporter 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.

The design and development of the parachute-based deceleration system for the crew module is a joint venture between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).&nbsp;

SpaceX's operational dragon capsule which carries astronauts and cargo to space and returns them back to earth via water landing also uses a similar multi-parachute system to slow down the human-carrying capsule and ensure its safe landing.

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The Indian Space Agency (ISRO) has been carrying out developmental work towards its maiden Human Spaceflight mission 'Gaganyaan'. On one hand, while the work is progressing towards human-rating the country's largest rocket LVM3, to be able to carry astronauts; efforts are underway to ensure that the astronauts land safely on the water.

The Indian Space Agency (ISRO) has been carrying out developmental work towards its maiden Human Spaceflight mission 'Gaganyaan'. On one hand, while the work is progressing towards human-rating the country's largest rocket LVM3, to be able to carry astronauts; efforts are underway to ensure that the astronauts land safely on the water. In order to fulfil the latter objective, ISRO recently conducted a parachute-based test meant to be used for Mission 'Gaganyaan'. Conducted by ISRO's lead facility, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, the test was carried out in Uttar Pradesh in Northern India, in close coordination with the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and Defence Research Development Organization(DRDO). Known as the Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test, or IMAT, the crew module deceleration system was tested at the Babina Field Fire Range (BFFR) in the Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh. Also read | Indian firm successfully test-fires 3D-printed rocket engine at ISRO facility Objects in low Earth orbit travel at speeds over 27,000kmph and this applies to the Gaganyaan crew module carrying Indian astronauts as well. On re-entering the denser parts of the earth's atmosphere, the capsule will be encountering temperatures of several thousand degrees centigrade and will slow down considerably. Even then, the rapidly falling object would have to be further slowed down from hundreds of kilometres per hour to around 10 kilometres per hour, a safe landing speed for splashing down at sea. Watch | ISRO increases carrying capacity of LVM3 rocket by 450kg It is for this important purpose of slowing down the rapidly falling capsule, that the Parachutes are being tested. According to ISRO, the Gaganyaan Crew Module comprises a total of ten parachutes."In flight, the parachute sequence starts with deployment of 2 Nos. of Apex cover separation parachutes (protection cover for the Crew Module Parachute compartment) followed by 2 Nos. of Drogue parachute deployment to stabilise & bring down the velocity. Upon Drogue parachute release, 3 Nos. of Pilot chute will be used to extract 3 Nos. of Main parachute individually, to reduce the speed of the Crew module to safe levels during its landing. Two of the three main chutes are sufficient to land the astronauts on earth, and the third is redundant" ISRO said. Also read | ISRO delivers rocket self-destruct mechanism for launch vehicle built by Indian start-up The recent test was a simulation, wherein the main parachute fails to open and how the landings were carried out under such a scenario. ISRO said, a 5-tonne 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 heavy-lift transporter 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. The design and development of the parachute-based deceleration system for the crew module is a joint venture between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). SpaceX's operational dragon capsule which carries astronauts and cargo to space and returns them back to earth via water landing also uses a similar multi-parachute system to slow down the human-carrying capsule and ensure its safe landing. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

ISRO tests parachute system that's meant to land Indian astronauts safely on water

India's 'Gaganyaan' or first-ever Human Spaceflight programme has been garnering attention as India is working on launching Indian astronauts on home-grown rockets. Dr. Jitendra Singh who serves as India's Minister of State, Science and Technology, added to the buzz around the subject by recently mentioning that India is working on indigenous space tourism capabilities.&nbsp;

"The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is in the process of developing indigenous capabilities towards space tourism through the demonstration of human space flight capability to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)" the Minister had said. However, this seems easier said than done and also seems decades away. Here's why it is so:

As it stands, the manned Gaganyaan mission itself could be accomplished by only 2024-25. Before the manned mission, ISRO has lots of work to do, because launching satellites(cargo) to space and launching humans to space are two extremely different things.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-moves-one-step-ahead-in-converting-cargo-carrier-gslv-rocket-into-human-carrier-398249">Also read |&nbsp;ISRO moves one step ahead in converting ‘cargo-carrier’ GSLV rocket into human-carrier</a>

To accomplish Gaganyaan, ISRO has to essentially modify its cargo-carrier GSLV Mark 3 rocket and make it reliable enough to carry astronauts. As per ISRO Chairman Dr.S. Somanath, the organisation&nbsp;would have to perform Crew Escape system tests in 2022, followed by the first unmanned mission in mid-2023, followed by two more escape tests and another unmanned mission, before the manned flight(expected in 2024).

Why Gaganyaan can't be compared to space tourism ventures?&nbsp;

Gaganyaan is a science mission aimed at sending astronauts to space and it is vastly different from the much-talked about space tourism ventures - such as Virgin Galactic's Space Plane or Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket or even SpaceX Dragon capsule(carried by the Falcon 9 rocket) etc. The major differences are that - India's Gaganyaan has not yet flown or proven its reliability, Gaganyaan uses an expendable rocket(which falls into the sea after its burn time), as opposed to re-usable rockets/space planes that foreign companies use. All the above foreign private firms are funded by maverick billionaires and not their respective national governments, whereas ISRO lives off modest Indian Government funds.

What it takes for India to really foray into space tourism?&nbsp;

Sending a tourist to space on board a rocket/spaceplane requires confidence and immense faith in the reliability of the technology - both Sir Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos flew to space on their respective company vehicles, and took immense risk to prove a point. For example, Virgin Galactic has been a service aimed at catering to the super-rich who can afford a fun ride to space. India is still at a stage when work is underway to ensure that we can send our trained astronauts to Low Earth Orbit and bring them back safely. India remains far behind in this aspect and has to master Human Spaceflight step-by-step and do so entirely on its own. Whereas, most forieign companies are operating with the prior experience, know-how, know-why, that their respective space industries have gained over the years.

So, for indigenous space tourism to become a reality in India (as the Minister suggested), it would require all of the following - flawless success of the Gaganyaan programme, multiple repeats of the same, development and successful flights of a re-usable rocket meant for ferrying tourists, ensuring that all systems are reliable&amp; low-cost to be feasible as a business etc. All of this requires time(in decades), large-scale investment and true dedication to the cause of Space tourism, as seen in the private-sector examples from the Western world. &nbsp;

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India's 'Gaganyaan' or first-ever Human Spaceflight programme has been garnering attention as India is working on launching Indian astronauts on home-grown rockets.

India's 'Gaganyaan' or first-ever Human Spaceflight programme has been garnering attention as India is working on launching Indian astronauts on home-grown rockets. Dr. Jitendra Singh who serves as India's Minister of State, Science and Technology, added to the buzz around the subject by recently mentioning that India is working on indigenous space tourism capabilities. "The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is in the process of developing indigenous capabilities towards space tourism through the demonstration of human space flight capability to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)" the Minister had said. However, this seems easier said than done and also seems decades away. Here's why it is so: As it stands, the manned Gaganyaan mission itself could be accomplished by only 2024-25. Before the manned mission, ISRO has lots of work to do, because launching satellites(cargo) to space and launching humans to space are two extremely different things. Also read | ISRO moves one step ahead in converting ‘cargo-carrier’ GSLV rocket into human-carrier To accomplish Gaganyaan, ISRO has to essentially modify its cargo-carrier GSLV Mark 3 rocket and make it reliable enough to carry astronauts. As per ISRO Chairman Dr.S. Somanath, the organisation would have to perform Crew Escape system tests in 2022, followed by the first unmanned mission in mid-2023, followed by two more escape tests and another unmanned mission, before the manned flight(expected in 2024). Why Gaganyaan can't be compared to space tourism ventures? Gaganyaan is a science mission aimed at sending astronauts to space and it is vastly different from the much-talked about space tourism ventures - such as Virgin Galactic's Space Plane or Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket or even SpaceX Dragon capsule(carried by the Falcon 9 rocket) etc. The major differences are that - India's Gaganyaan has not yet flown or proven its reliability, Gaganyaan uses an expendable rocket(which falls into the sea after its burn time), as opposed to re-usable rockets/space planes that foreign companies use. All the above foreign private firms are funded by maverick billionaires and not their respective national governments, whereas ISRO lives off modest Indian Government funds. What it takes for India to really foray into space tourism? Sending a tourist to space on board a rocket/spaceplane requires confidence and immense faith in the reliability of the technology - both Sir Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos flew to space on their respective company vehicles, and took immense risk to prove a point. For example, Virgin Galactic has been a service aimed at catering to the super-rich who can afford a fun ride to space. India is still at a stage when work is underway to ensure that we can send our trained astronauts to Low Earth Orbit and bring them back safely. India remains far behind in this aspect and has to master Human Spaceflight step-by-step and do so entirely on its own. Whereas, most forieign companies are operating with the prior experience, know-how, know-why, that their respective space industries have gained over the years. So, for indigenous space tourism to become a reality in India (as the Minister suggested), it would require all of the following - flawless success of the Gaganyaan programme, multiple repeats of the same, development and successful flights of a re-usable rocket meant for ferrying tourists, ensuring that all systems are reliable& low-cost to be feasible as a business etc. All of this requires time(in decades), large-scale investment and true dedication to the cause of Space tourism, as seen in the private-sector examples from the Western world. Watch WION's live TV here: ×

ISRO developing indigenous space tourism capabilities, says Indian minister; how credible is it ?

India is working with more than six countries to achieve the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight mission, which is a symbol of International Cooperation, said Dr. K. Sivan, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

“Indian astronauts have completed their training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia, we are working with French space agency CNES in the field of Space medicine, with Canada and Romania for wind-tunnel testing, Australia (ASA) and European Space Agency for ground station support.&nbsp;

Speaking at the Sydney Dialogue, an Initiative by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, he added that the Gaganyaan project was a stepping stone for sustained Indian presence in outer space and that the ongoing cooperation would continue and would grow into increased engagement with international partners, in the years to come.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-how-indias-lunar-orbiter-chandrayaan-2-avoided-collision-with-nasas-lro-429955" hreflang="en">Explained: How India’s Lunar Orbiter Chandrayaan-2 avoided Collision with NASA’s LRO</a>

On the potential and scientific possibilities of future exploration missions to Moon, he said, radio astronomy receivers could be deployed and operated in the RadioFrequency-free (RF-free) far side of the moon, besides the Moon serving as a potential observatory, as there is practically no atmosphere that would affect the signals coming in from space.

Such observatories could be used to study the Infrared signatures to better understand global warming.&nbsp;

Pertaining to Mars exploration, which is the much-talked-about science, he spoke about the hypothetical process of terraforming (modifying the temperature, atmosphere, topography, and ecology) the Red Planet, in order to make it habitable like earth.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-lunar-lander-japanese-rover-to-explore-moon-in-lupex-mission-says-jaxa-official-431774" hreflang="en">Indian lunar lander, Japanese rover to explore Moon in LUPEX mission, says JAXA Official</a>

“A capsule can be sent, aided by human astronauts and can be kept isolated from Martian environment. This can be taken up as a model and scaled up. With human presence, it will be possible to search for biosignatures on Mars” he elaborated on scientific exploration possibilities.&nbsp;

Most importantly, he touched upon the need to explore ways and means for in-situ resource utiliSation on Moon and Mars, which can sustain human presence.

“To generate propulsion(fuel) using local resources, astronauts may demonstrate Vacuum pyrolysis on the Moon and Sabatier reaction on Mars. The dexterity of astronauts will help in performing experiments on a smaller scale and then scaling it up with suitable mechanisms and automation” Dr. Sivan added.&nbsp;

Vacuum pyrolysis on the Moon refers to the process of extracting oxygen and other valuable gases, hydrocarbons from the Lunar surface, by using very high temperatures (more than 1400deg C). Whereas, the Sabatier process/reaction is about utilizing reactions between Martian carbon dioxide and imported hydrogen to produce methane, water, and oxygen.&nbsp;

India is working with more than six countries to achieve the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight mission, which is a symbol of International Cooperation, said Dr. K. Sivan, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

India is working with more than six countries to achieve the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight mission, which is a symbol of International Cooperation, said Dr. K. Sivan, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). “Indian astronauts have completed their training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia, we are working with French space agency CNES in the field of Space medicine, with Canada and Romania for wind-tunnel testing, Australia (ASA) and European Space Agency for ground station support. Speaking at the Sydney Dialogue, an Initiative by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, he added that the Gaganyaan project was a stepping stone for sustained Indian presence in outer space and that the ongoing cooperation would continue and would grow into increased engagement with international partners, in the years to come. Also read | Explained: How India’s Lunar Orbiter Chandrayaan-2 avoided Collision with NASA’s LRO On the potential and scientific possibilities of future exploration missions to Moon, he said, radio astronomy receivers could be deployed and operated in the RadioFrequency-free (RF-free) far side of the moon, besides the Moon serving as a potential observatory, as there is practically no atmosphere that would affect the signals coming in from space. Such observatories could be used to study the Infrared signatures to better understand global warming. Pertaining to Mars exploration, which is the much-talked-about science, he spoke about the hypothetical process of terraforming (modifying the temperature, atmosphere, topography, and ecology) the Red Planet, in order to make it habitable like earth. Also read | Indian lunar lander, Japanese rover to explore Moon in LUPEX mission, says JAXA Official “A capsule can be sent, aided by human astronauts and can be kept isolated from Martian environment. This can be taken up as a model and scaled up. With human presence, it will be possible to search for biosignatures on Mars” he elaborated on scientific exploration possibilities. Most importantly, he touched upon the need to explore ways and means for in-situ resource utiliSation on Moon and Mars, which can sustain human presence. “To generate propulsion(fuel) using local resources, astronauts may demonstrate Vacuum pyrolysis on the Moon and Sabatier reaction on Mars. The dexterity of astronauts will help in performing experiments on a smaller scale and then scaling it up with suitable mechanisms and automation” Dr. Sivan added. Vacuum pyrolysis on the Moon refers to the process of extracting oxygen and other valuable gases, hydrocarbons from the Lunar surface, by using very high temperatures (more than 1400deg C). Whereas, the Sabatier process/reaction is about utilizing reactions between Martian carbon dioxide and imported hydrogen to produce methane, water, and oxygen.

India working with over 6 countries for human spaceflight Gaganyaan, says Dr.K Sivan

Top officials of the Australian and Dutch Space agencies expressed interest in collaborating and working closely with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-private-sector-ready-to-support-country-in-achieving-space-goals-isro-chief-dr-k-sivan-412807">Indian Space Research Organization</a> (ISRO).&nbsp;

While the two countries have had several decades of experience in the field of space technology, it was only over the last decade that they formally established their respective Space Agencies. It is noteworthy that, unlike India, Australia and Netherlands don’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme and that they work with other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions.&nbsp;

The representatives of the foreign space agencies spoke at the inaugural session on "Building NewSpace in India" at the international space conference.

According to Mr. Anthony Murfett, deputy head, Australian Space Agency(ASA), space would be a key part of Australia’s focus areas in the years to come. The plan involves startups and businesses and their solutions to transform agriculture, disaster management among other areas. The ASA, which was established nearly three years ago is looking for domestic and international collaborations for the same.&nbsp;

“The Australian government is proud to be supporting the Gaganyaan mission, by tracking through Australia’s territory on the Coco’s (Keeling) islands. It shows that Australia can be a trusted partner - we were a partner to NASA during the Apollo missions, we were a partner to Japan during Hayabusa 1&amp;2 and now we’re working with India on Gaganyaan mission” said Murfett.&nbsp;

ISRO would also be launching two satellites that are meant to provide communications, tracking support for its human-carrying spacecraft known as IDRSS(Indian Data Relay System Satellites).

The satellites would be placed nearly 36,000km above the equator(where it would remain in sync with Earth’s rotation or geostationary orbit) and will offer near-total tracking and communication with India’s space assets.

In addition to space-based tracking, there would be ground-based and floating platforms(ships) that would be used to track Gaganyaan as it orbits the Earth.

Citing immense opportunities for industries to collaborate, the Australian Space official said that ASA and ISRO had recently updated their Memorandum of Understanding to underscore the stronger bilateral relationship.

“Australia is looking to invest and also be a partner and facilitator of business to transform the economy and also through regulation. We are establishing facilities to test space hardware in Australia, the&nbsp;official added.&nbsp;

The Netherlands Space Office(NSO), the Dutch Space agency also expressed interest in greater collaboration with ISRO.

Representing the agency, Deputy Director, Mr Nico van Putten said that though NSO was formally established in 2009, it was among the founding members of the European Space Agency, over four decades ago.

“Between the Netherlands and India air quality monitoring is an area of cooperation and there is massive data collection by the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the Sentinel-5P mission, that was launched in 2017. More than 50% of the Netherlands is below sea-level&nbsp;so we are interested in water and agriculture and it is one of our specifics” Van Putten said.

Putten also&nbsp;shared images of NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) monitoring over India that showcased the difference&nbsp;in pollution levels between pre-pandemic and pandemic lockdown last year.

Top officials of the Australian and Dutch Space agencies expressed interest in collaborating and working closely with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

Top officials of the Australian and Dutch Space agencies expressed interest in collaborating and working closely with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). While the two countries have had several decades of experience in the field of space technology, it was only over the last decade that they formally established their respective Space Agencies. It is noteworthy that, unlike India, Australia and Netherlands don’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme and that they work with other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions. The representatives of the foreign space agencies spoke at the inaugural session on "Building NewSpace in India" at the international space conference. According to Mr. Anthony Murfett, deputy head, Australian Space Agency(ASA), space would be a key part of Australia’s focus areas in the years to come. The plan involves startups and businesses and their solutions to transform agriculture, disaster management among other areas. The ASA, which was established nearly three years ago is looking for domestic and international collaborations for the same. “The Australian government is proud to be supporting the Gaganyaan mission, by tracking through Australia’s territory on the Coco’s (Keeling) islands. It shows that Australia can be a trusted partner - we were a partner to NASA during the Apollo missions, we were a partner to Japan during Hayabusa 1&2 and now we’re working with India on Gaganyaan mission” said Murfett. ISRO would also be launching two satellites that are meant to provide communications, tracking support for its human-carrying spacecraft known as IDRSS(Indian Data Relay System Satellites). The satellites would be placed nearly 36,000km above the equator(where it would remain in sync with Earth’s rotation or geostationary orbit) and will offer near-total tracking and communication with India’s space assets. In addition to space-based tracking, there would be ground-based and floating platforms(ships) that would be used to track Gaganyaan as it orbits the Earth. Citing immense opportunities for industries to collaborate, the Australian Space official said that ASA and ISRO had recently updated their Memorandum of Understanding to underscore the stronger bilateral relationship. “Australia is looking to invest and also be a partner and facilitator of business to transform the economy and also through regulation. We are establishing facilities to test space hardware in Australia, the official added. The Netherlands Space Office(NSO), the Dutch Space agency also expressed interest in greater collaboration with ISRO. Representing the agency, Deputy Director, Mr Nico van Putten said that though NSO was formally established in 2009, it was among the founding members of the European Space Agency, over four decades ago. “Between the Netherlands and India air quality monitoring is an area of cooperation and there is massive data collection by the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the Sentinel-5P mission, that was launched in 2017. More than 50% of the Netherlands is below sea-level so we are interested in water and agriculture and it is one of our specifics” Van Putten said. Putten also shared images of NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) monitoring over India that showcased the difference in pollution levels between pre-pandemic and pandemic lockdown last year.

Australia, Netherlands keen to collaborate with ISRO

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on Thursday&nbsp;announced the successful test-fire of its Vikas (Vikram A Sarabhai) Engine or the Core stage L110 Engine of its heaviest operational rocket - the GSLV Mk 3.

While this engine and the rocket comprising it have flown several times in the past, the test is part of a series of new evaluations. They are meant to ensure the human-rating of the rocket.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> on July 14, 2021 has successfully conducted the hot test of the liquid propellant Vikas Engine for the core L110 liquid stage of the human rated GSLV MkIII vehicle, as part of engine qualification requirements for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a> Programme 
 
Read More: <a href="https://t.co/cqYatVNwsf">https://t.co/cqYatVNwsf</a> <a href="https://t.co/4MFvHIBgVW">pic.twitter.com/4MFvHIBgVW</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1415312724876095492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Simply put, ISRO is working on converting its cargo-carrying rocket into a reliable human-carrier, meant for astronauts. Chairman, ISRO, Dr K Sivan, revealed this and much more in an exclusive conversation with WION.&nbsp;

<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The fundamental difference in carrying satellites and humans to space is that satellite missions are about carrying more payload (heavy satellite or multiple small satellites) to orbit.

Whereas, human spaceflight is about ensuring fail-safe, reliable flight of astronauts, even if the rocket is not carrying its maximum payload. Once launched by a rocket, a satellite carries out its functions in space, based on commands from its control facility, back on Earth.&nbsp;

In case of India’s Human spaceflight programme, the capsule/spacecraft carrying humans must be launched into space (via a rocket), the astronauts must perform their activities/experiments in space for a defined time.

Later, the spacecraft propels and re-aligns itself to re-enter earth’s atmosphere (overcoming extreme high temperature and friction). Then, it is recovered after a splash down in the sea.&nbsp;

Human-rating is the process of certifying a rocket’s capability to safely carry such a capsule to space. As far as ISRO is concerned, it involves strengthening the overall launch system, modifying its design and components for high-reliability.

Owing to these modifications, additional testing is required for each of its hardware.&nbsp;

The GSLV Mk3 is a three-stage rocket - powered by two S200 Solid fuel boosters, two liquid fuel Vikas engines(L110 core stage) and the CE-20 Cryogenic Engine (that burns a mixture of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen).

It must also be noted that the same Vikas Engine also powers India’s PSLV rocket, that has a stellar success record of over 96 per cent&nbsp;in 53 flights. Even the two failures that so occurred in the PSLV launches, were unrelated to its engines and core rocketry.

The human-rated GSLV would be housing the crew module under the rocket’s nose cone. The rocket is capable of carrying a 4-tonne payload to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (36,000kms from Earth’s surface) and eight-ton payload to Low Earth Orbit( LEO is 400-600km) respectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Despite the GSLV Mk3 rocket having flown four times till date and having performed each mission successfully, ISRO is testing each of its engines multiple times, in order to ensure they can perform above their operational requirements.

“Normally we conduct two tests for an engine, but for Gaganyaan we are conducting five or six tests. The third successful test of the Vikas engine(done on Wednesday) is a major milestone and gives us confidence about its robustness. Similar tests will be carried out on the S200 Boosters in October, in addition to tests on the Cryogenic engine “ Dr Sivan said.

Simply put, the tests are about pushing the rocket components beyond their limits and capabilities. “Suppose the Engine’s operating pressure is ‘X value’, we will test its performance at an ‘X+ value’ and do this for multiple parameters” he explained.&nbsp;

ISRO’s work that was hit owing to the Covid-19 Lockdown has now picked up pace, with private industries and suppliers resuming operations. Queried on the status of the Spacecraft/human module, Dr Sivan said that its design phase was completed and it was handed over for fabrication.

With regards the spacesuits, ISRO would be utilising the tried and tested Russian suits for the manned flight of Gaganyaan. Announced in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gaganyaan or Human Spaceflight programme is India’s most ambitious space-faring mission.

Following two unmanned flight trials of the human-rated GSLV Mk3, Indian astronauts&nbsp; would head for space in the third flight.&nbsp;

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on Thursday announced the successful test-fire of its Vikas (Vikram A Sarabhai) Engine or the Core stage L110 Engine of its heaviest operational rocket - the GSLV Mk 3.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on Thursday announced the successful test-fire of its Vikas (Vikram A Sarabhai) Engine or the Core stage L110 Engine of its heaviest operational rocket - the GSLV Mk 3. While this engine and the rocket comprising it have flown several times in the past, the test is part of a series of new evaluations. They are meant to ensure the human-rating of the rocket. #ISRO on July 14, 2021 has successfully conducted the hot test of the liquid propellant Vikas Engine for the core L110 liquid stage of the human rated GSLV MkIII vehicle, as part of engine qualification requirements for the #Gaganyaan Programme Read More: https://t.co/cqYatVNwsf pic.twitter.com/4MFvHIBgVW — ISRO (@isro) July 14, 2021 × Simply put, ISRO is working on converting its cargo-carrying rocket into a reliable human-carrier, meant for astronauts. Chairman, ISRO, Dr K Sivan, revealed this and much more in an exclusive conversation with WION. The fundamental difference in carrying satellites and humans to space is that satellite missions are about carrying more payload (heavy satellite or multiple small satellites) to orbit. Whereas, human spaceflight is about ensuring fail-safe, reliable flight of astronauts, even if the rocket is not carrying its maximum payload. Once launched by a rocket, a satellite carries out its functions in space, based on commands from its control facility, back on Earth. In case of India’s Human spaceflight programme, the capsule/spacecraft carrying humans must be launched into space (via a rocket), the astronauts must perform their activities/experiments in space for a defined time. Later, the spacecraft propels and re-aligns itself to re-enter earth’s atmosphere (overcoming extreme high temperature and friction). Then, it is recovered after a splash down in the sea. Human-rating is the process of certifying a rocket’s capability to safely carry such a capsule to space. As far as ISRO is concerned, it involves strengthening the overall launch system, modifying its design and components for high-reliability. Owing to these modifications, additional testing is required for each of its hardware. The GSLV Mk3 is a three-stage rocket - powered by two S200 Solid fuel boosters, two liquid fuel Vikas engines(L110 core stage) and the CE-20 Cryogenic Engine (that burns a mixture of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen). It must also be noted that the same Vikas Engine also powers India’s PSLV rocket, that has a stellar success record of over 96 per cent in 53 flights. Even the two failures that so occurred in the PSLV launches, were unrelated to its engines and core rocketry. The human-rated GSLV would be housing the crew module under the rocket’s nose cone. The rocket is capable of carrying a 4-tonne payload to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (36,000kms from Earth’s surface) and eight-ton payload to Low Earth Orbit( LEO is 400-600km) respectively. Despite the GSLV Mk3 rocket having flown four times till date and having performed each mission successfully, ISRO is testing each of its engines multiple times, in order to ensure they can perform above their operational requirements. “Normally we conduct two tests for an engine, but for Gaganyaan we are conducting five or six tests. The third successful test of the Vikas engine(done on Wednesday) is a major milestone and gives us confidence about its robustness. Similar tests will be carried out on the S200 Boosters in October, in addition to tests on the Cryogenic engine “ Dr Sivan said. Simply put, the tests are about pushing the rocket components beyond their limits and capabilities. “Suppose the Engine’s operating pressure is ‘X value’, we will test its performance at an ‘X+ value’ and do this for multiple parameters” he explained. ISRO’s work that was hit owing to the Covid-19 Lockdown has now picked up pace, with private industries and suppliers resuming operations. Queried on the status of the Spacecraft/human module, Dr Sivan said that its design phase was completed and it was handed over for fabrication. With regards the spacesuits, ISRO would be utilising the tried and tested Russian suits for the manned flight of Gaganyaan. Announced in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gaganyaan or Human Spaceflight programme is India’s most ambitious space-faring mission. Following two unmanned flight trials of the human-rated GSLV Mk3, Indian astronauts would head for space in the third flight.

ISRO moves one step ahead in converting ‘cargo-carrier’ GSLV rocket into human-carrier

Australia will be supporting India's manned mission to space-Gaganyaan by providing a temporary ground station facility in Cocos Islands.&nbsp;Cocos (Keeling) Islands is part of Australia's external territory in the Indian Ocean.

In response to a question by WION,&nbsp;the Australian Space Agency spokesperson said that it is "leading cross-government coordination on ISRO’s request to place temporary ground station tracking facilities in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to support the Gaganyaan missions".&nbsp;

Adding, "This includes facilitating advice to ISRO from a number of Commonwealth agencies which will need to grant approvals for the project to go ahead."

India will be the&nbsp;fourth country to launch humans into space, with its Gaganyaan project.&nbsp;Gaganyaan is targeted for December 2021 with the training of the astronauts taking place in Russia.

Last week Australia announced a new pact with India on Space. The amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian Space Agency and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), builds on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and India announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian&nbsp;Prime Minister Scott Morrison&nbsp;last year.

Australian Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said, “Discussions are already underway for Australia to host vital tracking infrastructure as part of India’s Gaganyaan missions, which will place India as the fourth country to put humans in space.”

The Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian Government and Indian govt was signed by Head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo and Chair of ISRO and Head of the Indian Department of Space, Dr. K Sivan on 17th February.&nbsp;

Australia will be supporting India's manned mission to space-Gaganyaan by providing a temporary ground station facility in Cocos Islands. Cocos (Keeling) Islands is part of Australia's external territory in the Indian Ocean.

Australia will be supporting India's manned mission to space-Gaganyaan by providing a temporary ground station facility in Cocos Islands. Cocos (Keeling) Islands is part of Australia's external territory in the Indian Ocean. In response to a question by WION, the Australian Space Agency spokesperson said that it is "leading cross-government coordination on ISRO’s request to place temporary ground station tracking facilities in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to support the Gaganyaan missions". Adding, "This includes facilitating advice to ISRO from a number of Commonwealth agencies which will need to grant approvals for the project to go ahead." India will be the fourth country to launch humans into space, with its Gaganyaan project. Gaganyaan is targeted for December 2021 with the training of the astronauts taking place in Russia. Last week Australia announced a new pact with India on Space. The amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian Space Agency and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), builds on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and India announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison last year. Australian Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said, “Discussions are already underway for Australia to host vital tracking infrastructure as part of India’s Gaganyaan missions, which will place India as the fourth country to put humans in space.” The Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian Government and Indian govt was signed by Head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo and Chair of ISRO and Head of the Indian Department of Space, Dr. K Sivan on 17th February.

Australia to support India's Gaganyaan mission with tracking facility in Cocos Islands

India has signed 250 documents in the field of Space cooperation with 59 countries, these are to advance India’s capabilities and also to help other space-aspiring nations to benefit from space, said ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Sivan.

He added that India’s major cooperation in the space technology field was with Russia, USA, France Japan and Israel, elaborating on the ongoing and future projects. The Chairman of India’s space agency was speaking at the plenary session of the International Austronautical Congress (IAC) 2020.&nbsp;

Elaborating on the work with foreign space agencies, Sivan said that partnerships ranged from cooperation in human spaceflight to planetary exploration and joint experiments.&nbsp;

''We have a NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar NISAR satellite, we are also working with United States Geological Survey(USGS) for sharing of satellite data. France is a major partner and we have launched two joint satellites Megha tropiques and Saral and the retired mission is underway. ISRO is partnering with Japanese space agency JAXA to build joint Lunar polar exploration mission. Our cooperation with German Agency DLR is on robotics and Artificial Intelligence.In the field of electric propulsion system and deep space network antenna support we are working with Israeli Space Agency (ISA),''&nbsp;he stated.&nbsp;

When asked about the upcoming rocket launches this year, Dr. Sivan said that the agency is planning for the launch of PSLV rocket in November. This would also be the maiden launch of this year, as ISRO’s launches were affected after Covid-19 lockdown measures had brought in several travel restrictions. Given that India’s space activities are spread across centers in various parts of the country, it had become challenging for officials and scientists to travel to carry out work.&nbsp;

“For India’s Space port, people have to travel from other ISRO facilities located far away to carry out the work, hence there are some delays in the missions. We are planning to have the PSLV C-49 launch in November first week. Subsequently, all missions will be as planned” he said.

According to Sivan, India’s Human Spaceflight programme has been going strong, with astronauts being trained by Russia and critical medical&nbsp;&nbsp;technologies being provided by France. However, he said that owing to Covid-19 the Gaganyaan project would see a small shift. “We had initially targeted an August 2022 launch and there is a small shift in targeting. We are trying to take the help of other space-faring nations for getting things done” he said.&nbsp;

In his Independence Day speech in 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that when the country is celebrating its 75th year of Independence in 2022, an Indian son or daughter will be flying into space as a part of the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight mission. This is India's most ambitious and challenging mission yet.

Adding that International cooperation was hallmark of Indian space programme, Sivan, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space said that ISRO had imparted a 2-month long hands-on training in nano satellite building for 60 officials from 33 countries.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India has signed 250 documents in the field of Space cooperation with 59 countries, these are to advance India’s capabilities and also to help other space-aspiring nations to benefit from space, said ISRO Chairman Dr.

India has signed 250 documents in the field of Space cooperation with 59 countries, these are to advance India’s capabilities and also to help other space-aspiring nations to benefit from space, said ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Sivan. He added that India’s major cooperation in the space technology field was with Russia, USA, France Japan and Israel, elaborating on the ongoing and future projects. The Chairman of India’s space agency was speaking at the plenary session of the International Austronautical Congress (IAC) 2020. Elaborating on the work with foreign space agencies, Sivan said that partnerships ranged from cooperation in human spaceflight to planetary exploration and joint experiments. ''We have a NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar NISAR satellite, we are also working with United States Geological Survey(USGS) for sharing of satellite data. France is a major partner and we have launched two joint satellites Megha tropiques and Saral and the retired mission is underway. ISRO is partnering with Japanese space agency JAXA to build joint Lunar polar exploration mission. Our cooperation with German Agency DLR is on robotics and Artificial Intelligence.In the field of electric propulsion system and deep space network antenna support we are working with Israeli Space Agency (ISA),'' he stated. When asked about the upcoming rocket launches this year, Dr. Sivan said that the agency is planning for the launch of PSLV rocket in November. This would also be the maiden launch of this year, as ISRO’s launches were affected after Covid-19 lockdown measures had brought in several travel restrictions. Given that India’s space activities are spread across centers in various parts of the country, it had become challenging for officials and scientists to travel to carry out work. “For India’s Space port, people have to travel from other ISRO facilities located far away to carry out the work, hence there are some delays in the missions. We are planning to have the PSLV C-49 launch in November first week. Subsequently, all missions will be as planned” he said. According to Sivan, India’s Human Spaceflight programme has been going strong, with astronauts being trained by Russia and critical medical technologies being provided by France. However, he said that owing to Covid-19 the Gaganyaan project would see a small shift. “We had initially targeted an August 2022 launch and there is a small shift in targeting. We are trying to take the help of other space-faring nations for getting things done” he said. In his Independence Day speech in 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that when the country is celebrating its 75th year of Independence in 2022, an Indian son or daughter will be flying into space as a part of the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight mission. This is India's most ambitious and challenging mission yet. Adding that International cooperation was hallmark of Indian space programme, Sivan, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space said that ISRO had imparted a 2-month long hands-on training in nano satellite building for 60 officials from 33 countries.

Going strong, but small shift in Gaganyaan launch target owing to COVID-19, says ISRO chairman

The practical training of Indian astronauts for India's first manned mission to space — Gaganyaan has been halted in Russia due to lockdown to deal with global COVID crisis but the Indian astronauts continue their studies.&nbsp;

The practical training of 4 Indian astronauts is taking place at the Gagarin cosmonaut training centre in Moscow. The astronauts are currently staying at Star City in Russia. One exam on spaceship's onboard systems was passed early April.

The Glavkosmos press service in a statement said, "The four Indian cosmonauts are in isolation due to coronavirus pandemic. They prepare for their exams at home."

Glavkosmos, which is a subsidiary of the Russian space agency, Roscosmos which had signed a contract with India's Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO for the training of Indian astronauts.

The exam on the theory of manned flights was due in April but the lockdown was announced in Russia from March 28th till April 30 to deal with the global COVID pandemic. The lockdown has been extended till May 11th.&nbsp;

By March end Indian astronauts completed one-quarter of the curriculum for a year of training.&nbsp;

India is taking the help of Russia in Gaganyaan because of the country's huge experience in terms of human space flight and sees the latter as a reliable long term partner with great experience in human space flight over the last 50 years.&nbsp;

The Rs 10,000 crore Gaganyaan project was announced by PM Modi during his Independence day speech on August 15th, 2018 and involves 3 members Indian crew being sent to space for a period of seven days. After this manned mission, India will become the 4th country after Russia, US and China to send humans in space.

The practical training of Indian astronauts for India's first manned mission to space — Gaganyaan has been halted in Russia due to lockdown to deal with global COVID crisis but the Indian astronauts continue their studies.

The practical training of Indian astronauts for India's first manned mission to space — Gaganyaan has been halted in Russia due to lockdown to deal with global COVID crisis but the Indian astronauts continue their studies. The practical training of 4 Indian astronauts is taking place at the Gagarin cosmonaut training centre in Moscow. The astronauts are currently staying at Star City in Russia. One exam on spaceship's onboard systems was passed early April. The Glavkosmos press service in a statement said, "The four Indian cosmonauts are in isolation due to coronavirus pandemic. They prepare for their exams at home." Glavkosmos, which is a subsidiary of the Russian space agency, Roscosmos which had signed a contract with India's Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO for the training of Indian astronauts. The exam on the theory of manned flights was due in April but the lockdown was announced in Russia from March 28th till April 30 to deal with the global COVID pandemic. The lockdown has been extended till May 11th. By March end Indian astronauts completed one-quarter of the curriculum for a year of training. India is taking the help of Russia in Gaganyaan because of the country's huge experience in terms of human space flight and sees the latter as a reliable long term partner with great experience in human space flight over the last 50 years. The Rs 10,000 crore Gaganyaan project was announced by PM Modi during his Independence day speech on August 15th, 2018 and involves 3 members Indian crew being sent to space for a period of seven days. After this manned mission, India will become the 4th country after Russia, US and China to send humans in space.

COVID-19: Gaganyaan practical training halted due to lockdown in Russia, theory continues

Indian candidates start training for Gaganyaan in Russia

The four astronauts shortlisted for India’s first manned space mission, Gaganyaan, have commenced their full-fledged training at Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City.

India gears up for Mission Gaganyaan

Here is all that you need to know about ISRO’s first half-humanoid, Vyommitra. She will be sent to unmanned space mission in December 2020 on Gaganyaan. Watch to know more.

Meet Vyommitra, India's first female humanoid robot

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other&nbsp;United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally.

Thirteen other members voted in favour of the draft resolution moved by the United Arab Emirates, while the United Kingdom abstained.&nbsp;

The voting came after United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a rare move, formally warned the 15-member council of a global threat from the war, which has now been going on for over two months.

"What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?," Deputy UAE U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab asked the council. 
 
"Indeed, what is the message we are sending civilians across the world who may find themselves in similar situations?"

"The United Arab Emirates is deeply disappointed," said the representative of the UAE. "Regrettably... this council is unable to demand a humanitarian ceasefire."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-will-run-again-in-russian-presidential-elections-next-march-667595">Putin will run again in Russian presidential elections next March</a>

<h2>US defends veto</h2>

The United States, defending its veto, said that the resolution still held a call for an unconditional ceasefire.

"This resolution still contains a call for an unconditional ceasefire... it would leave Hamas in place able to repeat what it did on October 7," said US deputy UN representative Robert Wood.

Wood further denounced the UAE stating that the draft resolution was a rushed, imbalanced text "that was divorced from reality, that would not move the needle forward on the ground in any concrete way."

"We do not support this resolution's call for an unsustainable ceasefire that will only plant the seeds for the next war," said Wood.

UK's UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said that her country abstained because there was no denunciation of Hamas.

"Israel needs to be able to address the threat posed by Hamas and it needs to do so in a manner that abides by international humanitarian law so that such an attack can never be carried out again," she told the council.

Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan did not address the Security Council after the vote, but in a statement said: "A ceasefire will be possible only with the return of all the hostages and the destruction of Hamas."

Washington, being the permanent member of the Security Council, can veto any resolution.

Ahead of the vote, Guterres had said that "the brutality perpetrated by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally.

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally. Thirteen other members voted in favour of the draft resolution moved by the United Arab Emirates, while the United Kingdom abstained. The voting came after United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a rare move, formally warned the 15-member council of a global threat from the war, which has now been going on for over two months. "What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?," Deputy UAE U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab asked the council. "Indeed, what is the message we are sending civilians across the world who may find themselves in similar situations?" "The United Arab Emirates is deeply disappointed," said the representative of the UAE. "Regrettably... this council is unable to demand a humanitarian ceasefire." Also read: Putin will run again in Russian presidential elections next March US defends veto The United States, defending its veto, said that the resolution still held a call for an unconditional ceasefire. "This resolution still contains a call for an unconditional ceasefire... it would leave Hamas in place able to repeat what it did on October 7," said US deputy UN representative Robert Wood. Wood further denounced the UAE stating that the draft resolution was a rushed, imbalanced text "that was divorced from reality, that would not move the needle forward on the ground in any concrete way." "We do not support this resolution's call for an unsustainable ceasefire that will only plant the seeds for the next war," said Wood. UK's UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said that her country abstained because there was no denunciation of Hamas. "Israel needs to be able to address the threat posed by Hamas and it needs to do so in a manner that abides by international humanitarian law so that such an attack can never be carried out again," she told the council. Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan did not address the Security Council after the vote, but in a statement said: "A ceasefire will be possible only with the return of all the hostages and the destruction of Hamas." Washington, being the permanent member of the Security Council, can veto any resolution. Ahead of the vote, Guterres had said that "the brutality perpetrated by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people." (With inputs from agencies)

Meet Vyommitra, ISRO's humanoid that will go to space on Gaganyaan

The space programme is to send human beings to space and will be called Gaganyaan. However, before India actually sends humans to venture out into space, the Indian Space Research Agency is sending out a humanoid robot by the end of this year.

Your Story: Meet ISRO'S half-Humanoid Vyommitra

Indian Space Research Organisation is all set to launch two back to back dedicated missions that will expand the horizon of nation's space outlook. ISRO launched Chandrayaan-2 in July 2019 but the mission remains unsuccessful. Now the organisation is again geared up to launch Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan. #ISRO #WION #KSivan #Chandrayaan-3

WION Exclusive: ISRO Chairman K Sivan briefs over Chandrayaan 3, Gaganyaan

With the dawn of the New Year, ISRO announced its ambitious new project Chandrayaan 3 and Gaganyaan. With Chandrayaan 3 the Indian Space Research Organisation is making its second attempt to soft-landing on the surface of the Moon. Gaganyaan is India's first manned mission and is expected to take off by 2022. WION caught up with ISRO Chief Kailasavadivoo Sivan on the latest updates. Watch this exclusive report: #WION #WIONNews #ISRO #Gaganyaan #Chandrayaan3

WION Exclusive conversation with ISRO Chief Kailasavadivoo Sivan

The whole nation felt the pain when Chandrayaan-2's lander crashed&nbsp;on the lunar surface just moments before it was about to create history. This New Year, however, ISRO chief K Sivan once again gave Indians a reason to rejoice when he announced that four astronauts have been shortlisted for India's first manned space mission Gaganyaan. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his Independence Day Speech last year said that by 2022 India would send its astronauts to space.

So what is Gaganyaan? What is the&nbsp;significance&nbsp;of the mission? This article attempts to answer all key questions related to India's ambitious new programme.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gaganyaan-mission-four-astronauts-selected-to-undergo-training-in-russia-says-isro-chief-k-sivan-271425">Gaganyaan mission: Four astronauts selected to undergo training in Russia, says ISRO chief K Sivan</a>

What is Gaganyaan?&nbsp;

Gaganyaan is a crewed orbital spacecraft that is expected to take three astronauts to space for a period of seven days. For the mission, India's space agency is planning to carry out two unmanned missions in December 2020 and July 2021, followed by the manned mission by December 2021. ISRO's Geo-Synchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) will be used for the manned space mission.

"The total fund requirement for the Gaganyaan Programme is within Rs.10,000 crore," as per a government statement. The spacecraft will be placed in a low earth orbit of 300-400 km. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Why is it significant?

If India successfully sends four astronauts to space, it will be only the fourth nation to do so after the United States, China and Russia. It will re-establish India's space research position amongst giants such as the US, China and Russia, which spends way more money than India on space programmes.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-to-train-four-indian-astronauts-for-gaganyaan-mission-245890">Gaganyaan mission: Russia to train 4 Indian astronauts; special ISRO unit at Moscow</a>

What is the Russian connection?

The all-weather friendship of India and Russia has also been reflected in the field of space. India's only astronaut to travel space Rakesh Sharma, also undertook his journey in Russia's Interkosmos programme. For Gaganyaan, ISRO signed an agreement with Russia's Glavkosmos to select and train Indian astronauts for the space mission. Earlier ISRO chief had said that 12 astronauts from India would go to Russia for training and four would be shortlisted. The selected astronauts will now undergo rigorous training for 15 months In India and abroad.&nbsp;

What will be the challenges encountered by astronauts to get mission ready?

The Gaganyaan crew will first undergo medical examination followed by rigorous physical training even for military personnel. The idea behind this tough training programme is to get astronauts accustomed to gravitational changes which will cause physiological alterations.

Often, astronauts face motion sickness when they experience weightlessness in the space. The changing gravity also results in fluctuations in blood circulation especially during re-entry to earth or landing which also makes astronauts unconscious due to lack of internal pressure. For the mission preparation, astronauts will be put under a centrifuge which will spin rapidly in order to adapt them for gravitational acceleration. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The astronauts will also be acquainted with life support systems, navigation and thermal controls, astronomy, and other necessary sciences if a need arose of manual intervention or emergency.

Generally, astronauts are trained for four years, but Indian space explorers would only get only two years for meeting the launch deadline.&nbsp;

What can be the impact of Gagnayaan?

The success of Gaganyaan would unlock many doors to experiment with more spaceflight missions. It will also give boost to India's ambition of setting up its own space station.&nbsp;

The whole nation felt the pain when Chandrayaan-2's lander crashed on the lunar surface just moments before it was about to create history. This New Year, however, ISRO chief K Sivan once again gave Indians a reason to rejoice when he announced that four astronauts have been shortlisted for India's first manned space mission Gaganyaan.

The whole nation felt the pain when Chandrayaan-2's lander crashed on the lunar surface just moments before it was about to create history. This New Year, however, ISRO chief K Sivan once again gave Indians a reason to rejoice when he announced that four astronauts have been shortlisted for India's first manned space mission Gaganyaan. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his Independence Day Speech last year said that by 2022 India would send its astronauts to space. So what is Gaganyaan? What is the significance of the mission? This article attempts to answer all key questions related to India's ambitious new programme. Also read: Gaganyaan mission: Four astronauts selected to undergo training in Russia, says ISRO chief K Sivan What is Gaganyaan? Gaganyaan is a crewed orbital spacecraft that is expected to take three astronauts to space for a period of seven days. For the mission, India's space agency is planning to carry out two unmanned missions in December 2020 and July 2021, followed by the manned mission by December 2021. ISRO's Geo-Synchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) will be used for the manned space mission. "The total fund requirement for the Gaganyaan Programme is within Rs.10,000 crore," as per a government statement. The spacecraft will be placed in a low earth orbit of 300-400 km. Why is it significant? If India successfully sends four astronauts to space, it will be only the fourth nation to do so after the United States, China and Russia. It will re-establish India's space research position amongst giants such as the US, China and Russia, which spends way more money than India on space programmes. Also read: Gaganyaan mission: Russia to train 4 Indian astronauts; special ISRO unit at Moscow What is the Russian connection? The all-weather friendship of India and Russia has also been reflected in the field of space. India's only astronaut to travel space Rakesh Sharma, also undertook his journey in Russia's Interkosmos programme. For Gaganyaan, ISRO signed an agreement with Russia's Glavkosmos to select and train Indian astronauts for the space mission. Earlier ISRO chief had said that 12 astronauts from India would go to Russia for training and four would be shortlisted. The selected astronauts will now undergo rigorous training for 15 months In India and abroad. What will be the challenges encountered by astronauts to get mission ready? The Gaganyaan crew will first undergo medical examination followed by rigorous physical training even for military personnel. The idea behind this tough training programme is to get astronauts accustomed to gravitational changes which will cause physiological alterations. Often, astronauts face motion sickness when they experience weightlessness in the space. The changing gravity also results in fluctuations in blood circulation especially during re-entry to earth or landing which also makes astronauts unconscious due to lack of internal pressure. For the mission preparation, astronauts will be put under a centrifuge which will spin rapidly in order to adapt them for gravitational acceleration. The astronauts will also be acquainted with life support systems, navigation and thermal controls, astronomy, and other necessary sciences if a need arose of manual intervention or emergency. Generally, astronauts are trained for four years, but Indian space explorers would only get only two years for meeting the launch deadline. What can be the impact of Gagnayaan? The success of Gaganyaan would unlock many doors to experiment with more spaceflight missions. It will also give boost to India's ambition of setting up its own space station.

EXPLAINED: Gaganyaan- All you need to know about India's first manned space mission

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