<p>The 35-meter-tall Test Vehicle rocket stands ready at the First Launchpad of India's Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The 12-hour 30-minute countdown for the launch began at 7:30 pm Friday (Oct 20), WION has learnt. At 8 am IST, Saturday, as this countdown ends, the 44-ton vehicle is expected to blast off on a very unique mission.</p>

<p>Unlike orbital-class rockets, this one is not meant to take satellites to space. Instead, it will be used to test a crucial ejection system(known as Crew Escape System) that is meant to save astronauts, in case of a mid-flight rocket failure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-telescope-observes-jet-stream-as-fast-as-category-5-storms-on-jupiter-649197">James Webb Telescope observes jet stream as fast as 'category 5' storms on Jupiter</a></p>

<p>The countdown is the time period in the final run-up to the launch, when the health checks of the rocket and associated systems are conducted. Liquid fuels are filled into the rocket's tanks and various parameters are monitored, in preparation for lift-off. Each mission has a unique countdown time, depending on its complexities, and mission profile and type of rocket being used.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Glimpses of India's all-new Test Vehicle 🚀 being readied for maiden mission 'TV-D1' that'll liftoff 8am tomo<br />
<br />
Aug 2022 we saw SSLV being readied for launch and now we have a sub-orbital TV rocket for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a> test flights<br />
Let's go🇮🇳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#science</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://t.co/3fezvwfcg8">pic.twitter.com/3fezvwfcg8</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1715311970247966824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The mission abbreviation 'TV-D1' denotes Test Vehicle Demonstration 1. Perched atop the test vehicle is a crew-carrying capsule, known as a Crew module. During the Indian astronaut mission Gaganyaan (expected to take flight in 2025), the Crew module will serve as the home and office of the astronauts, as they travel to space and back. The Crew module being used in Saturday's mission measures and weighs the same as the actual one. However, it doesn't contain pressurization systems(meant to maintain earth-like atmospheric conditions and other technologies that the final version will feature.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How high will TV-D1 fly?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Typical spacefaring rockets travel at least 500 km above the earth's surface into an orbit around the home planet. However, TV-D1 would be launched to an altitude that's a little more than that of passenger airliners. 61 seconds from lift-off, the vehicle would reach an altitude of 11.9 km and a speed of Mach1.2(1480kmph) and that's when the rocket would shut down, as pre-programmed.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-unveils-stunning-lunar-shadow-image-from-ring-of-fire-solar-eclipse-649157">Epic image captures moon's shadow falling on US during the 'ring of fire' solar eclipse</a></p>

<p>Immediately, the Crew escape system would be triggered and the top portion of the rocket comprising the escape system and the crew module would eject itself higher and farther away from the rocket. They would travel a couple of kilometres higher away from the rocket. 90 seconds after lift-off, at around 17kms altitude, the crew escape system and crew module would separate. While the rocket and the crew escape system free-fall into the sea, the crew module uses multiple parachutes to gradually descend and splash down, almost 10kms away from the spaceport's shore. From lift-off to splashdown, this mission is expected to take less than nine minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is this test meant to prove?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ejecting the 4.5-ton crew module during flight is an extremely sophisticated process. The engineers working on this project would want to test their rocket, crew module and ejection systems at different altitudes and Mach numbers (travel speeds). This would offer them more confidence about the reliability and robustness of the systems that are meant to save astronauts when the rocket faces a catastrophe.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-expresses-concern-over-bris-expansionist-intentions-649328">India expresses concern over BRI's expansionist intentions</a></strong></p>

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<p>This process can be compared to how a fighter pilot pulls the ejection handle as a last resort when his/her jet faces an imminent crash/failure. In the jet, the pilot has control to pull the ejection handle, However, given how fast rockets travel and how fast things can go wrong, computer programmes are used to issue the eject/abort command, given how rapidly it must be done.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Components of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> TV-D1 being stacked vertically...<br />
Really exciting to imagine that with each one of these tests, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> is gradually &amp;steadily getting closer to sending our own astronauts <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a> pilots to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> and bring them back safely <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Engineering?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Engineering</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#science</a> 🚀🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/f255zrgLcI">pic.twitter.com/f255zrgLcI</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1715314425950011600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Who recovers the capsule?</strong></h2>

<p>After the crew module splashes down in the Bay of Bengal, Indian Navy ships that are waiting within a safe distance would approach the module and with the assistance of expert swimmers, secure the crew module and lift it onto the ship using the on-board crane. Thereafter, it will be secured onboard the ship and then taken to the nearest port(Chennai) and handed back again to ISRO.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happens next?</strong></h2>

<p>As the name suggests, TV-D1 is the first of at least four similar tests. Lessons learnt from each test would be applied in the subsequent ones and hardware, software and system changes would be made, to develop the best possible crew escape system. Apart from flight tests, there are several other ground tests also being performed in the run-up to the Gaganyaan astronaut mission. During such testing, ISRO also tries out different types of hardware, made using different materials and different manufacturing processes. This helps zero in on the most-suited version.</p>

<h2><strong>What is this new rocket Test Vehicle?</strong></h2>

<p>By external appearance, Test Vehicle might seem like an all-new rocket. However, it is derived from the L40 booster that is used on the GSLV(formerly GSLV Mk2) rocket. It is a liquid-fuelled rocket stage that is being used for this test, Instead of using a large and expensive rocket for this test, ISRO has re-purposed and modified an existing system for low-cost and easy execution of multiple tests. This Test Vehicle is based on the workhorse Vikas engine that powers the PSLV and GSLV series of rockets. Instead of mounting satellites atop the Test vehicle, the crew module and crew escape system have been mounted, thereby giving the vehicle an all-new appearance.&nbsp;</p>

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The 35-meter-tall Test Vehicle rocket stands ready at the First Launchpad of India's Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The 12-hour 30-minute countdown for the launch began at 7:30 pm Friday (Oct 20), WION has learnt.

The 35-meter-tall Test Vehicle rocket stands ready at the First Launchpad of India's Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The 12-hour 30-minute countdown for the launch began at 7:30 pm Friday (Oct 20), WION has learnt. At 8 am IST, Saturday, as this countdown ends, the 44-ton vehicle is expected to blast off on a very unique mission. Unlike orbital-class rockets, this one is not meant to take satellites to space. Instead, it will be used to test a crucial ejection system(known as Crew Escape System) that is meant to save astronauts, in case of a mid-flight rocket failure. Also Read | James Webb Telescope observes jet stream as fast as 'category 5' storms on Jupiter The countdown is the time period in the final run-up to the launch, when the health checks of the rocket and associated systems are conducted. Liquid fuels are filled into the rocket's tanks and various parameters are monitored, in preparation for lift-off. Each mission has a unique countdown time, depending on its complexities, and mission profile and type of rocket being used. Glimpses of India's all-new Test Vehicle 🚀 being readied for maiden mission 'TV-D1' that'll liftoff 8am tomo Aug 2022 we saw SSLV being readied for launch and now we have a sub-orbital TV rocket for #Gaganyaan test flights Let's go🇮🇳#isro #india #space #tech #science #ISRO pic.twitter.com/3fezvwfcg8 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 20, 2023 × The mission abbreviation 'TV-D1' denotes Test Vehicle Demonstration 1. Perched atop the test vehicle is a crew-carrying capsule, known as a Crew module. During the Indian astronaut mission Gaganyaan (expected to take flight in 2025), the Crew module will serve as the home and office of the astronauts, as they travel to space and back. The Crew module being used in Saturday's mission measures and weighs the same as the actual one. However, it doesn't contain pressurization systems(meant to maintain earth-like atmospheric conditions and other technologies that the final version will feature. How high will TV-D1 fly? Typical spacefaring rockets travel at least 500 km above the earth's surface into an orbit around the home planet. However, TV-D1 would be launched to an altitude that's a little more than that of passenger airliners. 61 seconds from lift-off, the vehicle would reach an altitude of 11.9 km and a speed of Mach1.2(1480kmph) and that's when the rocket would shut down, as pre-programmed. Also Read | Epic image captures moon's shadow falling on US during the 'ring of fire' solar eclipse Immediately, the Crew escape system would be triggered and the top portion of the rocket comprising the escape system and the crew module would eject itself higher and farther away from the rocket. They would travel a couple of kilometres higher away from the rocket. 90 seconds after lift-off, at around 17kms altitude, the crew escape system and crew module would separate. While the rocket and the crew escape system free-fall into the sea, the crew module uses multiple parachutes to gradually descend and splash down, almost 10kms away from the spaceport's shore. From lift-off to splashdown, this mission is expected to take less than nine minutes. What is this test meant to prove? Ejecting the 4.5-ton crew module during flight is an extremely sophisticated process. The engineers working on this project would want to test their rocket, crew module and ejection systems at different altitudes and Mach numbers (travel speeds). This would offer them more confidence about the reliability and robustness of the systems that are meant to save astronauts when the rocket faces a catastrophe. Watch | India expresses concern over BRI's expansionist intentions × This process can be compared to how a fighter pilot pulls the ejection handle as a last resort when his/her jet faces an imminent crash/failure. In the jet, the pilot has control to pull the ejection handle, However, given how fast rockets travel and how fast things can go wrong, computer programmes are used to issue the eject/abort command, given how rapidly it must be done. Components of #isro TV-D1 being stacked vertically... Really exciting to imagine that with each one of these tests, #india is gradually &steadily getting closer to sending our own astronauts @IAF_MCC pilots to #space and bring them back safely #tech #Engineering #science 🚀🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/f255zrgLcI — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 20, 2023 × Who recovers the capsule? After the crew module splashes down in the Bay of Bengal, Indian Navy ships that are waiting within a safe distance would approach the module and with the assistance of expert swimmers, secure the crew module and lift it onto the ship using the on-board crane. Thereafter, it will be secured onboard the ship and then taken to the nearest port(Chennai) and handed back again to ISRO. What happens next? As the name suggests, TV-D1 is the first of at least four similar tests. Lessons learnt from each test would be applied in the subsequent ones and hardware, software and system changes would be made, to develop the best possible crew escape system. Apart from flight tests, there are several other ground tests also being performed in the run-up to the Gaganyaan astronaut mission. During such testing, ISRO also tries out different types of hardware, made using different materials and different manufacturing processes. This helps zero in on the most-suited version. What is this new rocket Test Vehicle? By external appearance, Test Vehicle might seem like an all-new rocket. However, it is derived from the L40 booster that is used on the GSLV(formerly GSLV Mk2) rocket. It is a liquid-fuelled rocket stage that is being used for this test, Instead of using a large and expensive rocket for this test, ISRO has re-purposed and modified an existing system for low-cost and easy execution of multiple tests. This Test Vehicle is based on the workhorse Vikas engine that powers the PSLV and GSLV series of rockets. Instead of mounting satellites atop the Test vehicle, the crew module and crew escape system have been mounted, thereby giving the vehicle an all-new appearance. 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. ×

12:30 hrs countdown to ISRO's TV-D1 mission commences; Lift-off at 8 am Saturday. All details here

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

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

ISRO chief: "My job is to prepare a scientific plan, and mission cost and submit them to the government's ISRO Chief"

ISRO Chief reveals details on future Venus exploration mission

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

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

<p>India said on Tuesday (Oct 17) that it aims to send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued instructions to the space department that include plans for a space station by 2035. Prime Minister Modi also called on scientists to work on missions to Venus and Mars.</p>

<p>According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, Modi on Tuesday addressed a high-level meeting to assess the progress of India’s Gaganyaan Mission and to outline the future of the country's space exploration endeavours.</p>

<p>"Building on the success of the Indian space initiatives, including the recent Chandrayan-3 and Aditya L1 Missions, Prime Minister directed that India should now aim for new and ambitious goals, including setting up ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ (Indian Space Station) by 2035 and sending first Indian to the Moon by 2040," the statement said.</p>

<p>During the meeting, the Department of Space presented a comprehensive overview of the Gaganyaan Mission, including various technologies developed so far such as human-rated launch vehicles and system qualification.</p>

<p>"It was noted that around 20 major tests, including 3 uncrewed missions of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3) are planned. First demonstration flight of the Crew Escape System Test Vehicle is scheduled on 21 October. The meeting evaluated the mission’s readiness, affirming its launch in 2025," the statement further said.</p>

<p>To realise the 2040 mission, the space department will develop a roadmap for Moon exploration. This will encompass a series of Chandrayaan missions, the development of a Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), the construction of a new launch pad, and the setting up of human-centric Laboratories and associated technologies.</p>

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India said on Tuesday (Oct 17) that it aims to send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued instructions to the space department that include plans for a space station by 2035.

India said on Tuesday (Oct 17) that it aims to send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued instructions to the space department that include plans for a space station by 2035. Prime Minister Modi also called on scientists to work on missions to Venus and Mars. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, Modi on Tuesday addressed a high-level meeting to assess the progress of India’s Gaganyaan Mission and to outline the future of the country's space exploration endeavours. "Building on the success of the Indian space initiatives, including the recent Chandrayan-3 and Aditya L1 Missions, Prime Minister directed that India should now aim for new and ambitious goals, including setting up ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ (Indian Space Station) by 2035 and sending first Indian to the Moon by 2040," the statement said. During the meeting, the Department of Space presented a comprehensive overview of the Gaganyaan Mission, including various technologies developed so far such as human-rated launch vehicles and system qualification. "It was noted that around 20 major tests, including 3 uncrewed missions of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3) are planned. First demonstration flight of the Crew Escape System Test Vehicle is scheduled on 21 October. The meeting evaluated the mission’s readiness, affirming its launch in 2025," the statement further said. To realise the 2040 mission, the space department will develop a roadmap for Moon exploration. This will encompass a series of Chandrayaan missions, the development of a Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), the construction of a new launch pad, and the setting up of human-centric Laboratories and associated technologies. 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.

India aims to set up own space station by 2035, send astronaut to Moon by 2040: PM Modi

India space agency ISRO just announced that they're all set for a crucial rocket flight test this Saturday. As part of this ISRO will launch a rocket and shut it down mid-flight to test how a save a potential astronaut carrying a capsule from it. Keep watching this interview with ISRO Chief Dr S Somnath to know more.

ISRO chief, Dr S Somnath explains crucial Gangayaan flight test

<p>Dr S Somanath, the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is a Gold medallist in Engineering, but did you know that he was also a high school state-topper in Biology? In a special address to budding doctors, Dr&nbsp;Somanath revealed his own teenage passion towards a career in the medical profession and how it did not materialise.</p>

<p>"In my home state (Kerala), I was a topper in Biology and aspired to be a doctor. However, my father (a teacher by profession) asked me to take up Engineering or Math, as the medical profession is very tough and demanding," he smilingly recalled.</p>

<p>He said that his father advised him to pursue Engineering or Mathematics, as it would help him lead a simple life as a Teacher or Professor. Either way, his career choices have made him the Space-sector technocrat Dr S Somanath and he is also topping it up by pursuing an additional Doctorate at IIT Madras' Mechanical Engineering Department.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"I was KL state topper in Biology and aspired to be a Doctor..dad asked me to pursue Engg or Math..I really liked dissecting cockroaches&amp; earthworms..<br />
I couldn't cut into a human body.." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> Chief smilingly tells Medical students in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chennai</a><br />
<br />
BTW, he's an Engg Gold medallist🥇 <a href="https://t.co/vCp3bapF3x">pic.twitter.com/vCp3bapF3x</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1714155345604661408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Addressing students at the Tamil Nadu Dr MGR University in Chennai, Dr Somanath touched upon how the medical and the space domains (though seemingly unconnected) are closely linked, and how ISRO has been working closely with medical professionals as part of the Gaganyaan astronaut programme. Referring to ISRO's keen involvement in the field of bio-astronautics, he said that ISRO was looking to have doctors join their team. The long-term impact of spaceflight can impact the human body in multiple ways and with humans looking to venture deeper and longer into space, such constant synergy between the aerospace and medical domain was a necessity, he said.</p>

<p>He urged budding medical professionals to be well-versed in software and AI tools, as they would significantly impact the profession and cause disruptions in the way healthcare is provided. Sharing some future possibilities, he mentioned how wearable sensors could measure multiple health parameters and physical attributes, thereby helping a centralised computer network predict health hazards and share warnings asking the concerned individual to seek medical attention. "In future, it might be possible to have an embedded medicinal kit in the body. As and when detected and required, the necessary drug in the specific quantity can be delivered to the targeted site,"&nbsp;he said.</p>

<p>Referring to the future requirements of the global space sector, he said that extreme deep space exploration is time-consuming and takes several years. "There is a need to keep humans alive for a long period of time, without ageing. It is possible to build rockets and spacecraft that can work for several decades and travel into deep space, but can we(as seen in science fiction films) pause human life and resume it when required? There are places that we cannot travel to in one lifetime, so such technologies are required. If a human colony has to sustain itself on another planet, the services of Doctors are most essential," he pointed out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Touching upon AI and Machine Learning, Somanath said that the treatment data and medical history derived from thousands of patients could be used to arrive at better and more effective means of treatment. It will be possible to track the evolution of illnesses, and how they affect people of certain genetics and from certain geographies. "AI and ML courses must be taught in medical universities," he concluded.&nbsp;</p>

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Dr S Somanath, the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is a Gold medallist in Engineering, but did you know that he was also a high school state-topper in Biology?

Dr S Somanath, the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is a Gold medallist in Engineering, but did you know that he was also a high school state-topper in Biology? In a special address to budding doctors, Dr Somanath revealed his own teenage passion towards a career in the medical profession and how it did not materialise. "In my home state (Kerala), I was a topper in Biology and aspired to be a doctor. However, my father (a teacher by profession) asked me to take up Engineering or Math, as the medical profession is very tough and demanding," he smilingly recalled. He said that his father advised him to pursue Engineering or Mathematics, as it would help him lead a simple life as a Teacher or Professor. Either way, his career choices have made him the Space-sector technocrat Dr S Somanath and he is also topping it up by pursuing an additional Doctorate at IIT Madras' Mechanical Engineering Department. "I was KL state topper in Biology and aspired to be a Doctor..dad asked me to pursue Engg or Math..I really liked dissecting cockroaches& earthworms.. I couldn't cut into a human body.." #isro Chief smilingly tells Medical students in #chennai BTW, he's an Engg Gold medallist🥇 pic.twitter.com/vCp3bapF3x — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 17, 2023 × Addressing students at the Tamil Nadu Dr MGR University in Chennai, Dr Somanath touched upon how the medical and the space domains (though seemingly unconnected) are closely linked, and how ISRO has been working closely with medical professionals as part of the Gaganyaan astronaut programme. Referring to ISRO's keen involvement in the field of bio-astronautics, he said that ISRO was looking to have doctors join their team. The long-term impact of spaceflight can impact the human body in multiple ways and with humans looking to venture deeper and longer into space, such constant synergy between the aerospace and medical domain was a necessity, he said. He urged budding medical professionals to be well-versed in software and AI tools, as they would significantly impact the profession and cause disruptions in the way healthcare is provided. Sharing some future possibilities, he mentioned how wearable sensors could measure multiple health parameters and physical attributes, thereby helping a centralised computer network predict health hazards and share warnings asking the concerned individual to seek medical attention. "In future, it might be possible to have an embedded medicinal kit in the body. As and when detected and required, the necessary drug in the specific quantity can be delivered to the targeted site," he said. Referring to the future requirements of the global space sector, he said that extreme deep space exploration is time-consuming and takes several years. "There is a need to keep humans alive for a long period of time, without ageing. It is possible to build rockets and spacecraft that can work for several decades and travel into deep space, but can we(as seen in science fiction films) pause human life and resume it when required? There are places that we cannot travel to in one lifetime, so such technologies are required. If a human colony has to sustain itself on another planet, the services of Doctors are most essential," he pointed out. Touching upon AI and Machine Learning, Somanath said that the treatment data and medical history derived from thousands of patients could be used to arrive at better and more effective means of treatment. It will be possible to track the evolution of illnesses, and how they affect people of certain genetics and from certain geographies. "AI and ML courses must be taught in medical universities," he concluded. 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.

'I aspired to be a doctor, picked engineering as per dad's advice,' says ISRO chief

Dr S Somnath: ISRO all geared up for 'TV-D1' test flight mission

<p>ISRO chairman S Somanath on Sunday (Oct 15) said that the experts, who were given the task of developing complex rocket missions in the United States, appealed to India to share space technology with them after seeing the development of Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at an event in Rameswaram, he said that the times have changed and India has the capacity to build the best of the best rockets and devices, and this is the reason why Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened the space sector to private players.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Somanath was speaking to students during a programme organised by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s Foundation to commemorate the late former president's 92nd birth anniversary.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/less-than-1-iitans-in-isro-iitans-dont-want-to-join-isro-chief-645276">Less than 1% IITians in ISRO, they don't want to join: ISRO Chief Somanath</a></p>

<p>“Our country is a very powerful nation. You understand that? Our knowledge and intelligence level in the country is one of the best in the world. In Chandrayaan-3, when we designed and developed the spacecraft, we invited experts from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Nasa-JPL, who do all the rockets and most difficult mission," the ISRO chief said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“About five to six people from Nasa-JPL came (to Isro headquarters) and we explained to them about Chandrayaan-3. That was before the soft landing took place (on August 23). We explained how we designed it and how our engineers made it, and how we are going to land on the Moon’s surface, and they just said, 'no comments. everything is going to be good'," he added. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Sell these advanced scientific instruments to the US'</strong></h2>

<p>JPL is a research and development laboratory, which is getting funded by NASA and is being managed by the California Institute of Technology (CALTECH) in the US.</p>

<p>“They (US space experts) also said one thing, 'look at the scientific instruments, they are very cheap. Very easy to build and they are advanced. How did you build it? Why don’t you sell this to America,' they were asking," he stated. &nbsp;"So you (students) can understand how times have changed. We are capable of building the best equipment, the best devices, and the best rockets in India. That is why our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened the space sector," Somanath added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;ISRO Chief attends 74th International Astronautical Congress</strong></p>

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<p>On August 23, India's Chandrayaan-3 lander successfully landed near the south pole of the Moon, which made it the first country in the world to achieve the feat of touching the dark side of the lunar surface and the fourth overall to land on the moon after China, the Soviet Union and the US.</p>

<p>"Now we are telling you people (to) come and build rockets and satellites and make our nation more powerful in space technology. It is not only ISRO, everybody can do it in space. There is one company in Chennai building rockets called Agnikul and another in Hyderabad called Skyroot. At least in India, there are five companies today building rockets and satellites," Somanath further said to the students.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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ISRO chairman S Somanath on Sunday (Oct 15) said that the experts, who were given the task of developing complex rocket missions in the United States, appealed to India to share space technology with them after seeing the development of Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft.

ISRO chairman S Somanath on Sunday (Oct 15) said that the experts, who were given the task of developing complex rocket missions in the United States, appealed to India to share space technology with them after seeing the development of Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft. Speaking at an event in Rameswaram, he said that the times have changed and India has the capacity to build the best of the best rockets and devices, and this is the reason why Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened the space sector to private players. Somanath was speaking to students during a programme organised by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s Foundation to commemorate the late former president's 92nd birth anniversary. ALSO READ | Less than 1% IITians in ISRO, they don't want to join: ISRO Chief Somanath “Our country is a very powerful nation. You understand that? Our knowledge and intelligence level in the country is one of the best in the world. In Chandrayaan-3, when we designed and developed the spacecraft, we invited experts from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Nasa-JPL, who do all the rockets and most difficult mission," the ISRO chief said. “About five to six people from Nasa-JPL came (to Isro headquarters) and we explained to them about Chandrayaan-3. That was before the soft landing took place (on August 23). We explained how we designed it and how our engineers made it, and how we are going to land on the Moon’s surface, and they just said, 'no comments. everything is going to be good'," he added. 'Sell these advanced scientific instruments to the US' JPL is a research and development laboratory, which is getting funded by NASA and is being managed by the California Institute of Technology (CALTECH) in the US. “They (US space experts) also said one thing, 'look at the scientific instruments, they are very cheap. Very easy to build and they are advanced. How did you build it? Why don’t you sell this to America,' they were asking," he stated. "So you (students) can understand how times have changed. We are capable of building the best equipment, the best devices, and the best rockets in India. That is why our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened the space sector," Somanath added. WATCH | ISRO Chief attends 74th International Astronautical Congress On August 23, India's Chandrayaan-3 lander successfully landed near the south pole of the Moon, which made it the first country in the world to achieve the feat of touching the dark side of the lunar surface and the fourth overall to land on the moon after China, the Soviet Union and the US. "Now we are telling you people (to) come and build rockets and satellites and make our nation more powerful in space technology. It is not only ISRO, everybody can do it in space. There is one company in Chennai building rockets called Agnikul and another in Hyderabad called Skyroot. At least in India, there are five companies today building rockets and satellites," Somanath further said to the students. (With inputs from agencies) 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

Impressed by Chandrayaan-3, American space experts wanted India to sell its tech to US: ISRO chief

<p>ISRO Chief Dr S.Somanath confirmed that the 'TV-D1'(Test Vehicle Development Flight 1) maiden test flight, as part of the Indian astronaut programme Gaganyaan, will take place on Saturday, October 21. He said that D1 would be followed up with at least three more tests of the same nature. WION has learnt that the launch has been scheduled around 7 am on Saturday (Oct 21). Dr Somanath was speaking to reporters at the Madurai airport, Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>While developing a fighter plane, it is crucial to prove the mechanism to eject the pilot(s) safely, mid-flight. Likewise, while working towards an astronaut mission, it is of utmost importance to prove the mechanism to eject the crew module(astronaut-carrying shell) to safety, when the rocket is mid-flight.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mission Gaganyaan:<br />
ISRO to commence unmanned flight tests for the Gaganyaan mission.<br />
<br />
Preparations for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), which demonstrates the performance of the Crew Escape System, are underway.<a href="https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH">https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannavy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a> <a href="https://t.co/XszSDEqs7w">pic.twitter.com/XszSDEqs7w</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1710506719124570606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>During the TV-D1 mission, the crew module(within which astronauts would be nestled, in future) and associated systems will be mounted atop a mini-rocket known as the Test vehicle. This is a liquid-fuelled mini rocket based on the L40 stage booster of the GSLV(erstwhile GSLV Mk2) rocket. Mid-flight, as the required conditions(Mach 1.2 or 1.2 times the speed of sound) are achieved, the Crew escape system and crew module would eject from the rocket, when the vehicle is at an altitude of 17 km.</p>

<p>Thereafter, the crew module will be carried to a higher altitude(nearly 2kms away from the rocket) and then it would use onboard parachutes to decelerate and gradually splash down in the sea, about 10kms from the coast of the spaceport in Sriharikota. After splashdown, the Crew Module will be recovered, using a dedicated vessel and diving team from the Indian Navy.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"1st test vehicle mission 🔥🚀🇮🇳TV-D1 will be on Oct 21st..after this, there will be D2, D3, D4 missions also" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> chief Somanath in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a><br />
<br />
As I'd shared earlier, Next Satday will be the maiden <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gaganyaan</a> test flight with crew module<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Science</a> <a href="https://t.co/qslM3Ycbxa">pic.twitter.com/qslM3Ycbxa</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1713192352884678735?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Before trucking the crew module to the spaceport in Andhra Pradesh, the Crew Module underwent electrical and acoustic testing at ISRO’s facility in Bengaluru. WION has learnt that the Test Vehicle stands ready and the final steps in preparation for Saturday's mission are being carried out. Notably, this is the maiden flight test for both the Test Vehicle and also for the Crew module.</p>

<p>This Test Vehicle mission with the Crew Module mounted atop, is a significant milestone for the overall Gaganyaan program. It marks the milestone of a near-complete system getting ready for a flight test. The success of this test flight will set the stage for the remaining qualification tests and multiple unmanned missions, leading to the first Gaganyaan mission with Indian Astronauts, ISRO said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">'TV-D1' barely 10days away!<br />
<br />
My info: The first-ever flight test as part of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/astronaut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#astronaut</a> mission <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a> to be on Oct 21st, after sunrise hour<br />
<br />
It is a crucial test to eject&amp; save crew module, in case rocket malfunctions mid-flight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Science</a> <a href="https://t.co/gorp374dpN">pic.twitter.com/gorp374dpN</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1711953721515798548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Crew Module is the structure where the astronauts are meant to be nestled in. It is maintained in a pressurized earth-like atmospheric condition during the Gaganyaan mission, for the safe sustenance of the astronauts. The Crew module for the Gaganyaan mission is in different stages of development.</p>

<p>For the Test Vehicle Abort mission-1 (TV-D1), the Crew Module is an unpressurised version. This unpressurised structure has the overall size and mass of the actual Gaganyaan Crew Module. It houses all the systems for deceleration and recovery, which includes multiple parachutes and associated systems.</p>

<p>The avionics systems in CM are in a dual redundant mode(even if one fails, the backup systems takeover) configuration for navigation, sequencing, telemetry, instrumentation and power. The CM in this mission is designed to capture the flight data for evaluation of the performance of various systems.&nbsp;</p>

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ISRO Chief Dr S.Somanath confirmed that the 'TV-D1'(Test Vehicle Development Flight 1) maiden test flight, as part of the Indian astronaut programme Gaganyaan, will take place on Saturday, October 21.

ISRO Chief Dr S.Somanath confirmed that the 'TV-D1'(Test Vehicle Development Flight 1) maiden test flight, as part of the Indian astronaut programme Gaganyaan, will take place on Saturday, October 21. He said that D1 would be followed up with at least three more tests of the same nature. WION has learnt that the launch has been scheduled around 7 am on Saturday (Oct 21). Dr Somanath was speaking to reporters at the Madurai airport, Tamil Nadu. While developing a fighter plane, it is crucial to prove the mechanism to eject the pilot(s) safely, mid-flight. Likewise, while working towards an astronaut mission, it is of utmost importance to prove the mechanism to eject the crew module(astronaut-carrying shell) to safety, when the rocket is mid-flight. Mission Gaganyaan: ISRO to commence unmanned flight tests for the Gaganyaan mission. Preparations for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), which demonstrates the performance of the Crew Escape System, are underway.https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH @indiannavy #Gaganyaan pic.twitter.com/XszSDEqs7w — ISRO (@isro) October 7, 2023 × During the TV-D1 mission, the crew module(within which astronauts would be nestled, in future) and associated systems will be mounted atop a mini-rocket known as the Test vehicle. This is a liquid-fuelled mini rocket based on the L40 stage booster of the GSLV(erstwhile GSLV Mk2) rocket. Mid-flight, as the required conditions(Mach 1.2 or 1.2 times the speed of sound) are achieved, the Crew escape system and crew module would eject from the rocket, when the vehicle is at an altitude of 17 km. Thereafter, the crew module will be carried to a higher altitude(nearly 2kms away from the rocket) and then it would use onboard parachutes to decelerate and gradually splash down in the sea, about 10kms from the coast of the spaceport in Sriharikota. After splashdown, the Crew Module will be recovered, using a dedicated vessel and diving team from the Indian Navy. "1st test vehicle mission 🔥🚀🇮🇳TV-D1 will be on Oct 21st..after this, there will be D2, D3, D4 missions also" #isro chief Somanath in #TamilNadu As I'd shared earlier, Next Satday will be the maiden #isro #gaganyaan test flight with crew module#india #space #tech #Science pic.twitter.com/qslM3Ycbxa — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 14, 2023 × Before trucking the crew module to the spaceport in Andhra Pradesh, the Crew Module underwent electrical and acoustic testing at ISRO’s facility in Bengaluru. WION has learnt that the Test Vehicle stands ready and the final steps in preparation for Saturday's mission are being carried out. Notably, this is the maiden flight test for both the Test Vehicle and also for the Crew module. This Test Vehicle mission with the Crew Module mounted atop, is a significant milestone for the overall Gaganyaan program. It marks the milestone of a near-complete system getting ready for a flight test. The success of this test flight will set the stage for the remaining qualification tests and multiple unmanned missions, leading to the first Gaganyaan mission with Indian Astronauts, ISRO said. 'TV-D1' barely 10days away! My info: The first-ever flight test as part of #indian #astronaut mission #Gaganyaan to be on Oct 21st, after sunrise hour It is a crucial test to eject& save crew module, in case rocket malfunctions mid-flight #india #space #tech #isro #Science pic.twitter.com/gorp374dpN — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 11, 2023 × The Crew Module is the structure where the astronauts are meant to be nestled in. It is maintained in a pressurized earth-like atmospheric condition during the Gaganyaan mission, for the safe sustenance of the astronauts. The Crew module for the Gaganyaan mission is in different stages of development. For the Test Vehicle Abort mission-1 (TV-D1), the Crew Module is an unpressurised version. This unpressurised structure has the overall size and mass of the actual Gaganyaan Crew Module. It houses all the systems for deceleration and recovery, which includes multiple parachutes and associated systems. The avionics systems in CM are in a dual redundant mode(even if one fails, the backup systems takeover) configuration for navigation, sequencing, telemetry, instrumentation and power. The CM in this mission is designed to capture the flight data for evaluation of the performance of various systems. 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.

Gaganyaan's maiden test flight 'TV-D1' on Oct 21: ISRO Chief

Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO, faces over 100 cyber-attacks daily. With the risk of cyber-attacks being much higher in rocket technology, the chairman of ISRO has said that India's space agency faces more than 100 cyber attacks on a daily basis. Interestingly the possibility of cyber attacks is much higher in rocket technology.

Indian space agency ISRO fights over 100 cyber attacks every day

<p>While speeding on an expressway in the cruise control mode, once in a while the driver has to intervene and steer the vehicle on its intended lane. Likewise, when travelling at a speed that measures several thousand kilometres per hour, it is necessary to gently steer a spacecraft to ensure it remains on the ideal path to its destination. The Indian space agency ISRO has just completed one such steering manoeuvre with its Aditya-L1 sun-study craft that is cruising towards its destination in interplanetary space.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">While on cruise control in an expressway, once in a while you make a steering correction..As <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indian</a> sun-study mission <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdityaL1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdityaL1</a> heads towards its destination L1 point, the craft is on cruise control..recently, it manoeuvred to steer itself on its path <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://t.co/2qCFEnPlM1">pic.twitter.com/2qCFEnPlM1</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1710897773523227088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Launched on September 2nd, India's Aditya-L1 craft is on a four-month voyage to its destination which is 1.5 million kilometres away from Earth. Known as the Lagrangian Point 1, it is situated at 1 per cent of the 150 million kilometre Earth-Sun distance. It is a safe vantage point from where spacecraft can have a constant view of the Sun and solar phenomena, while also being able to remain in touch with its controllers on earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-tiniest-flowering-plant-could-feed-and-oxygenate-astronauts-in-space-643877">Earth's tiniest flowering plant could feed and oxygenate astronauts in space</a></p>

<p>Once they attain a certain speed and orbital parameters, spacecrafts remain in the designated path or orbit, without having to expend any fuel. However, when there are slight deviations observed in their path, necessary steering corrections are performed by firing the craft's onboard engines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/europes-first-fully-private-rocket-launch-takes-place-from-spain-643816">Europe's first fully private rocket launch takes place from Spain</a></p>

<p>In an update on Sunday (October 8), the Indian Space agency ISRO said that the spacecraft is healthy and on its way to Sun-Earth L1. point. "A Trajectory Correction Manoeuvre (steering adjustment), originally provisioned, was performed on October 6, 2023, for about 16 seconds. It was needed to correct the trajectory evaluated after tracking the Trans-Lagrangian Point 1 Insertion (TL1I) manoeuvre performed on September 19, 2023" ISRO said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>This steering manoeuvre ensures that the spacecraft is on its intended path towards the Halo orbit insertion around L1.</p>

<p>At present, four operational spacecraft are stationed at the Sun-Earth L1 point. They provide vital early warnings on adverse space weather events, thereby protecting space assets and ground-based infrastructure. The four crafts are- NASA WIND (to observe the unperturbed solar wind before reaching the magnetosphere of Earth), NASA-ESA SOHO(Solar and Heliospheric Observatory- to study the sun and Heliosphere) NASA ACE(Advanced Composition Explorer - observe particles of the solar wind, and of galactic origins) and NASA DSCOVER (Deep Space Climate Observatory to Monitor space weather and climate, deep space Earth observation). In January 2024, Aditya-L1 is expected to join them, as India's representative in the L1 club.&nbsp;</p>

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While speeding on an expressway in the cruise control mode, once in a while the driver has to intervene and steer the vehicle on its intended lane. Likewise, when travelling at a speed that measures several thousand kilometres per hour, it is necessary to gently steer a spacecraft to ensure it remains on the ideal path to its destination.

While speeding on an expressway in the cruise control mode, once in a while the driver has to intervene and steer the vehicle on its intended lane. Likewise, when travelling at a speed that measures several thousand kilometres per hour, it is necessary to gently steer a spacecraft to ensure it remains on the ideal path to its destination. The Indian space agency ISRO has just completed one such steering manoeuvre with its Aditya-L1 sun-study craft that is cruising towards its destination in interplanetary space. While on cruise control in an expressway, once in a while you make a steering correction..As #indian sun-study mission #AdityaL1 heads towards its destination L1 point, the craft is on cruise control..recently, it manoeuvred to steer itself on its path #isro #india #space #tech pic.twitter.com/2qCFEnPlM1 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 8, 2023 × Launched on September 2nd, India's Aditya-L1 craft is on a four-month voyage to its destination which is 1.5 million kilometres away from Earth. Known as the Lagrangian Point 1, it is situated at 1 per cent of the 150 million kilometre Earth-Sun distance. It is a safe vantage point from where spacecraft can have a constant view of the Sun and solar phenomena, while also being able to remain in touch with its controllers on earth. Also Read | Earth's tiniest flowering plant could feed and oxygenate astronauts in space Once they attain a certain speed and orbital parameters, spacecrafts remain in the designated path or orbit, without having to expend any fuel. However, when there are slight deviations observed in their path, necessary steering corrections are performed by firing the craft's onboard engines. Also Read | Europe's first fully private rocket launch takes place from Spain In an update on Sunday (October 8), the Indian Space agency ISRO said that the spacecraft is healthy and on its way to Sun-Earth L1. point. "A Trajectory Correction Manoeuvre (steering adjustment), originally provisioned, was performed on October 6, 2023, for about 16 seconds. It was needed to correct the trajectory evaluated after tracking the Trans-Lagrangian Point 1 Insertion (TL1I) manoeuvre performed on September 19, 2023" ISRO said. Watch | Israel-Palestine Conflict: Women captured, taken hostage after Hamas militants storm Israel × This steering manoeuvre ensures that the spacecraft is on its intended path towards the Halo orbit insertion around L1. At present, four operational spacecraft are stationed at the Sun-Earth L1 point. They provide vital early warnings on adverse space weather events, thereby protecting space assets and ground-based infrastructure. The four crafts are- NASA WIND (to observe the unperturbed solar wind before reaching the magnetosphere of Earth), NASA-ESA SOHO(Solar and Heliospheric Observatory- to study the sun and Heliosphere) NASA ACE(Advanced Composition Explorer - observe particles of the solar wind, and of galactic origins) and NASA DSCOVER (Deep Space Climate Observatory to Monitor space weather and climate, deep space Earth observation). In January 2024, Aditya-L1 is expected to join them, as India's representative in the L1 club. 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 gently steers Sun-study mission Aditya-L1, as it cruises to its destination

ISRO's Venus mission is unofficially known as 'Shukrayaan'. The name is derived from the Sanskrit words "Shukra" meaning Venus and "yana" meaning craft or vehicle.

Shukrayaan-1: India's Venus orbiter mission

<p>The liftoff of India's historic Chandrayaan-3 lunar lander was shifted four seconds in an effort to avoid close approaches to other space objects, Space News reported.</p>

<p>Chandrayaan-3 launched on July 14 on a LVM-3 heavy-lift rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre into an initial highly-elliptical Earth orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-is-a-success-a-soft-landing-for-vikram-lander-a-giant-leap-for-indias-space-odyssey-628404">Chandrayaan-3 is success: A soft landing for Vikram lander, giant leap for India's space odyssey</a></strong></p>

<p>"Based on collision avoidance analysis the liftoff time was shifted by four seconds so that there was no collision threat," Anil Kumar, chief general manager of safe and sustainable space operations management at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was quoted as saying at the 74th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Azerbaijan's capital Baku on October 6.</p>

<p>"This is a mandatory practice, not only for ISRO but for all space launch vehicles. That is, before launch, the liftoff should be cleared," Kumar said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3: What are ISRO's plans to bring Moon samples to Earth?</strong></p>

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<p>"The number of space objects in orbit, especially low Earth orbit, is so high. The US Space Force is tracking and cataloging more than 30,000 objects with a size of more than 10 centimeters."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For this LVM-3 launch on that particular day… when we analysed, we found that during the first orbital phase of Chandrayaan-3 many objects, including operational objects, were coming closer than one kilometer."</p>

<p>The Vikram lander of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission achieved a safe soft-landing on the south pole of the Moon on Wednesday (Aug 23) evening at its scheduled time of 6:04 PM (Indian Standard Time). The Chandrayaan-3 space mission's historic success has made India the first country in the world to land a spacecraft on Moon's south pole, and fourth country to land on Moon overall.&nbsp;</p>

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The liftoff of India's historic Chandrayaan-3 lunar lander was shifted four seconds in an effort to avoid close approaches to other space objects, Space News reported.

The liftoff of India's historic Chandrayaan-3 lunar lander was shifted four seconds in an effort to avoid close approaches to other space objects, Space News reported. Chandrayaan-3 launched on July 14 on a LVM-3 heavy-lift rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre into an initial highly-elliptical Earth orbit. Also read | Chandrayaan-3 is success: A soft landing for Vikram lander, giant leap for India's space odyssey "Based on collision avoidance analysis the liftoff time was shifted by four seconds so that there was no collision threat," Anil Kumar, chief general manager of safe and sustainable space operations management at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was quoted as saying at the 74th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Azerbaijan's capital Baku on October 6. "This is a mandatory practice, not only for ISRO but for all space launch vehicles. That is, before launch, the liftoff should be cleared," Kumar said. Also watch | Chandrayaan-3: What are ISRO's plans to bring Moon samples to Earth? × "The number of space objects in orbit, especially low Earth orbit, is so high. The US Space Force is tracking and cataloging more than 30,000 objects with a size of more than 10 centimeters." "For this LVM-3 launch on that particular day… when we analysed, we found that during the first orbital phase of Chandrayaan-3 many objects, including operational objects, were coming closer than one kilometer." The Vikram lander of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission achieved a safe soft-landing on the south pole of the Moon on Wednesday (Aug 23) evening at its scheduled time of 6:04 PM (Indian Standard Time). The Chandrayaan-3 space mission's historic success has made India the first country in the world to land a spacecraft on Moon's south pole, and fourth country to land on Moon overall. 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 delayed launch of Chandrayaan-3 by few seconds for this reason

<p>While developing a fighter plane, it is crucial to prove the mechanism to eject the pilot(s) safely, mid-flight. Likewise, while working towards an astronaut mission, it is of utmost importance to prove the mechanism to eject the crew module (astronaut-carrying shell) to safety, when the rocket is mid-flight. The Indian Space agency ISRO is now gearing up for the maiden mid-flight eject test, in preparation for its human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan. By the end of this month, ISRO is expected to perform the mission known as TV-D1 or Test Vehicle Development Flight 1. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-seeks-designs-for-lunar-freezer-to-safeguard-moon-mission-samples-643591">NASA seeks designs for 'lunar freezer' to safeguard moon mission samples</a></p>

<p>The Crew Module (CM) is where the astronauts are nestled in. It is maintained in a pressurized earth-like atmospheric condition during the Gaganyaan mission, for the safe sustenance of the astronauts. The CM for the Gaganyaan mission is in different stages of development. For the Test Vehicle Abort mission-1 (TV-D1), the CM is an unpressurised version that has completed its integration and testing and is ready to be shipped to the launch complex. This unpressurised CM has the overall size and mass of the actual Gaganyaan CM. It houses all the systems for the deceleration and recovery, which includes multiple parachutes and associated systems.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mission Gaganyaan:<br />
ISRO to commence unmanned flight tests for the Gaganyaan mission.<br />
<br />
Preparations for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), which demonstrates the performance of the Crew Escape System, are underway.<a href="https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH">https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannavy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a> <a href="https://t.co/XszSDEqs7w">pic.twitter.com/XszSDEqs7w</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1710506719124570606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The avionics systems in CM are in a dual redundant mode (even if one fails, the backup systems takeover) configuration for navigation, sequencing, telemetry, instrumentation and power. The CM in this mission is designed to capture the flight data for evaluation of the performance of various systems.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the TV-D1 mission, the crew module and associated systems will be mounted atop a mini-rocket known as Test vehicle. This is a liquid-fuelled mini rocket based on the L40 stage booster of the GSLV (erstwhile GSLV Mk2) rocket. Mid-flight, as the required conditions(Mach 1.2 or 1.2 times the speed of sound) are achieved, the Crew escape system and crew module would eject from the rocket, when the vehicle is at an altitude of 17km. thereafter, the crew module will be carried to a higher altitude(away from the rocket) and then it would use onboard parachutes to decelerate and gradually splash down in the sea, about 10kms from the coast of the spaceport in Sriharikota. After splashdown, the Crew Module will be recovered, using a dedicated vessel and diving team from the Indian Navy.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-launches-barrage-of-rockets-at-israel-terrorists-infiltrate-border-towns-643577">Gaza launches barrage of rockets at Israel; 'terrorists' infiltrate border towns</a></p>

<p>ISRO said that the Crew Module underwent electrical testing, at ISRO’s facility in Bengaluru, including an acoustic test and was dispatched to the spaceport on 13th August. At the spaceport, it will undergo vibration tests and pre-integration with the Crew Escape System, before final integration to the Test Vehicle at the Launch Pad.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/moodys-downgrades-egypt-643589">Moody's downgrades Egypt</a></strong></p>

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<p>This Test Vehicle mission with this CM is a significant milestone for the overall Gaganyaan program as a near-complete system is getting ready for a flight test. The success of this test flight will set the stage for the remaining qualification tests and multiple unmanned missions, leading to the first Gaganyaan mission with Indian Astronauts, ISRO said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, ISRO has also taken possession of a crew module shell. This shell is meant to be used for air-drop tests of the same. Air drop tests are another means of testing the parachute systems of the crew module, by dropping it from a flying helicopter. WION had reported on the delivery of the new crew module shell.</p>

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While developing a fighter plane, it is crucial to prove the mechanism to eject the pilot(s) safely, mid-flight. Likewise, while working towards an astronaut mission, it is of utmost importance to prove the mechanism to eject the crew module (astronaut-carrying shell) to safety, when the rocket is mid-flight.

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

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

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-is-a-success-a-soft-landing-for-vikram-lander-a-giant-leap-for-indias-space-odyssey-628404">The soft-landing of the Vikram lander of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission</a> not just gave the world's most populous nation the distinction of becoming&nbsp;the first nation to land near Moon's south pole, it also set the dice of space rivalry rolling in China National Space Administration's headquarters in Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While going to sleep on the lunar surface, the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover have revitalised Chinese ambitions to further the gap between itself and a fast growing Indian space programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chinese scientist Ouyang Ziyuan, lauded as the father of China’s lunar exploration programme, earlier this week&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/top-chinese-scientist-disputes-indias-chandrayaan-3-landing-on-moons-south-pole-640439">claimed the Chandrayaan-3 landing site is nowhere close to the pole</a>, and questioned the achievements of the mission.</p>

<p>Ziyuan claimed that "the landing site of Chandrayaan-3 is not at the lunar south pole, not in the lunar south pole region, nor is it near the lunar south pole region."&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Chandrayaan-3 went much further south than any other lunar mission in the past, it has been established.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How India-China space race is heating up?</strong></h2>

<p>Let's start with basic data and where the demand is stemming from.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to an Ernst &amp; Young projection, in the next two years, the space economy will grow to $600 billion from $447 billion in 2020.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the demand for high-speed internet (sourced from satellites) has resulted in launch of private satellites as a prosperous revenue-making exercise for space enterprises and agencies.</p>

<p>Elon Musk's SpaceX is a serious player in the private satellite launch space, alongside the state-owned space agencies of Russia and China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But due to war in Ukraine and Beijing’s trade tensions with Washington,&nbsp;both Moscow and Beijing are now off limits to many would-be customers.</p>

<p>India is turning out to be the safest choice for private satellite launches amid ongoing geopolitical tumult that has&nbsp;antagonised Beijing and Moscow in the West.</p>

<p>"If SpaceX is full, busy or expensive, you have to look elsewhere – and you can’t look at China," Dallas Kasaboski, principal analyst with Northern Sky Research, a space research and consulting firm was quoted as saying by Bloomberg.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/how-the-money-is-influencing-a-new-space-race-with-indias-boom-and-russias-crunch-628286">How the money is influencing a new space race with India’s boom and Russia’s crunch</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"China can’t work with North America and the US drives the majority of demand," Kasaboski said.</p>

<p>Besides, India's space sector is currently riding on the success of its showpiece event of the twenty-first century so far; a soft-landing near Moon's south pole. The country has established its footprint where nobody else has gone before, following which, the profile of Indian Space Research Organisation expanded its influence beyond the length and breadth of the world's fifth biggest economy.</p>

<p>"Politically, India is in a much better place," he said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, India is also gearing up for its ambitious maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for 2024. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-air-force-shares-first-look-of-indias-isro-gaganyaan-astronauts-642235">A recent video shared by Indian Air Force</a> led to speculations if the personnel shown were the country's coveted astronauts, throwing open another wave of optimism on social media across India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISRO's space expedition to study the Sun with Aditya L-1 is already on track to reach its destination at Lagrange Point 1 in the first week of January.</p>

<h2><strong>What else is working for India?</strong></h2>

<p>For many satellite operators in the West, often, the Chinese rockets are not deemed good options amid concerns related to Beijing gaining access to Western technology.</p>

<p>At the same time, if the reports in public domain are to go by, Indian private space companies are doing exceedingly well, whereas China's iSpace, which was incorporated in 2016 often and touted as Asia's first private space company, is struggling due to a number of factors that have impacted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-poverty-is-showing-up-at-mexico-us-border-in-the-form-of-thousands-of-chinese-migrants-642051">post-Covid China</a> led by Xi Jinping.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China's Tiangong space station faces equipment delay from India</strong></p>

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<p>At the same time, the country's launches also cost less than SpaceX, Moscow and Beijing.</p>

<p>Besides, developing India's space sector remains on top of the agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "Make in India" campaign, which aims to position India as a top destination for technological innovation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government eased rules for private sector satellite and rocket companies and allowed them to carry out independent space activities instead of being solely the suppliers to ISRO.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-india-and-china-compare-in-space-capabilities-veteran-aerospace-expert-shares-analysis-489127">How India and China compare in space capabilities, veteran aerospace expert shares analysis</a></strong></p>

<p>The reforms meant that startups can also access ISRO’s facilities, such as launchpads and laboratories. By 2025, the value of India’s satellite launch services, according to a Bloomberg report, could almost double to $1 billion.</p>

<p>India also remains a popular choice for cost-efficient launches.</p>

<p>"There aren’t many players that have a large-capacity launch vehicle that’s cheap," Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics, which is operated by Harvard University and the Smithsonian Institution, was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. "And that’s not China or Russia."</p>

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The soft-landing of the Vikram lander of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission not just gave the world's most populous nation the distinction of becoming the first nation to land near Moon's south pole, it also set the dice of space rivalry rolling in China National Space Administration's headquarters in Beijing.

The soft-landing of the Vikram lander of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission not just gave the world's most populous nation the distinction of becoming the first nation to land near Moon's south pole, it also set the dice of space rivalry rolling in China National Space Administration's headquarters in Beijing. While going to sleep on the lunar surface, the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover have revitalised Chinese ambitions to further the gap between itself and a fast growing Indian space programme. Chinese scientist Ouyang Ziyuan, lauded as the father of China’s lunar exploration programme, earlier this week claimed the Chandrayaan-3 landing site is nowhere close to the pole, and questioned the achievements of the mission. Ziyuan claimed that "the landing site of Chandrayaan-3 is not at the lunar south pole, not in the lunar south pole region, nor is it near the lunar south pole region." But Chandrayaan-3 went much further south than any other lunar mission in the past, it has been established. How India-China space race is heating up? Let's start with basic data and where the demand is stemming from. According to an Ernst & Young projection, in the next two years, the space economy will grow to $600 billion from $447 billion in 2020. Meanwhile, the demand for high-speed internet (sourced from satellites) has resulted in launch of private satellites as a prosperous revenue-making exercise for space enterprises and agencies. Elon Musk's SpaceX is a serious player in the private satellite launch space, alongside the state-owned space agencies of Russia and China. But due to war in Ukraine and Beijing’s trade tensions with Washington, both Moscow and Beijing are now off limits to many would-be customers. India is turning out to be the safest choice for private satellite launches amid ongoing geopolitical tumult that has antagonised Beijing and Moscow in the West. "If SpaceX is full, busy or expensive, you have to look elsewhere – and you can’t look at China," Dallas Kasaboski, principal analyst with Northern Sky Research, a space research and consulting firm was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. Also read | How the money is influencing a new space race with India’s boom and Russia’s crunch "China can’t work with North America and the US drives the majority of demand," Kasaboski said. Besides, India's space sector is currently riding on the success of its showpiece event of the twenty-first century so far; a soft-landing near Moon's south pole. The country has established its footprint where nobody else has gone before, following which, the profile of Indian Space Research Organisation expanded its influence beyond the length and breadth of the world's fifth biggest economy. "Politically, India is in a much better place," he said. Meanwhile, India is also gearing up for its ambitious maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for 2024. A recent video shared by Indian Air Force led to speculations if the personnel shown were the country's coveted astronauts, throwing open another wave of optimism on social media across India. ISRO's space expedition to study the Sun with Aditya L-1 is already on track to reach its destination at Lagrange Point 1 in the first week of January. What else is working for India? For many satellite operators in the West, often, the Chinese rockets are not deemed good options amid concerns related to Beijing gaining access to Western technology. At the same time, if the reports in public domain are to go by, Indian private space companies are doing exceedingly well, whereas China's iSpace, which was incorporated in 2016 often and touted as Asia's first private space company, is struggling due to a number of factors that have impacted post-Covid China led by Xi Jinping. Also watch | China's Tiangong space station faces equipment delay from India × At the same time, the country's launches also cost less than SpaceX, Moscow and Beijing. Besides, developing India's space sector remains on top of the agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "Make in India" campaign, which aims to position India as a top destination for technological innovation. In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government eased rules for private sector satellite and rocket companies and allowed them to carry out independent space activities instead of being solely the suppliers to ISRO. Also read | How India and China compare in space capabilities, veteran aerospace expert shares analysis The reforms meant that startups can also access ISRO’s facilities, such as launchpads and laboratories. By 2025, the value of India’s satellite launch services, according to a Bloomberg report, could almost double to $1 billion. India also remains a popular choice for cost-efficient launches. "There aren’t many players that have a large-capacity launch vehicle that’s cheap," Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics, which is operated by Harvard University and the Smithsonian Institution, was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. "And that’s not China or Russia." 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.

Explained | How success of India's Chandrayaan-3 is fuelling Delhi-Beijing space race

<p>Former ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar, who played a significant role in the Chandrayaan-3 mission, said that there are zero prospects for the revival of the moon lander and rover, reported PTI news agency. This suggests that India's third lunar mission has successfully concluded.&nbsp;"No, no, there won't be any more hope of reviving. Now, if it should have happened, it should have happened by now. There is (now) no chance at all," Kumar told the agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite efforts by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to re-establish contact with the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover following the start of a new lunar day on September 22, no signals have been received from the spacecraft. ISRO had said at the time that it would continue communication efforts.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sikkim-flash-floods-central-water-commissions-study-alerted-authorities-about-lake-outburst-in-2015-643502">Sikkim flash floods: Central Water Commission’s study alerted authorities about lake outburst in 2015</a></p>

<p>ISRO had planned for the lander and rover to operate for one lunar daylight period, which lasts approximately 14 Earth days. The Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully achieved its three primary objectives - demonstrating a safe and soft lunar landing, showcasing rover mobility on the moon, and conducting in-situ scientific experiments.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Prospects of future lunar missions</strong></h2>

<p>With the possibility of reestablishing communication with the lander and rover seen as a potential "bonus",&nbsp;an official of the space agency reportedly said,&nbsp;"If our luck is good, we will have the revival of both the lander and rover and we will get some more experimental data, which will be useful for us to further do an investigation of the moon surface".</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-delayed-launch-of-chandrayaan-3-by-few-seconds-for-this-reason-643441">ISRO delayed launch of Chandrayaan-3 by few seconds for this reason</a></p>

<p>Kiran Kumar while expressing confidence in future sample return lunar missions said, "In the larger sense, what you have achieved definitely is you have reached an area (south pole) where nobody else has gone and got in-situ data of that region. And that is actually very useful information. It will benefit subsequent (missions) both in terms of knowledge and in terms of planning the activities that you want to do in that region."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-made-in-india-vaccine-will-combat-malaria-the-india-story-643478">How ‘made in India’ vaccine will combat malaria | The India Story</a></strong></p>

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<p>However, he also noted that it is difficult to predict specific timeframes for these endeavours. "Yes, definitely in future it will all be there because these are all technological capabilities you keep developing, now this (Chandrayaan-3) has shown soft-landing and subsequent ones will pick up material from there and come back, all those missions will definitely be there," Kumar said.</p>

<p>"It purely depends on how the overall planning happens, and how much resources are made available, so it's very difficult to tell (the time-frame for the sample-return mission)," the scientist added.&nbsp;</p>

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Former ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar, who played a significant role in the Chandrayaan-3 mission, said that there are zero prospects for the revival of the moon lander and rover, reported PTI news agency.

Former ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar, who played a significant role in the Chandrayaan-3 mission, said that there are zero prospects for the revival of the moon lander and rover, reported PTI news agency. This suggests that India's third lunar mission has successfully concluded. "No, no, there won't be any more hope of reviving. Now, if it should have happened, it should have happened by now. There is (now) no chance at all," Kumar told the agency. Despite efforts by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to re-establish contact with the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover following the start of a new lunar day on September 22, no signals have been received from the spacecraft. ISRO had said at the time that it would continue communication efforts. Also Read | Sikkim flash floods: Central Water Commission’s study alerted authorities about lake outburst in 2015 ISRO had planned for the lander and rover to operate for one lunar daylight period, which lasts approximately 14 Earth days. The Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully achieved its three primary objectives - demonstrating a safe and soft lunar landing, showcasing rover mobility on the moon, and conducting in-situ scientific experiments. Prospects of future lunar missions With the possibility of reestablishing communication with the lander and rover seen as a potential "bonus", an official of the space agency reportedly said, "If our luck is good, we will have the revival of both the lander and rover and we will get some more experimental data, which will be useful for us to further do an investigation of the moon surface". Also Read | ISRO delayed launch of Chandrayaan-3 by few seconds for this reason Kiran Kumar while expressing confidence in future sample return lunar missions said, "In the larger sense, what you have achieved definitely is you have reached an area (south pole) where nobody else has gone and got in-situ data of that region. And that is actually very useful information. It will benefit subsequent (missions) both in terms of knowledge and in terms of planning the activities that you want to do in that region." Watch | How ‘made in India’ vaccine will combat malaria | The India Story × However, he also noted that it is difficult to predict specific timeframes for these endeavours. "Yes, definitely in future it will all be there because these are all technological capabilities you keep developing, now this (Chandrayaan-3) has shown soft-landing and subsequent ones will pick up material from there and come back, all those missions will definitely be there," Kumar said. "It purely depends on how the overall planning happens, and how much resources are made available, so it's very difficult to tell (the time-frame for the sample-return mission)," the scientist added. 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. ×

Chandrayaan-3 lander, rover in sleep forever? Ex-ISRO chief says 'no hope of reviving'

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

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

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

After the stunning success of Chandrayaan-3 India is planning to build a space station in the next 20 to 25 years. The chief of India's space agency ISRO, S. Somanath made the announcement. He said India is planning to build a space station by 2050 along with crewed missions.

Gravitas: Battle for supremacy in space

India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission: More than a month ago the mission was put to sleep with some hope of reawakening. Watch this report to know more.

Chandrayaan-3 successfully completed fortnight-long mission

The 74th International Astronautical Congress kick starts in Baku. In an interview with China's global television network, India’s Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief says India is planning to build a space station in the coming 20 to 25 years. Additionally, the programme will help build a scientific spirit in the country and will help scientists understand the universe.

ISRO Chief attends 74th International Astronautical Congress

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<p>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday (Oct 4) carried out a satellite-based study on the outburst of the South Lhonk Lake in Sikkim which caused a flash flood in the state. In <strong><a href="https://www.isro.gov.in/Satellite_studies_South_Lhonak_Lake.html">a statement, ISRO </a></strong>said, "It is observed that Lake is Burst and about 105 Hectares area has been drained out (28 September 2023 image versus 04 October 2023) which might have created a flash flood downstream."</p>

<p>"ISRO will continue monitoring the lake further using the satellite data," the statement added.</p>

<h2><strong>What do the satellite images show?</strong></h2>

<p>A satellite image shared by ISRO on its website depicted South Lhonak Lake and its surroundings as observed by RISAT 1A on Wednesday; Pre &amp; Post view of South Lhonak Lake as observed by RISAT 1A on Wednesday morning and by Sentinel 1A on September 28 evening; temporal changes in the lake area as on September 17, 2023, September 28, 2023, and October 4, 2023.</p>

<p>In another satellite image, ISRO said it received information about the flash flood in Teesta River, adding the suspected reason from various ground sources was the outburst of the South Lhonk Lake.</p>

<p><img alt="Sikkim floods satellite image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1fb4db95-0d41-43d6-bf1b-a29f26b123ae" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/sikkim%20satellite.jpg" /></p>

<p>"It is found that the lake area is reduced drastically when compared with September 17, 2023, RISAT 1A satellite data," the space agency added.</p>

<h2><strong>Death toll climbs to 14; 102 still missing</strong></h2>

<p>The death toll due to the flash flood has climbed to 14 and 102 missing are still missing. Twenty-six people have been injured so far. On Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he spoke with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and took stock of the situation.</p>

<p>"Spoke to Sikkim CM Shri @PSTamangGolay and took stock of the situation in the wake of the unfortunate natural calamity in parts of the state. Assured all possible support in addressing the challenge. I pray for the safety and well-being of all those affected," Prime Minister Modi said in a post on X.</p>

<p>Several towns, including Dikchu, Singtam and Rangpo located in the Teesta basin, have also been flooded with the upsurge in the river. Meanwhile, all schools located in Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong and Namchi districts will remain closed till October 8, the state government said.&nbsp;</p>

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday (Oct 4) carried out a satellite-based study on the outburst of the South Lhonk Lake in Sikkim which caused a flash flood in the state.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday (Oct 4) carried out a satellite-based study on the outburst of the South Lhonk Lake in Sikkim which caused a flash flood in the state. In a statement, ISRO said, "It is observed that Lake is Burst and about 105 Hectares area has been drained out (28 September 2023 image versus 04 October 2023) which might have created a flash flood downstream." "ISRO will continue monitoring the lake further using the satellite data," the statement added. What do the satellite images show? A satellite image shared by ISRO on its website depicted South Lhonak Lake and its surroundings as observed by RISAT 1A on Wednesday; Pre & Post view of South Lhonak Lake as observed by RISAT 1A on Wednesday morning and by Sentinel 1A on September 28 evening; temporal changes in the lake area as on September 17, 2023, September 28, 2023, and October 4, 2023. In another satellite image, ISRO said it received information about the flash flood in Teesta River, adding the suspected reason from various ground sources was the outburst of the South Lhonk Lake. "It is found that the lake area is reduced drastically when compared with September 17, 2023, RISAT 1A satellite data," the space agency added. Death toll climbs to 14; 102 still missing The death toll due to the flash flood has climbed to 14 and 102 missing are still missing. Twenty-six people have been injured so far. On Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he spoke with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and took stock of the situation. "Spoke to Sikkim CM Shri @PSTamangGolay and took stock of the situation in the wake of the unfortunate natural calamity in parts of the state. Assured all possible support in addressing the challenge. I pray for the safety and well-being of all those affected," Prime Minister Modi said in a post on X. Several towns, including Dikchu, Singtam and Rangpo located in the Teesta basin, have also been flooded with the upsurge in the river. Meanwhile, all schools located in Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong and Namchi districts will remain closed till October 8, the state government said. 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.

Sikkim floods: Death toll climbs to 14; ISRO conducts image-based study of South Lhonk Lake

India's Maiden Sun study Mission Aditya-L1 has completed one month of its 4 month Voyage in Space. The craft has travelled nearly for million kilometers away from the Earth. However, at its destination, there's some kind of traffic. In the next report, we will tell you more about how this traffic will be managed in space.

One month since launch, Aditya-L1 covers 920,000 km

After a very successful and celebrated moon mission, India has now set its eyes on the red planet. India's national space agency ISRO, has begun preparation for Mangalyaan-2, which aims at a better understanding of Mars.

Mangalyaan 2: ISRO starts working on the mission which aims at understanding Mars better

ISRO has set its new target. After the Moon and sun, Venus is the next stop for ISRO. ISRO Chief S Somanath announced that India has configured its mission to Venus. This marks a significant milestone in India's space exploration endeavours.

Shukrayaan-1: Know all about ISRO's next big mission to Venus

<p>During the initial decades of the Indian space programme, various teams of Indian scientists were learning rocketry by trial and error, as the basic technology behind large rockets was not available in India. Graduating from the foreign-origin experimental rockets (Sounding rockets) that were launched to the Upper atmosphere, ISRO teams built their own Sounding rockets and then moved on to indigenously building small orbital rockets like SLV-3 and ASLV. However, the quest for developing the comparatively much larger and capable PSLV was an all-new ball game, Dr. Madhavan Nair, the former ISRO Chairman reveals in his recently-published autobiography 'Rocketing Through the Skies'.</p>

<p>When the PSLV rocket's (now known as India's workhorse and most-flown orbital rocket) development work was being carried out in the late 1970s and 80s, ISRO teams debated and discussed everything from how many stages the PSLV would comprise, the kind of propulsion technologies it would use and what not. At that time, the PSLV was India's most sophisticated space technological endeavour and Dr. Madhavan Nair then worked as the Associate Project Director of the PSLV.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Narrating an interesting anecdote, Dr Nair recalls how ISRO had decided to use a very rare and sophisticated material for the first-stage motor casing (the structural shell of a rocket) of the PSLV. "The then Director of the VSSC, Dr Brahm Prakash, also an expert metallurgist, decided to use maraging steel, which is five times stronger than ordinary steel, for the PSLV," he mentions. However, maraging steel being a dual-use material posed challenges for ISRO. Given that it found application in rocketry and missiles, the USA, Japan and Britain refused to supply that material to India. Notably, maraging steel is also a brittle material, such that even a minute crack in the material could prove catastrophic for the rocket mission.</p>

<p>"The scientists at ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre led by then Director Dr. Brahm Prakash and Dr. MK Mukherji, collaborated with the public sector unit MIDHANI and developed maraging steel indigenously. Indeed, a feather in ISRO's cap! The same steel later found application in many of our missiles and nuclear weapons," Dr. Nair adds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Likewise, ISRO had to indigenously design and develop a technology known as a 'closed-loop guidance system', which is meant to measure the real-time velocity and position of the rocket and steer it precisely to its destination. This technology also is central to missile development and therefore ISRO teams had to do it entirely in-house, Dr. Nair reminisces. In the autobiography, he narrates the transition from ISRO's modest Thumba era to the Chandrayaan era, as he lived through it all and devoted his life to the cause of the Indian space programme.</p>

<p>Dr Madhavan Nair was the Chairman of ISRO from 2003-09 and his tenure witnessed the success of India's maiden moon mission Chandrayaan-1. He is also a recipient of top Indian Government honours such as the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. Former ISRO scientist Jaya G Nair has collaborated with Dr. Madhavan Nair in translating, re-narrating and editing the original autobiography 'Agniparikshakal', which was in Malayalam.</p>

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During the initial decades of the Indian space programme, various teams of Indian scientists were learning rocketry by trial and error, as the basic technology behind large rockets was not available in India.

During the initial decades of the Indian space programme, various teams of Indian scientists were learning rocketry by trial and error, as the basic technology behind large rockets was not available in India. Graduating from the foreign-origin experimental rockets (Sounding rockets) that were launched to the Upper atmosphere, ISRO teams built their own Sounding rockets and then moved on to indigenously building small orbital rockets like SLV-3 and ASLV. However, the quest for developing the comparatively much larger and capable PSLV was an all-new ball game, Dr. Madhavan Nair, the former ISRO Chairman reveals in his recently-published autobiography 'Rocketing Through the Skies'. When the PSLV rocket's (now known as India's workhorse and most-flown orbital rocket) development work was being carried out in the late 1970s and 80s, ISRO teams debated and discussed everything from how many stages the PSLV would comprise, the kind of propulsion technologies it would use and what not. At that time, the PSLV was India's most sophisticated space technological endeavour and Dr. Madhavan Nair then worked as the Associate Project Director of the PSLV. Narrating an interesting anecdote, Dr Nair recalls how ISRO had decided to use a very rare and sophisticated material for the first-stage motor casing (the structural shell of a rocket) of the PSLV. "The then Director of the VSSC, Dr Brahm Prakash, also an expert metallurgist, decided to use maraging steel, which is five times stronger than ordinary steel, for the PSLV," he mentions. However, maraging steel being a dual-use material posed challenges for ISRO. Given that it found application in rocketry and missiles, the USA, Japan and Britain refused to supply that material to India. Notably, maraging steel is also a brittle material, such that even a minute crack in the material could prove catastrophic for the rocket mission. "The scientists at ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre led by then Director Dr. Brahm Prakash and Dr. MK Mukherji, collaborated with the public sector unit MIDHANI and developed maraging steel indigenously. Indeed, a feather in ISRO's cap! The same steel later found application in many of our missiles and nuclear weapons," Dr. Nair adds. Likewise, ISRO had to indigenously design and develop a technology known as a 'closed-loop guidance system', which is meant to measure the real-time velocity and position of the rocket and steer it precisely to its destination. This technology also is central to missile development and therefore ISRO teams had to do it entirely in-house, Dr. Nair reminisces. In the autobiography, he narrates the transition from ISRO's modest Thumba era to the Chandrayaan era, as he lived through it all and devoted his life to the cause of the Indian space programme. Dr Madhavan Nair was the Chairman of ISRO from 2003-09 and his tenure witnessed the success of India's maiden moon mission Chandrayaan-1. He is also a recipient of top Indian Government honours such as the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. Former ISRO scientist Jaya G Nair has collaborated with Dr. Madhavan Nair in translating, re-narrating and editing the original autobiography 'Agniparikshakal', which was in Malayalam. 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.

How PSLV rocket research led to missile development: Former ISRO chairman Madhavan Nair recalls

<p>Before heading on out a long drive, don't we assess the traffic situation and look at the possible bottlenecks on an app? Likewise, space agencies constantly monitor what is known as 'Space Situational Awareness' (SSA). Simply put, SSA is like the traffic data for a particular region in space - it mentions the number of spacecraft or crewed crafts operating in orbit and also helps predict the risk of them coming within the vicinity of each other and even colliding.</p>

<p>Based on such data and resultant calculations, each space agency draws its own conclusion and decides to manoeuvre its spacecraft and prevent danger, while also sharing information with the other concerned parties (nations or private firms) who operate spacecraft in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Launched into Earth's orbit on Sep 2, India's Aditya-L1 craft had been circling the Earth and gradually pushing itself further away from Earth&nbsp;for a little more than two weeks. On Sep 18, the craft slingshot itself totally out of Earth's orbit and commenced a journey that would take it to its destination- the Earth-Sun Lagrangian Point 1, which is 1.5 million kilometres away from Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/business-economy/adityal1-what-you-should-know-about-indias-sun-mission-1691567967035"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Aditya-L1: What You Should Know about India's Sun Mission</strong></a></p>

<p>L1 is a significant vantage point because it is situated between the Sun and Earth, making it an ideal location for spacecraft, as this spot allows continuous observation of the Sun. From the L1 point, spacecraft can continuously communicate with the ground stations on Earth and have an unobstructed view of celestial bodies. These orbits are well-suited for scientific missions like Aditya which will act like a solar observatory around L1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the past, various missions have stayed put at the Sun-Earth L1 point, including the International Sun-Earth Explorer (ISEE-3), the Genesis mission, ESA's LISA Pathfinder, China's Chang'e 5 lunar orbiter, and NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Recovery (GRAIL) mission. These missions have contributed to mankind's understanding of space and the ability to monitor space weather events.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India sun mission Aditya-L1 begins collecting data from distance of 50,000 km&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>At present, four operational spacecraft are stationed at the Sun-Earth L1 point. They provide vital early warnings on adverse space weather events that help protect orbiting space assets and ground-based infrastructure. The four crafts are- NASA WIND(to observe the unperturbed solar wind before reaching the magnetosphere of Earth), NASA-ESA SOHO(Solar and Heliospheric Observatory- to study the sun and Heliosphere) NASA ACE(Advanced Composition Explorer - observe particles of the solar wind, and of galactic origins) and NASA DSCOVER (Deep Space Climate Observatory to Monitor space weather and climate, deep space Earth observation).&nbsp;</p>

<p>While there are only four crafts that are far apart circling the L1 point, and India's Aditya expected to join them as the fifth in January 2024, it is still necessary to assess the traffic and possible collision risk. "Despite the extremely sparse population in L1 point and the vast separation between them, close approach assessment for an operational spacecraft at Lagrange Point Orbit (LPO) is desirable because of the large positional uncertainty and sensitivity to other perturbative forces," ISRO said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Generally, to determine the orbit of crafts circling Lagrangian Point 1, tracking data collected over a few days is required. The accuracy of the orbit so calculated might not be very accurate. Therefore, ISRO said that they plan to carry out such analysis periodically to ensure safety and avoid any possibility of close approaches with other neighbouring spacecraft, with the support from NASA-JPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is common for space agencies to predict the path and orbit of their satellites. In case a close approach or risk of collision with another nation's satellite is predicted, then both involved parties take a decision to manoeuvre one or both of their crafts. For example, India's Chandrayaan 2 orbiter which circles the moon, had to avoid collision with foreign satellites on many instances, over the last four years.&nbsp;</p>

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Before heading on out a long drive, don't we assess the traffic situation and look at the possible bottlenecks on an app? Likewise, space agencies constantly monitor what is known as 'Space Situational Awareness' (SSA).

Before heading on out a long drive, don't we assess the traffic situation and look at the possible bottlenecks on an app? Likewise, space agencies constantly monitor what is known as 'Space Situational Awareness' (SSA). Simply put, SSA is like the traffic data for a particular region in space - it mentions the number of spacecraft or crewed crafts operating in orbit and also helps predict the risk of them coming within the vicinity of each other and even colliding. Based on such data and resultant calculations, each space agency draws its own conclusion and decides to manoeuvre its spacecraft and prevent danger, while also sharing information with the other concerned parties (nations or private firms) who operate spacecraft in the region. Launched into Earth's orbit on Sep 2, India's Aditya-L1 craft had been circling the Earth and gradually pushing itself further away from Earth for a little more than two weeks. On Sep 18, the craft slingshot itself totally out of Earth's orbit and commenced a journey that would take it to its destination- the Earth-Sun Lagrangian Point 1, which is 1.5 million kilometres away from Earth. Also read: Aditya-L1: What You Should Know about India's Sun Mission L1 is a significant vantage point because it is situated between the Sun and Earth, making it an ideal location for spacecraft, as this spot allows continuous observation of the Sun. From the L1 point, spacecraft can continuously communicate with the ground stations on Earth and have an unobstructed view of celestial bodies. These orbits are well-suited for scientific missions like Aditya which will act like a solar observatory around L1. In the past, various missions have stayed put at the Sun-Earth L1 point, including the International Sun-Earth Explorer (ISEE-3), the Genesis mission, ESA's LISA Pathfinder, China's Chang'e 5 lunar orbiter, and NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Recovery (GRAIL) mission. These missions have contributed to mankind's understanding of space and the ability to monitor space weather events. Watch: India sun mission Aditya-L1 begins collecting data from distance of 50,000 km × At present, four operational spacecraft are stationed at the Sun-Earth L1 point. They provide vital early warnings on adverse space weather events that help protect orbiting space assets and ground-based infrastructure. The four crafts are- NASA WIND(to observe the unperturbed solar wind before reaching the magnetosphere of Earth), NASA-ESA SOHO(Solar and Heliospheric Observatory- to study the sun and Heliosphere) NASA ACE(Advanced Composition Explorer - observe particles of the solar wind, and of galactic origins) and NASA DSCOVER (Deep Space Climate Observatory to Monitor space weather and climate, deep space Earth observation). While there are only four crafts that are far apart circling the L1 point, and India's Aditya expected to join them as the fifth in January 2024, it is still necessary to assess the traffic and possible collision risk. "Despite the extremely sparse population in L1 point and the vast separation between them, close approach assessment for an operational spacecraft at Lagrange Point Orbit (LPO) is desirable because of the large positional uncertainty and sensitivity to other perturbative forces," ISRO said. Generally, to determine the orbit of crafts circling Lagrangian Point 1, tracking data collected over a few days is required. The accuracy of the orbit so calculated might not be very accurate. Therefore, ISRO said that they plan to carry out such analysis periodically to ensure safety and avoid any possibility of close approaches with other neighbouring spacecraft, with the support from NASA-JPL. It is common for space agencies to predict the path and orbit of their satellites. In case a close approach or risk of collision with another nation's satellite is predicted, then both involved parties take a decision to manoeuvre one or both of their crafts. For example, India's Chandrayaan 2 orbiter which circles the moon, had to avoid collision with foreign satellites on many instances, over the last four years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

ISRO to work with NASA and manage traffic around Aditya-L1's destination 

ISRO's Venus mission is unofficially known as 'Shukrayaan'

ISRO is setting the bar high. Chandrayaan-3's success has brought a ray of hope. ISRO is developing expertise in missions that would be capable of returning samples to Earth.

Chandrayaan-3: What are ISRO's plans to bring Moon samples to Earth?

<p>The Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), S Somnath, announced on Tuesday (Sept 26) that India has configured its mission to Venus, the brightest planet in the solar system.</p>

<p>The announcement marks a significant milestone in India's space exploration endeavours following the success of the moon mission, Chandrayaan-3 in August this year.</p>

<p>Addressing the Indian National Science Academy in Delhi, Somnath stated, "We have numerous missions in the conceptual phase, and a mission to Venus has already been configured, with its payloads already developed."</p>

<h2><strong>Why studying Venus is important?</strong></h2>

<p>The ISRO chief said that&nbsp;studying Venus, given its planetary attributes such as&nbsp;a dense atmosphere, high atmospheric pressure, acidic conditions, and an enigmatic surface, will be crucial for the field of space sciences.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-finally-figure-out-mystery-behind-flashes-of-light-being-observed-on-venus-636240">Scientists finally know what the mysterious flashes of light on Venus really are</a></strong></p>

<p>"Venus is a very interesting planet. It also has an atmosphere. Its atmosphere is so thick. The atmospheric pressure is 100 times that of Earth and it is full of acids. You cannot penetrate the surface. You don't know if its surface is hard or not. Why are we trying to understand all of this? Earth could be one day Venus. I don't know. Maybe 10,000 years later we (Earth) change our characteristics. Earth was never like this. It was not a habitable place long long back," Somnath said.</p>

<p>Venus, Earth's closest neighbour in the solar system, shares similarities in size and density, earning it the nickname "Earth's twin."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: ISRO's Next Big Projects Will Blow Your Mind | Sun, Venus, and Beyond | Watch</strong></p>

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<p>Notably, other space agencies, such as the European Space Agency (ESA), Japan's Akatsuki Venus Climate Orbiter, and NASA, have also conducted missions to explore Venus.</p>

<p>NASA, in particular, has plans for future Venus missions in 2029, 2030, and 2031, building on its previous flyby missions.<br />
<br />
ISRO's recent achievements, including the launch of the Aditya L1 spacecraft to study the Sun, underscore India's growing presence in space exploration.</p>

<p>Aditya-L1 is the first Indian space-based observatory to study the Sun from a halo orbit around the first Sun-Earth Lagrangian point (L1), located roughly 1.5 million km from Earth.</p>

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The Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), S Somnath, announced on Tuesday (Sept 26) that India has configured its mission to Venus, the brightest planet in the solar system.

The Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), S Somnath, announced on Tuesday (Sept 26) that India has configured its mission to Venus, the brightest planet in the solar system. The announcement marks a significant milestone in India's space exploration endeavours following the success of the moon mission, Chandrayaan-3 in August this year. Addressing the Indian National Science Academy in Delhi, Somnath stated, "We have numerous missions in the conceptual phase, and a mission to Venus has already been configured, with its payloads already developed." Why studying Venus is important? The ISRO chief said that studying Venus, given its planetary attributes such as a dense atmosphere, high atmospheric pressure, acidic conditions, and an enigmatic surface, will be crucial for the field of space sciences. Also read | Scientists finally know what the mysterious flashes of light on Venus really are "Venus is a very interesting planet. It also has an atmosphere. Its atmosphere is so thick. The atmospheric pressure is 100 times that of Earth and it is full of acids. You cannot penetrate the surface. You don't know if its surface is hard or not. Why are we trying to understand all of this? Earth could be one day Venus. I don't know. Maybe 10,000 years later we (Earth) change our characteristics. Earth was never like this. It was not a habitable place long long back," Somnath said. Venus, Earth's closest neighbour in the solar system, shares similarities in size and density, earning it the nickname "Earth's twin." Also watch | Gravitas Plus: ISRO's Next Big Projects Will Blow Your Mind | Sun, Venus, and Beyond | Watch × Notably, other space agencies, such as the European Space Agency (ESA), Japan's Akatsuki Venus Climate Orbiter, and NASA, have also conducted missions to explore Venus. NASA, in particular, has plans for future Venus missions in 2029, 2030, and 2031, building on its previous flyby missions. ISRO's recent achievements, including the launch of the Aditya L1 spacecraft to study the Sun, underscore India's growing presence in space exploration. Aditya-L1 is the first Indian space-based observatory to study the Sun from a halo orbit around the first Sun-Earth Lagrangian point (L1), located roughly 1.5 million km from Earth. 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.

To Venus and beyond: ISRO's next step forward after Chandrayaan glory

India's Chandrayaan-3 completed its two-week-long lunar mission successfully. But, did you know that the Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan rover had a special plan?

India's imprint on the moon: Pragyaan rover tries to imprint Indian emblem on the moon

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