Indian Human Spaceflight Program (HSP)

[Indx TechStyle]

The ACS chutes will be used to separate the Crew Module's Apex Cover that protects the drogue & main chutes and needs to be separated for them to deploy.

The Main Pilot chutes will be used to extract the main chutes from their housings as part of their deployment process.

 

[Swesh]

Gaganyaan: Two key simulators for astronaut training being readied, two in place | India News - Times of India

India News: BENGALURU: Isro, which has completed the first semester training of the four astronaut-elects in Bengaluru, is in the process of realising (procuring .

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Gaganyaan: Two key simulators for astronaut training being readied, two in place
CHETHAN KUMAR / TNN /

BENGALURU: Isro, which has completed the first semester training of the four astronaut-elects in Bengaluru, is in the process of realising (procuring and installing) two key simulators, while two are already in place at the Astronaut Training Facility (ATF) in Bengaluru.
Isro has identified identified Independent Training Simulator (ITS), Virtual Reality Training Simulator (VRTS), Dynamic training Simulator (DTS), and Static Mock-up Simulator (SMS) to prepare the Gaganyaan Crew for handling all the nominal and off-nominal scenarios of mission situations.
Of these, the SMS, which provides a close to realistic ambiance and acquaintance with the crew module, including the distance and approach estimation of the crew control buttons and displays systems and DTS which provides the signature of motion sensations expected to be felt by the crew during the actual flight are in the process of being realised.
“In SMS, the available space for any crew activity will be the same as that of an actual crew module. It requires the crew module mockup with every component like avionics, ECLSS (environment control and life support system), CPCS (cabin pressure control system), etc in the habitable area placed in exact congruence to that of the flight crew module for the near-real experience of the crew on the ground,” Isro said.

DTS, on the other hand will train crew-trainees for audio and dynamics experience such as jerk, vibration, acceleration, body rates and shock during various phases of the mission such as stage separation, parachute deployment, touchdown and CES (crew escape system) trigger events. As reported by TOI earlier, Isro has floated a tender for procuring DTS.
Among the simulators already in place, the ITS is a tabletop simulator primarily aimed at familiarisation of the crew with the crew control interface, both electrical and mechanical. It necessitates a similar user interface as that of the crew module, such as a display system, pages, alerts, and control buttons. It incorporates procedural training for various crew activities.
According to Isro the four components of the ITS — simulation environment and hardware interface system, simulation system, mission control console, and trainer console — have been realised and crew familiarisation sessions were conducted.
“...The first version of the VRTS is developed and deployed. In Gaganyaan, using VR simulators, astronauts were familiarised with the interiors of the crew module, front-end electronics hardware, display monitors and the location of different elements inside the crew module. The simulator is realised using a VR headset with software programmed in it and a hand controller to locate the devices inside the crew module,” Isro said.
It added that astronauts have virtually interacted with the switches and control panels inside the Crew Module and read the real-time data on the displays.

 

[Swesh]

Successful completion of human rated Vikas engine test campaign for the L110 stage of Gaganyaan programmeHome/ Successful completion of human rated Vikas engine test campaign for the L110 stage of Gaganyaan programme
Apr 6, 2023

The final long duration hot test of human rated L110-G Vikas Engine is successfully accomplished for the planned qualification duration of 240 s on April 6, 2023 at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri. The successful completion of this test marks a major milestone in the human space flight programme, Gaganyaan, of ISRO. The air-lit liquid core stage of human-rated launch vehicle (LVM3-G) uses two L110-G Vikas engines in clustered configuration. With this test all the planned qualification tests of the engine are completed successfully.

Design and realization of L110 stage for Gaganyaan is carried out at Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), assembly and integration and testing is carried out at IPRC. Engine Gimbal Control system was developed by VSSC.

The Vikas engine uses storable propellants in a pump-fed gas generator cycle. Human rated Vikas engine has higher structural margins for sub-systems, improved assembly process and additional measurements for health monitoring. Human rated Vikas Engine development hot tests were conducted in a step-by-step manner at Principal Test Stand, IPRC. Nine engines had undergone 14 hot tests with a cumulative duration of 1215 s, including four long duration tests of 240 s each. Drawn from the extensive legacy and experience of liquid rocket engine development, the test campaign envelopes extreme operating durations, off-nominal mixture ratios and thrust level conditionsas compared to flight operating conditions. Four sets of hardware used for this test programme were fabricated at various Indian industries.

Electro-mechanical Gimbal actuators and Command System module for engine pilot pressure control, with multiple redundancies were also qualified in the test. ISRO could complete the human rated L110-G Vikas engine qualification within a short span of three years.

The test was witnessed by Shri S Somanath, Chairman ISRO/ Secretary DoS, Dr. V Narayanan, Director, LPSC, Dr. S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, VSSC, Shri J Asir Packiaraj, Director, IPRC and other functionaries.

Successful completion of human rated Vikas engine test campaign for the L110 stage of Gaganyaan programme
Successful completion of human rated Vikas engine test campaign for the L110 stage of Gaganyaan programme
Successful completion of human rated Vikas engine test campaign for the L110 stage of Gaganyaan programme

 

[Swesh]

Successful completion of System Demonstration Model (SDM) tests for Crew Module Propulsion System for the Gaganyaan Programme
Apr 6, 2023

The crew module of Gaganyaan has got a bipropellant-based Propulsion System for providing 3-axis control (Pitch, Yaw & Roll) to Crew Module following Service Module separation during re-entry i.e from an altitude of 170 km to 7 km till the deployment of the parachute-based deceleration system. It also provides attitude control in the ascent phase abort, if any, from 3 km to 70 km.

The crew module propulsion system hardware consists of 12 nos. of 100 N thrusters and associated flow control components. On April 5, 2023, the hot test of the Crew Module Propulsion System for demonstrating the nominal re-entry for the duration of 650 s was successfully conducted at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri. Prior to this, a series of tests were carried out with six nos. of Thrusters.

This system was designed, developed, and realized by Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Valiamala. Completing this test is a major step in qualifying the Crew Module Propulsion System for the Gaganyaan Programme.

 

[AnantS]

ISRO Gaganyaan: Key tests of crew module propulsion, human-rated Vikas done | India News - Times of India

India News: BENGALURU: Isro has completed the 650-seconds test to demonstrate nominal re-entry of the propulsion system of Gaganyaan crew module (CM).

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Extracts from article about Human spaceflight and related updatee
Gaganyaan: From astronauts’ training to tech upgrade, ISRO making leaps to meet 2025 target for manned mission

From human rating LVM3 launch vehicle to upgrading the mission control complex, building an ‘umbilical tower’ on the second launch pad for maintenance of the rocket while on the launch platform, agreement with Australia for setting up a mobile unit for direct-to-ground communication at Cocos Island, the Indian Space Research Organisation has been busy working towards sending humans to space, says the recently released annual report of the organisation.

The Gaganyaan Mission will be undertaken from the second launch pad at the country’s only spaceport in Sriharikota. The selected astronauts have completed the first semester of the mission-specific training in India, after completing a generic training for spacefaring in Russia. During the training, the astronauts attended 218 lectures and 75 physical training sessions. There were two flying practices, two medical evaluations and two course-related evaluations in this period.

The theoretical courses trained them in the basics of spaceflight, propulsion, aerodynamics, and details of the launch vehicle and spacecraft. The practical training included flying practice, aero-medical training, yoga, and virtual reality training focused on familiarising the crew to the hardware and interiors of the crew module and operating it during the mission.

Minister of State for Space Jitendra Singh had earlier said that the space agency will undertake two test vehicle missions to demonstrate crew escape systems mid-flight and the retrieval of the crew module once it splashed down in the ocean. This will be followed by the first unmanned Gaganyaan mission that will carry an unpressurised crew module. The space agency is trying to carry out at least one unmanned mission this year depending on the performance during the test vehicle missions.

The test vehicle mission will use a single-stage rocket to take the orbital module to space and then test the crew abort and escape parachute systems, the deceleration and splashdown of the spacecraft, systems to keep the spacecraft upright after splashdown, and processes to get the astronauts out from the module.

Subsequently, there will be two more test vehicle missions to check all systems before the second unmanned flight. As of now, the final manned flight is scheduled for 2025.

Gaganyaan preparedness

India’s heaviest rocket LVM3 has be human-rated for the Gaganyaan mission, meaning more redundancies and margins have to be added to ensure safety of the crew. The rocket uses two solid boosters, the core liquid fuel-based stage, and the cryogenic upper stage. The human-rated solid boosters were used during the March launch of OneWeb satellites.

Towards the qualification of the core stage, eight tests have been carried out, firing the engine for medium duration, long durations, and under conditions that are not ideal. Similarly, for the qualification of the upper cryogenic stage, eight tests have already been carried out. Three more hot tests scheduled for the second quarter of 2023 will qualify the engine as human-rated, as per the report.

With two test vehicle demonstration due before the first unmanned Gaganyaan mission, ISRO in its report said the first single-stage vehicle has already been manufactured and transported to the spaceport in Sriharikota. The launch was scheduled for the first quarter of the year. The manufacturing of the second test vehicle is also underway, the report said.

EXPLAINED
Human-rated launch vehicle

India’s heaviest rocket, Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3), has been identified as the launch vehicle for the Gaganyaan Mission. All systems in LVM3 launch vehicle have been reconfigured to meet human-rating requirements and christened human-rated LVM3. The rocket uses two solid boosters, the core liquid fuel-based stage, and the cryogenic upper stage. The human-rated solid boosters were used during the March launch of OneWeb satellites.

Important spacecraft systems

One of the most important systems being developed for the human spaceflight is Environment Control and Life Support System, which is tasked with maintaining pressure, temperature, humidity and gas exchange for the crew. The report says the design and configuration of several of the components of the system have been finalised. “Preliminary accommodation of the ECLSS system and half-humanoid in G1 (first unmanned mission) is completed,” the report says. ISRO will send a half-humanoid in the unmanned mission to assess likely impacts on human beings.

The space agency has also been working to qualify the parachute systems that will ensure that crew module slows down and safely splashes in the water after the mission. A ten-parachute system will be used for the crew module, with three main ones, two of which would be sufficient to bring the astronauts back safely. A total of 13 “drop tests” have been planned to test the deployment of the parachutes and simulate failure conditions, of which at least three have been completed successfully.

Other than that, various institutes have also been working on five micro-gravity experiments that will be carried onboard the uncrewed flights. This includes experiments such as how spaceflight changes in kidney stone formation in fruit fly, crystallisation of two active pharmaceutical ingredients or API with neutraceuticals in space, and instabilities in micro-gravity conditions.

Crew escape and recovery

The crew escape system for pad abort — where the mission needs to be aborted and the crew taken out safely from the rocket while on the launch pad — has already been demonstrated in 2018. The performance of the system will be demonstrated for escape of the crew while at different Mach speeds during the test vehicle missions. Static tests for the five quick acting solid motors that will be used to jettison the crew out of the main module have already been carried out, as per the report. Three sets have been manufactured to test the structure of the crew escape system.

The space agency is modifying the existing control centre to make the Gaganyaan Control Facility with a different configuration of display and consoles. An ‘umbilical tower’ – which can be used for maintenance of the launch vehicle while on the launch pad – has been created in the second launch pad and a trial for high speed bubble lift was carried out. The white room and crew access arm – from where the astronauts walk into the spacecraft – is also being developed.

Other than that the space agency is also working to create a network of ground stations that will allow direct-to-ground communication. Support for this has been finalised from European ground stations. Ship-borne terminals will also be required for telemetry, tracking and communication with the spacecraft during the ascent phase of the mission. A transportable terminal will be set up at Cocos Island, Australia, for which arrangements have been made.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

1. First semester of Vyomanauts training gone, second underway fine.
2. First manned spaceflight re scheduled to 2025 which looks now realistic given production rates and launch frequency of LVM3 (just 2 per year). May be H2 2025 or may even slip to early 2026.
3. Most qualification tests of all rocket systems have been completed. Only 3 more hot tests of L110 are balance.
4. First TVP already delivered. So, we might see it's launch anytime. Second still under fabrication.
5. Most important, ECLSS configuration has been defined and freezed and actual development has begun. This is the most essential part for astronaut survival which has potential to delay Gaganyaan.
6. Parachute drop tests if crew module underway. 3 done, 10 more pending.
7. Micro-gravity experiments we were looking for in space have been defined now.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Gaganyaan Not One-off Mission, Govt Approved Sustained Human Spaceflight Programme: ISRO Official
Ali said for the first human spaceflight, planned for launch late next year, four Indian Air Force pilots have been selected and were undergoing extensive training for the mission

In 2020, India opened its largely government-run space sector for private players which were mostly confined to being vendors or suppliers to the government’s space programme. (File image/PTI)

India’s Gaganyaan mission will not be a “one-off" mission as the government has granted approval for a “sustained human space flight programme", a senior ISRO official said on Saturday.

Addressing the ‘Be Inspired: Festival of Ideas’ event here, Imtiaz Ali Khan, director of ISRO’s Directorate of Human Spaceflight Programme, said the follow-on space missions of Gaganyaan may include civilians such as doctors and scientists.

Ali said for the first human spaceflight, planned for launch late next year, four Indian Air Force pilots have been selected and were undergoing extensive training for the mission.

“Gaganyaan will not be a one-off mission as the government has given us approval for a sustained human spaceflight (HSF) programme," Ali said, adding that the future missions will be decided after ISRO demonstrates its capabilities by carrying out India’s first successful human spaceflight.

He said the kind of benefit one expected from the HSF programme requires a longer stay in microgravity and there was a need to develop new technologies such as rendezvous, docking among others.

Ali said the subsequent missions will have non-pilot people, including civilians, women, doctors, and scientists drawn from different fields for carrying out science experiments in outer space.

He said age was not a very strict criteria for undertaking space missions as the person has to be agile, fit, able to understand procedures and work well on simulators during the training sessions.

ISRO plans to send at least two astronauts into a low-earth orbit in 2024 after assessing the outcome of the two orbital test flights.

Last week, ISRO completed the final long-duration hot test of the human-rated L110-G Vikas engine, a major achievement in the development of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Gaganyaan mission in his Independence Day address in 2018 at a cost of Rs 10,000 crore.

 

[Varoon2]

Propulsion system for crew module fully qualified

Qualification of Crew Module Propulsion System for Gaganyaan Programme completed

May 12, 2023

Today, the final test in a series of tests, was completed to qualify the Crew Module Propulsion System for the Gaganyaan Programme. The test was conducted for a duration of 602.94 s and all the parameters were as expected. With this test, the Crew Module Propulsion System has undergone 14 tests under..

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Parachutes for re-entry capsule of Mission Gaganyaan shipped from Agra
They will undergo fitment tests at an ISRO facility in Bengaluru

The Gaganyaan crew module will carry three astronauts as part of India’s first human space flight programme.

Indigenously developed parachutes for the safe return of the capsule that will carry astronauts under the proposed Gaganyaan programme are set to undergo fitment tests at an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facility in Bengaluru.

The Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), the Agra-based laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has developed the parachutes for India’s manned space flight programme, Gaganyaan, which envisages putting a crew of three astronauts in low-earth orbit.

On Saturday, the flight unit of the parachutes was flagged off from ADRDE to the ISRO Satellite Integration and Testing Establishment in Bengaluru.

“The first test demonstration is likely to take place in July this year, with the first unmanned mission to be undertaken only after the success of two such demonstrations,” the ADRDE said in a statement. The Test Vehicle Demonstration (TVD-1) flight will be a significant milestone toward realising the nation’s ambitious Gaganyaan programme, it stated.

The parachute configuration consists of 10 parachutes. During flight the sequence starts with deployment of two parachutes of “apex cover separation parachute”, which is protection cover for the crew module parachute compartment, followed by two more of “drogue parachute deployment” to stabilise and bring down the velocity. Upon the drogue parachute release, three parachutes of the “pilot parachute” system will be used to extract three parachutes of the “main parachute” individually, to reduce the speed of the crew module to safe levels during its landing, the statement explained.

Stating that each parachute’s performance must be evaluated by complex testing methods, the ADRDE said that individual parachutes have undergone sub-system level testing.

In December 2022, Minister of State in Space and Atomic Energy Jitendra Singh informed Parliament that India’s maiden human space flight ‘H1’ mission is targeted to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2024. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, the Minister said that in view of the paramount importance of crew safety, two test vehicle missions are planned before the ‘G1’ mission to demonstrate the performance of crew escape system and parachute-based deceleration system for different flight conditions.

“The uncrewed ‘G1’ mission is targeted to be launched in the last quarter of 2023 followed by the second uncrewed ‘G2’ mission in the second quarter of 2024, before the final human space flight ‘H1’ mission in the fourth quarter of 2024,” he stated.

He added that the first uncrewed flight ‘G1’ mission is aimed at validating the performance of human-rated launch vehicle, orbital module propulsion system, mission management, communication system and recovery operations. The mission will carry a humanoid as payload.

The astronaut-designates for the human space flight mission are currently undergoing their mission-specific training at Bengaluru with the second semester of crew training currently underway. The first semester of astronaut training included modules on theoretical basics, space medicine, launch vehicles, spacecraft system and ground support infrastructure. Regular physical fitness sessions, aeromedical training and flying practice are also part of crew training. Corresponding evaluation and assessment activities have also been completed.

• Indigenously developed parachutes for the safe return of the capsule that will carry astronauts under the proposed Gaganyaan programme are set to undergo fitment tests at an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facility in Bengaluru.

• The Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), the Agra-based laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has developed the parachutes for India’s manned space flight programme, Gaganyaan, which envisages putting a crew of three astronauts in low-earth orbit.

• The astronaut-designates for the human space flight mission are currently undergoing their mission-specific training at Bengaluru with the second semester of crew training currently underway.

 

[Haldilal]

Ya'll Nibbiars

The LVM MK 3 H1.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

India to launch Gaganyaan mission by end of 2023 or 2024: Jitendra Singh
India plans to launch an unmanned mission and send a female robot in the first and second missions, respectively, preceding the Gaganyaan human space-flight programme by the end of 2023 or in 2024, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Thursday.

IMAGE: ISRO achieved an important milestone in the Gaganyaan project by successfully test-firing the Low Altitude Escape Motor of Crew Escape System, from Sriharikota, August 10, 2022. Photograph: ANI Photo

He unveiled the country's ambitious space project's timeline during a media interaction.

"The first mission will be totally unmanned and after that we will send a female robot in the second one," he added.

Singh provided insights into the Gaganyaan project's progress.

"The main Gaganyaan will be launched at the end of 2023 or in 2024. It will be delayed a bit", Singh told reporters after a function in Jammu.

Singh said that before the actual Gaganyaan mission, "we will send a non-human mission". "It is important to go and come back safely. It will land in water. It will ensure the security of the person", he said.

He said that for the first time, an Indian-origin man will be going on an Indian mission. "Otherwise Rakesh Sharma had gone on a mission but it was a Russian mission. It is an indigenous mission with indigenous astronaut, indigenous technical knowhow and indigenous funding. We should thank the PM for making funding available to this project. It was delayed due to COVID-19 ", he said.

Singh said the department had thought Gaganyaan would be launched within 75 years of India's independence "but it was delayed for two years due to Covid".

"Some of the astronauts were being given training at a Russian institute. They had to come back. The two-stage training is now complete," he added.

As the nation's space agency gears up for these significant milestones, the world eagerly awaits India's progress in space exploration and the historic moment when Gaganyaan will carry Indian astronauts to the final frontier, he said.

He also laid down a plan for Lithium extraction in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district.

"It is a matter of excitement for us. Let's see how it evolves in future. Lithium will be very important to our focus on clean energy in future as a cost effective source. A meeting is going on in which apart from top scientists, the CSIR director is taking part. She is an expert in the lithium sector herself", he said.

The Union minister said that "first we will see the value of it after exploration and then further steps will be taken". "It will go into a phased manner. It depends upon the future results. However, we have started this process", he said.

He said India has started working in the green hydrogen sector. "The Prime Minister had talked about a green hydrogen mission from ramparts of the red fort. In the next 25 years, we might be exporting green hydrogen from here," Singh said.

 

[Cheran]

ISRO and the Indian Navy firm up the Crew Recovery Training Plan for Gaganyaan Mission

 

[Indx TechStyle]

When will Gaganyaan Mission launch? Isro chief answers
The Isro chief was at the India Today Conclave South 2023 to discuss the space quest.

Isro chief S Somnath at the India Today South Conclave 2023. (Photo: India Today)

In Short

• Isro has selected four pilots from the Indian Air Force
• The four pilots have joined as astronaut trainees
• They are working with India's lone astronaut Rakesh Sharma

By India Today Science Desk: The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) chief S Somnath said that they will launch the ambitious manned mission from India, Gaganyaan when they are absolutely confident about its success. "We have to reach that stage," Somnath said.
The Isro chief was at the India Today Conclave South 2023 to discuss the space quest.

"We know we have rockets that are flying safely. There are many things that could go wrong in space and we will need to save the crew. The first goal is to perfect the Crew Escape System and we are working on it," Somnath said.

He added that Isro needs to do unmanned robotic missions to prove the end-to-end capability of the design, communication, networks, and systems, and bring it back safely. All of it has to be repeated twice. All of this is a success-based idea and if anything goes wrong it will need corrections and more test launches.

"I am not setting a date for the launch of the final human mission. Our focus is to do what is needed to reach that point. It is my responsibility to showcase to the nation that we are reaching that state, and it's important for us to do that carefully, since human lives are involved in sustained manned missions," Somnath said.

The Isro boss added that we could either go to orbit and succeed, but if we fail, we need to save the crew.

Isro has selected four pilots from the Indian Air Force for the country's first manned mission to space. Somnath said that the four pilots have joined as astronaut trainees and they are going through coursework and simulations.

"We are designing and developing the module in which they will sit," Somnath said, adding they have sought help from other space fairing nations as well who have sent astronauts into space.

The Isro chief said that they are working with India's lone astronaut, Rakesh Sharma in training the astronaut candidates.

He also discussed India's mission to the Moon Chandrayaan-3 and the solar probe Aditya L-1.

 

[skywatcher]

Safety first, won’t rush mission just to meet deadline: ISRO chief on Gaganyaan

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/isro-chief-emphasises-safety-on-gaganyaan-mission-8653074/

 

[Indx TechStyle]

ISRO partners with Tata Elxsi to strengthen capabilities for Gaganyaan Mission
The Gaganyaan project by ISRO aims to showcase the ability for human space travel by launching a crew into a 400-kilometre orbit for a three-day mission and safely returning them to Earth by landing in the Indian sea waters

The project served as Tata Elxsi's entry into space mechanical design.

Tata Elxsi, on June 7, announced a partnership with ISRO for its Gaganyaan Mission to deliver Crew Module Recovery Models (CMRM). The Gaganyaan project by ISRO aims to showcase the ability for human space travel by launching a crew into a 400-kilometre orbit for a three-day mission and safely returning them to Earth by landing in the Indian sea waters.

A crucial aspect of this project is ensuring the crew's safe recovery in the shortest possible time.

Simulation

To train the recovery team, Tata Elxsi has developed CMRMs that replicate the mass, centre of gravity, outer dimensions, interfaces, and external features of the real Crew Module.

Tata Elxsi has effectively handled design, structural analysis, material procurement, fabrication, load testing, and transportation of the CMRM and Ground Support Fixture (GSF) as per ISRO's requirements.

The project served as Tata Elxsi's entry into space mechanical design, as it was the first time ISRO outsourced the mechanical design and development work for a critical system to an external partner.

Manoj Raghavan, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Elxsi, said, "It is a matter of great pride for Tata Elxsi to play a role in the Gaganyaan Mission. This collaboration will help push the boundaries of technology, and provide us a unique opportunity to advance our capabilities while strengthening India’s space mission. Our design, technology, and regulatory capabilities over the years have been a testament to our success which has led us to this milestone."

According to a company statement, currently, two Recovery-Models, CMRM and GSF, have been delivered to Naval training teams at Kochi and Visakhapatnam to train the recovery teams.

Umamaheshwaran, Director-HSFC, ISRO said, "Tata Elxsi has carried out the design and delivered hardware meeting a highly challenging delivery schedule of six months, demonstrating excellent programme management skills. This has enabled timely commissioning recovery training exercise to meet Gaganyaan mission requirements. ISRO would definitely like to partner in future for different projects."

On June 7, shares of Tata Elxsi settled 1.27 per cent higher at ₹7,696.50 apiece on the BSE.

 

[SKC]

ISRO partners with Tata Elxsi to strengthen capabilities for Gaganyaan Mission
The Gaganyaan project by ISRO aims to showcase the ability for human space travel by launching a crew into a 400-kilometre orbit for a three-day mission and safely returning them to Earth by landing in the Indian sea waters

The project served as Tata Elxsi's entry into space mechanical design.


Simulation

Elexi is the perfect company for this work. They are involved in development of embedded systems and electro-mechanical machinery.

Also, ISRO has done a fabulous job with the Crew Module. Does not look like it is the first attempt. Looks polished like we are doing Human launch since decades.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

First abort mission for Gaganyaan by August, says ISRO

The first abort mission for India's maiden human spaceflight Gaganyaan would be conducted at the end of August this year, while the unmanned mission to orbit would take place next year, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation, S Somanath, said in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

IMAGE: ISRO successfully launches India's largest LVM3 rocket carrying 36 satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, in Sriharikota, March 26, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Talking to media-persons on the sidelines of an event at the physical research laboratory in Ahmedabad, he said the test vehicle is ready at Sriharikota and the assembly work of the crew module and crew escape system has also begun.

"For Gaganyaan, the first and foremost thing is that the abort mission has to be done. For that, we have made a new rocket called a test vehicle, which is ready at Sriharikota. Assemblies of the crew module and crew escape system are just getting ready," Somanath told reporters when asked about the latest update on Gaganyaan.

"So I am informed that this month-end it will go for a fully functional testing, vibration testing, etc. So we are hoping that in August-end or so we will be able to fire the launch of this crew abort mission. Then it will be followed by a repeat mission with different conditions of abort. This is planned for this year," he said.

He added that the "unmanned mission to the orbit" as part of the project will take place around the beginning of the next year.

"In the beginning of the next year, we will have the unmanned mission to the orbit. And from there, it has to be brought back safely, which will be the third mission. Currently, we have scheduled these three missions," said Somanath, who also serves as the secretary of the department of space.

When asked about the major challenges of this mission, the ISRO chief said safety of crew members was the most important aspect in the Gaganyaan project.

"Since humans will be part of the mission, crew safety becomes paramount. For that, we are doing two more additional things, one is called the crew escape system. It means if a contingency is developed in the rocket, the system should get activated. The second one is the integrated vehicle health management system," he said.

The crew escape is a conventional engineering solution, in which the computer detects and asks the propulsion system to fire so that you are moved away, Somanath said, adding that the second system is more intelligent which makes informed decisions on board without any human intervention.

"You need to develop as well as test such systems to make sure that they will function beyond any doubt. So in Gaganyaan programme, we will not go into the final mission without knowing how much we are ready for it," he said.

The chairman of India's space agency was at PRL to inaugurate Param Vikram-1000, a high performance computing facility or a supercomputer.

"Param Vikram-1000 is a new supercomputer installed at the PRL. In terms of computational capabilities, it is 10 times faster than Vikram-100 currently in use. Now, PRL scientists have better capability to run their models and computer simulations to support their research work. This will enhance the speed at which the PRL is carrying out its work," Somanath said.

 

[Chinmoy]

NASA-ISRO to send Indian astronauts to International Space Station

 

[Indx TechStyle]

NASA-ISRO to send Indian astronauts to International Space Station

IE says Indian astronauts might not be onboard.

In a related development, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will partner the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the US in sending a joint mission to the International Space Station, a permanent laboratory in space, next year. It was not immediately clear whether the joint mission would include an Indian astronaut to the space station.

https://indianexpress.com/article/world/coming-artemis-accords-isro-nasa-mission-8680033/

May be just ISRO equipment will be utilized in cooperation.