Preparing for the Big Leap The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) unveiled its intentions to embark on unmanned flight tests, a significant stride in the trajectory of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. This update was shared by ISRO on platform X, indicating that the stage is set for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), a fundamental part of demonstrating the Crew Escape System’s efficiency.
Countdown to Launch
In a pivotal event scheduled for October 21st, 8 AM IST, the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1) is set to be launched from the SDSC-SHAR’s First launchpad located in Sriharikota. Distinct from its predecessors, the test vehicle TV-D1, a pioneering single-stage liquid rocket, is geared up for its big day at this spaceport. Reports confirm that the final stages of preparation for the test vehicle are nearly complete. For those keen on the nitty-gritty, ISRO divulged that the TV-D1 comes equipped with a Crew Module (CM) and Crew Escape Systems (CES), both complemented by their swift-acting solid motors, a CM fairing (CMF), and Interface Adapters.
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Mission Gaganyaan
A Glimpse into the Future Envisioned to showcase the prowess of human spaceflight, the overarching goal of the Gaganyaan project is to safely transport a trio of astronauts into a 400-kilometer orbit, hold them there for three days, and subsequently ensure their unscathed return to the Indian Ocean’s waters. In a bid to make this monumental event accessible to enthusiasts, both the DD News Channel and ISRO’s official platforms will broadcast the TV-D1 test flight launch live.
Ensuring Robustness Every Step of the Way Delving deeper into the preparatory phases, it is noteworthy that the Crew Module, post-integration, was subjected to exhaustive electrical tests at ISRO’s Bengaluru facility. This rigorous process included an acoustic test, post which the module was transported to SDSC-SHAR on August 13th. Here, it will undergo further tests before being integrated with the Crew Escape System and eventually with the Test Vehicle at the Launch Pad. Signifying the importance of this mission, ISRO emphasized that the current test with the CM represents a vital juncture in the Gaganyaan program, given the near-comprehensive system integration for a flight test.
National Interest Peaks Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi scrutinized the Gaganyaan Mission’s progress. Reports suggest that an exhaustive overview of the mission was presented, highlighting innovations like human-rated launch vehicles. Notably, approximately 20 critical tests are in the pipeline, with the inaugural demonstration flight of the Crew Escape System Test Vehicle slated for October 21. With the mission’s impending launch in 2025, the nation’s anticipation is palpable.
