π Topic 04 of 6 Β· Chapter 01 Β· Space Technology & ISRO
Gaganyaan β India’s Human Spaceflight Mission
Vyommitra robot, astronaut training, LVM3 launch vehicle β complete notes for UPSC & PSC exams.
π¨βπ Gaganyaan β Key Facts
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mission | India’s first crewed space mission |
| Target | Send 3 Indian astronauts (Vyomanauts) to 400 km Low Earth Orbit (LEO) |
| Duration | 3 days in orbit |
| Launch Vehicle | LVM3 (GSLV Mk III) β India’s heaviest rocket |
| Expected Year | 2025 (crewed mission) |
| Budget | βΉ9,023 crore (approved 2018) |
| Significance | India will become 4th country to independently send humans to space (after USA, Russia, China) |
π¨βπ Gaganyaan β Test Flights
- TV-D1 (Test Vehicle Demonstration-1) β October 21, 2023 β tested Crew Escape System (CES) β successful
- Vyommitra flights β humanoid robot sent on uncrewed test flights before crewed mission
- G1 (Uncrewed mission) β planned before crewed mission
- G2 (Crewed mission) β 3 astronauts β target 2025
π€ Vyommitra β India’s Space Robot
- Vyommitra = “Vyom” (space) + “Mitra” (friend) = Space Friend
- Humanoid robot developed by ISRO for Gaganyaan test flights
- Can simulate human functions in space: operate switches, monitor life support systems
- Will be sent on uncrewed Gaganyaan test flights to validate systems
- Designed to interact with crew and respond to voice commands
π¨βπ Selected Astronauts (Vyomanauts)
| Name | Rank | Training |
|---|---|---|
| Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair | Indian Air Force | Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Russia |
| Group Captain Ajit Krishnan | Indian Air Force | Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Russia |
| Group Captain Angad Pratap | Indian Air Force | Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Russia |
| Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla | Indian Air Force | Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Russia; also selected for AXIOM-4 mission to ISS |
β Gaganyaan β Why Important?
β’ India will become the 4th country to independently send humans to space
β’ Will boost India’s prestige and inspire a generation of scientists
β’ Will develop critical technologies: life support, crew escape, re-entry capsule
β’ Opens door for India’s future space station and Moon/Mars crewed missions
β’ Shubhanshu Shukla is also selected for AXIOM-4 mission to ISS (International Space Station) β first Indian to visit ISS
β’ India will become the 4th country to independently send humans to space
β’ Will boost India’s prestige and inspire a generation of scientists
β’ Will develop critical technologies: life support, crew escape, re-entry capsule
β’ Opens door for India’s future space station and Moon/Mars crewed missions
β’ Shubhanshu Shukla is also selected for AXIOM-4 mission to ISS (International Space Station) β first Indian to visit ISS