Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 27 announced the names of the astronauts selected for India's first human space flight mission, 'Gaganyaan', during his visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram. These pilots include Group Captain P Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander S Shukla.
PM Modi presented 'astronaut wings' to all four of them, symbolising their role in this historic mission. Additionally, he inaugurated three significant space infrastructure projects of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) during his visit.
4 Test Pilots Selected Jointly by ISRO-IAF
Hundreds of pilots underwent comprehensive testing for the Gaganyaan mission, with the initial screening of 12 candidates conducted at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM). Following this, multiple rounds of rigorous selection processes were carried out. Finally, the ISRO and the Indian Air Force (IAF) jointly selected four test pilots to participate in the historic mission.
Following the selection process, ISRO sent these four astronauts to Russia at the outset of 2020 to commence basic astronaut training. However, their training was disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, their training resumed and was concluded in 2021. Since then, all four astronauts have been undergoing continuous training in preparation for their future missions.
The PM also reviewed ISRO's Gaganyaan human space flight programme and visited an exhibition showcasing various ISRO projects, accompanied by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan.
These three projects providing world-class technical facilities for the space sector have been developed at a cumulative cost of about Rs 1800 crore. The Prime Minister will also review the progress of the Ganganyaan Mission.
The development of these three projects, with a combined cost of nearly Rs 1,800 crore, highlights the commitment to furnishing the space sector with state-of-the-art technical infrastructure.
3-Member Crew Set for 3-Day Journey in Low Earth Orbit
The Gaganyaan human space flight mission is designed to launch a three-member crew into a Low Earth Orbit, where they will spend three days before safely returning to earth. The astronauts selected for this mission have undergone extensive training to ensure they are both technically proficient and physically fit to withstand the challenges of space travel.
Notably, the rigorous preparation ensures that they are well-equipped to carry out their duties and responsibilities while on board the spacecraft, thereby enhancing the likelihood of success for India's ambitious venture into human space exploration.
India's Collective Vision for Space Exploration
PM Modi emphasised that the selection of the four individuals for the Gaganyaan mission represents more than just the choice of individuals. It symbolises the collective aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians poised to embark on a journey into space.
The PM highlighted that after a gap of four decades, an Indian will venture into space once again. However, this time, the countdown, the moment, and the spacecraft belong entirely to India. Earlier, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (Retired) made history as the first Indian to travel to space in 1984 as part of a Soviet mission.
PSLV Integration Facility (PIF)
PSLV Integration Facility (PIF)- The PSLV Integration Facility (PIF) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota will help in boosting the frequency of PSLV launches from 6 to 15 per year.
This state-of-the-art facility can also cater to the launches of SSLV and other small launch vehicles designed by private space companies.
How will the integration facility bolster India's space prowess?
PSLV Integration Facility(PIF) will enable the integration of the first and the second stage of the four-stage PSLV rockets. Rockets can be integrated and kept ready. This means that half the rocket is ready, even before it can be taken to the launchpad.
Therefore, only the third and fourth stage and satellites have to be integrated at the launchpad and it would significantly reduce the time period that the launchpad is occupied.
Owing to the PIF, PSLV first and second stages can be kept ready and as and when required, ISRO would be able to increase the frequency of launch of its smaller vehicles like SSLV and PSLV.
Semi-cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test facility (SIET)
The new Semi-cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test facility (SIET) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, aims at boosting the space agency’s plans for a reliable and indigenous semi-cryogenic engine for its launch vehicles.
How will it help?
The Semi-Cryogenic Propulsion System project will design a 2,000 kN semi-cryogenic engine (SCE-2000) which will power the SC-120 rocket stage.
Cryogenic engines use a propellant combination of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. Meanwhile, the semi-cryo system uses refined kerosene (a rocket-grade version named ISROSENE by ISRO) and liquid oxygen. It provides heavy-lift capability to future space transportation systems like the New Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).
Standing 51 metres tall, The test structure which is 51 metres tall can perform perform hot tests on semi-cryogenic engines and stages for 375 seconds. It is also designed to withstand heavy thrust and vibrations during tests.
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