In which month and year did ISRO aim to launch India’s manned space mission, Gaganyaan?
VerifiedExplanation:
Gaganyaan is India's most ambitious space program, representing the country's first human spaceflight mission. The name "Gaganyaan" literally translates to "sky vehicle" in Sanskrit, perfectly capturing the essence of this groundbreaking initiative by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
This historic mission aims to send three Indian astronauts (called Vyomanauts) into space for a duration of three days. The spacecraft will orbit Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometers above sea level. If successful, India will become only the fourth country in the world to independently send humans to space, joining the elite group of the United States, Russia, and China.
The Gaganyaan program was officially announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech in 2018, with an initial target launch date of 2022, coinciding with India's 75th Independence Day. However, the timeline was later revised, with ISRO aiming for a December 2021 launch date, though this has faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and technical complexities.
The mission involves several key components and preparatory phases:
• Crew Module: A specially designed spacecraft capable of carrying three crew members • Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) for maintaining livable conditions • Crew Escape System for emergency situations during launch • Service Module providing necessary power and propulsion • GSLV Mk III rocket (also called LVM3) as the launch vehicle
Before the actual human spaceflight, ISRO has planned two unmanned test flights to validate all systems and ensure crew safety. The selected astronauts have undergone extensive training, including basic spaceflight training in Russia, to prepare them for the challenging mission ahead.
The Gaganyaan mission represents a significant leap forward for India's space program, demonstrating the country's growing capabilities in space technology and opening doors for future deep space exploration missions. With a budget of approximately ₹10,000 crores, this mission showcases India's commitment to establishing itself as a major player in global space exploration while inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science and technology.
