Kochi, February 9: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) along with the Indian Navy has conducted a significant trial for the Gaganyaan, human space flight mission.
The two organizations carried out initial recovery trials of the Crew Module in the Navy’s Water Survival Test Facility at Kochi, Kerala state.
“The trials were part of the preparation for crew module recovery operations for the Gaganyaan mission that will be carried out in Indian waters with the participation of Indian government agencies, the overall recovery operations being led by the Indian Navy,” the Space Agency said.
A crew Module Recovery Model that simulates the mass, center of gravity, outer dimensions and externals of the actual Crew Module Touchdown, was used for the trials. The sequence of operations required for the recovery of the Crew Module were carried out as part of the trials.
According to ISRO, as the safe recovery of the crew is the final step to be accomplished for any successful human space flight, it is of paramount importance and it has to be carried out with the minimum lapse of time.
“Hence, the recovery procedures for various scenarios need to be extensively practiced by carrying out a large number of trials. The Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for recovery of Crew and Crew Module need to be finalized,” the Space agency’s note stated.
The recovery trials will be initially carried out in a closed pool followed by trials in a harbour and in the open sea, according to ISRO.
The Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of three members to an orbit of 400-Kms for a three-day mission and bringing them back safely to earth by landing in the sea waters.
EOM
