ISRO announces Mission Gaganyaan test flight schedule

As a part of the testing, ISRO will also evaluate various components of the CM, which includes a crew escape system (CES).

By: Science Desk

Bengaluru | October 16, 2023 03:34 PM IST

2 min read

Picture of Mission Gaganyaan crew module (Image credit: ISRO)

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Indian Space Research Organisation on Monday announced the test flight schedule for its mission Gaganyaan. ISRO on X wrote “Mission Gaganyaan:” The TV-D1 test flight is scheduled for October 21, 2023, between 7 am and 9 am from SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota.” ISRO has also shared pictures of the crew module (CM), which will carry the astronauts to space.

As a part of the upcoming mission Gaganyaan, ISRO will test the efficacy and emergency escape system of the capsule on October 21. With this mission, ISRO plans to send three astronauts to low-earth orbit by the end of this year.

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During the test flight scheduled, the CM will be unpressurised and the same will be launched into space using an indigenous LVM-3 rocket with cryogenic, liquid, and solid stages. As a part of the testing, ISRO will also evaluate various components of the CM, which includes a crew escape system (CES). The rocket has also been re-configured to meet human rating requirements.

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Gaganyaan mission will consist of a three-member crew, who will orbit the earth on an orbital module (OM), which includes CM and SM at a 400 km distance for three days, which will then be brought back to the earth, by safely landing them in the Indian sea waters. Right now, the crew are currently training for the mission at the Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru and the training consists of simulation, physical fitness, and academic courses regarding the mission.

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