Gaganyaan Mission - Know About its Details and Budget

Gaganyaan Mission: Human-Rated CE20 Cryogenic Engine for Gaganyaan Program

Gaganyaan Mission: In a significant leap towards India’s human spaceflight project, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a crucial milestone. The CE20 cryogenic engine of the LVM3 rocket, India’s largest and most powerful rocket, has successfully completed all ground qualification tests to be classified as human-rated.

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Vacuum Ignition Test: Ensuring Safety for Astronauts

On February 13, 2024, the final round of ground qualification tests required to classify the CE20 cryogenic engine as human-rated were completed at the High Altitude Test Facility at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Odisha. Vacuum ignition tests simulate space conditions by firing the rocket engine in a vacuum chamber. These tests assessed the CE20 engine’s performance under both nominal and unfavorable conditions, considering factors like thrust, mixture ratio, and propellant tank pressure.

Qualification Tests: Rigorous and Comprehensive

To qualify the CE20 engine as human-rated, four engines underwent a total of 39 hot firing tests under various operating conditions. The tests, lasting a cumulative 8,810 seconds, surpassed the standard protocol’s minimum requirement of 6,350 seconds. The rigorous testing ensures the engine’s reliability and safety for carrying Indian astronauts into space.

What’s Next for Gaganyaan Mission?

Following the successful qualification of the CE20 engine, the Gaganyaan program moves forward with the second Gaganyaan test development flight scheduled for the second quarter of 2024. This uncrewed mission involves the use of a flight engine with a thrust capability of 19 to 22 tonnes, powering the upper stage of LVM3.

Vyommitra Mission: Unveiling the Future of Humanoid Robotics in Space

ISRO will launch humanoid robot Vyommitra to space in the third quarter of 2024, according to Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh. Vyommitra is a female humanoid robot that can monitor module parameters, issue alerts, and execute life support operations. The mission is a part of the uncrewed flight tests of ISRO’s Gaganyaan programme. Vyommitra’s ability to simulate human functions in the space environment and interact with life support systems showcases the advancements in space robotics.

The Journey Ahead: Crewed Mission in 2025

Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed that the first crewed mission of the Gaganyaan program is scheduled for 2025. Vyommitra’s mission in 2024 sets the stage for this historic event, emphasizing India’s commitment to advancing space exploration capabilities.

Gaganyaan Budget

On March 15, 2023, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that a budget of Rs. 9023 Crore had been allocated for the Gaganyaan mission. This significant financial allocation emphasizes the commitment of the Indian government towards achieving the objectives of the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space. The budget has covered various aspects of the mission, including research, development, testing, and the actual execution of the ambitious human spaceflight program.

Conclusion: Gaganyaan Mission

As India prepares to venture into human spaceflight with the Gaganyaan mission, the successful qualification of the CE20 cryogenic engine and the introduction of Vyommitra mark key milestones. The nation’s space agency, ISRO, continues to demonstrate its prowess in space exploration, paving the way for a promising future in human spaceflight endeavors. Stay tuned for updates as India inches closer to its ambitious goal of sending astronauts into the cosmos.

Priti Palit

Priti Palit, an accomplished edtech writer, boasts a wealth of experience in preparing candidates for multiple government exams. With a passion for education and a keen eye for detail, she has contributed significantly to the field of online learning. Priti’s expertise and dedication continue to empower aspiring individuals in their pursuit of success in government examinations.

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