India’s Gaganyaan clears module separation test:Key step towards safe return from space; ISRO targets first uncrewed launch in 2026

ISRO has completed testing of the system that separates the Crew Module (CM) and Service Module (SM) of the Gaganyaan programme. This has confirmed the design capability of the system. The tests were conducted at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram. The first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission, G1, is targeted for launch in 2026. Understanding module separation… Gaganyaan’s orbital module consists of the Crew Module and Service Module. The two modules are connected through a separation system. Umbilical connections supply electricity and liquids between them. The two modules are joined together before launch. They operate as a single unit until the end of the mission’s orbital phase. Before re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere, the crew module separates from the service module. Several events take place in a predetermined sequence for this. What was examined in the tests ISRO conducted these tests at the Vikram Sarabhai Centre to validate the complete design of the separation system. The test setup consisted of an integrated structure in which the crew module and service module were joined together. A large number of instruments were installed to examine the entire process. According to ISRO, the tests validated the separation system’s design capability. They also examined the strength and shock resistance of several critical systems in the crew module. These included the avionics system, the inertial navigation system and the thermal protection system fitted in the aft, cone-shaped heat shield. The Crew Module Deployable Umbilical Shield was also tested. In addition, the pyrotechnic devices associated with the Crew Module Uprighting System and the Thermal and Humidity Control System were included in the testing. Understand module separation through questions and answers… Why module separation is necessary: Gaganyaan’s Crew Module must return to Earth, while the Service Module provides essential services in space. The Service Module must be separated during the return journey so that the Crew Module can enter the atmosphere with its heat shield. Power and fluid connections will also be separated: Umbilical connections between the two modules carry electricity, communications and fluids linked to environmental control and life-support systems. These connections must also break in the correct sequence during separation. Heat shield will protect against extreme heat: The crew module will face extreme heat while re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere. Thermal protection systems and a heat shield are essential for this. A recent test also examined the shock resistance of the components associated with these systems. The goal is not just to reach space, but to return safely: Parachutes will play a crucial role in the return of the crew module. They help reduce the module’s speed, enabling its safe recovery when it lands in the sea. Keeping the module upright after landing in the sea: The crew module up-righting system has been developed to keep the crew module in the correct position after it lands in the sea. Its flotation system was also tested in July. Arrangements to rescue astronauts in an emergency: Gaganyaan also has a crew escape system. It is designed to carry the module containing the astronauts away from the rocket if a serious problem arises during the flight. In October 2023, ISRO tested the system’s in-flight performance through the TV-D1 test. Most important question-what will replace humans in G1: G1 is the first uncrewed flight. Instead of human passengers, the mission will assess the system’s performance; the mission plan also includes a semi-humanoid robot named Vyommitra. Gaganshan Mission: Pilots including Shubhanshu to travel into Space in 2027 Gaganyaan is ISRO’s human space mission. Under the mission, three Air Force pilots will be sent into space aboard a spacecraft in 2027. The pilots will spend three days in a 400-km orbit, after which the spacecraft will land in the Indian Ocean. The mission is expected to cost around ₹20,193 crore. Four Air Force pilots have been selected for the Gaganyaan mission, one of them being Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. That is why Shubhanshu travelled to the International Space Station under the Axiom mission. Before sending pilots into space aboard Gaganyaan, ISRO will send two uncrewed test flights. A robot will be sent on the third flight. After its success, humans will be able to travel into space on the fourth flight. The first test flight could be launched by the end of this year.