GAGANYAAN MISSION

  • Recently, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has completed the static test of the human-rated solid rocket booster (HS200) for Gaganyaanprogramme.
  • The booster engine is part of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MkIII (GSLV Mk III) rocket that will carry Indian astronauts to space.
  • The GSLV Mk-III rocket which will be used for the Gaganyaan mission will have two HS200 boosters which will supply the thrust for lift-off.
  • The HS200 is a 20-metre-long booster with a diameter of 3.2 metres and is the world’s second largest operational booster using solid propellants.
  • The HS200 is the human-rated version of the S200 rocket booster of satellite launch vehicle GSLV Mk III, popularly known as LVM3.
  • Since Gaganyaan is a crewed mission, the GSLV Mk-III will have improvements to increase reliability and safety to meet the requirements of ‘human rating.’
  • The S200 motor – the first stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle designed to deliver 4,000 kg satellites to geosynchronous transfer orbit – was configured as a strap-on rocket booster.
  • This full-duration test of the first stage of the launch vehicle marks a major milestone for the Gaganyaanprogramme.
  • Design and development of the HS200 booster was completed at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram, and propellant casting was completed at Sriharikota.
  • Out of the three propulsion stages of LVM3, the human-rated versions of the second-stage known as L110-G loaded with liquid propellant and the third stage C25-G with cryogenic propellant are in the final phase of qualification, including tests with static firing.

GSLV

  • GSLV is a much more powerful rocket, meant to carry heavier satellites much deeper into space. Till date, GSLV rockets have carried out 18 missions, of which four ended in failure.
  • It can take 10,000-kg satellites to lower earth orbits.
  • The indigenously developed Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS), forms the third stage of GSLV Mk II.
  • Mk-III versions have made ISRO entirely self-sufficient for launching its satellites.
  • Before this, it used to depend on the European Arianne launch vehicle to take its heavier satellites into space.
  • GSLV-Mk III is a fourth generation, three stage launch vehicle with four liquid strap-ons. The indigenously developed CUS, which is flight proven, forms the third stage of GSLV Mk III.
  • The rocket has three-stages with two solid motor strap-ons (S200), a liquid propellant core stage (L110) and a cryogenic stage (C-25).

Gaganyaan Mission

Gaganyaan is a mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Under the Gaganyaan schedule (to be launched in 2023):

  1. Three flights will be sent into orbit.
  2. There will be two unmanned flights and one human spaceflight.
  3. The Gaganyaan system module, called the Orbital Module will have three Indian astronauts, including a woman.
  4. It will circle Earth at a low-earth-orbit at an altitude of 300-400 km from earth for 5-7 days.

Payloads:

  1. Crew module – spacecraft carrying human beings.
  2. Service module – powered by two liquid propellant engines.
  3. It will be equipped with emergency escape and emergency mission abort.

Significance:

  • It will help in enhancement of science and technology levels in the country and help inspire youth.
  • Gaganyaan will involve numerous agencies, laboratories, disciplines, industries and departments.
  • It will help in the improvement of industrial growth.
  • Recently, the Government has announced a new organisation, IN-SPACe, part of reforms to increase private participation in the space sector.
  • It will help in the development of technology for social benefits.
  • It will help in improving international collaboration.
  • One International Space Station (ISS) put up by multiple countries may not be enough. Regional ecosystems will be needed and Gaganyaan will focus on regional needs: food, water and energy security.

SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT

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