GAGANYAAN MISSION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology)

Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed the CE20 E13 engine hot test for the Gaganyaan qualification and 22-tonne thrust qualification.

Gaganyaan Mission

• About: The Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of 3 members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3 days mission and bringing them back safely to Earth.

• Expected Launch: In 2025)
• Part of: Indian Human Spaceflight Programme (IHSP), which was initiated (2007) by the ISRO to develop the technology needed to launch crewed orbital spacecraft into low earth orbit (LEO).
• Launch Vehicle: GSLV Mk-lll (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) the three-stage heavy-lift launch vehicle will be used for carrying the orbital module.

oIndia’s heaviest rocket consists of a solid stage, liquid stage, and cryogenic stage.

• Objective: To demonstrate the capability to send humans to low earth orbit on board an Indian launch vehicle and bring them back to Earth safely.