The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) unveiled its ambitious plans on Monday for the initiation of unmanned flight tests as part of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. ISRO took to social media, announcing, "Mission Gaganyaan: ISRO is set to embark on unmanned flight tests for the Gaganyaan mission. Preparations are in full swing for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), a critical step showcasing the performance of the Crew Escape System."
The much-anticipated Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1) for the Gaganyaan mission has been scheduled for liftoff from the First Launchpad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 21st, with the launch commencing at 8 AM IST.
In a departure from its routine missions, ISRO is gearing up for the successful launch of its Test Vehicle (TV-D1), a single-stage liquid rocket. According to PTI reports, the launch is slated to take place from the first launch pad at this spaceport at 8 AM on October 21.
The official statement from ISRO outlined the final preparations for the first development flight Test Vehicle (TV-D1). "The Test Vehicle is a single-stage liquid rocket specially developed for this abort mission. Its payload includes the Crew Module (CM) and Crew Escape Systems (CES) equipped with fast-acting solid motors, along with the CM fairing (CMF) and Interface Adapters," ISRO disclosed.
The Gaganyaan project has a lofty objective of demonstrating the capability of human spaceflight. It seeks to send a crew of three individuals into a 400-kilometer orbit for a mission spanning three days, ensuring their safe return through a water landing in the Indian Ocean.
Where to Witness the Gaganyaan Mission LIVE?
For those eager to witness this momentous occasion, the TV-D1 test flight launch will be broadcast live on the DD News Channel. Additionally, ISRO will live stream the launch on its official website and various social media platforms.
ISRO shared further insights into the meticulous preparation of the Crew Module, stating, "The Crew Module, following integration, underwent a series of rigorous electrical tests at ISRO's facility in Bengaluru, including an acoustic test, before being dispatched to SDSC-SHAR on August 13. At SDSC, it will undergo vibration tests and pre-integration with the Crew Escape System, culminating in the final integration onto the Test Vehicle at the Launch Pad."
This Test Vehicle mission, featuring the Crew Module, represents a significant milestone in the broader Gaganyaan program. It signifies the integration of a near-complete system for a flight test, ISRO emphasized.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a comprehensive review of the Gaganyaan Mission's preparedness. As per the PIB release, "The Department of Space provided an extensive overview of the Gaganyaan Mission, including the various technologies developed thus far, such as human-rated launch vehicles and system qualification. Approximately 20 major tests, including 3 uncrewed missions of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3), are in the pipeline. The first demonstration flight of the Crew Escape System Test Vehicle is scheduled for October 21. The meeting affirmed the mission's readiness, with a planned launch in 2025."
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