Gaganyaan Mission

SYLLABUS:

GS3> Science and Technology  >   Space technology   >  Space organisations & missions

REFERENCE NEWS:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the selection of Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla as the astronaut candidates for Gaganyaan, marking India's first manned space endeavour. 

MORE ON NEWS:

• These Indian Air Force officers, distinguished for their extensive test piloting experience, have commenced their specialized training for the mission. During a ceremony at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thumba, Kerala, the PM awarded them with astronaut wings, hailing them as emblematic of the dreams and ambitions of over a billion Indians.
• The astronaut quartet has undergone initial training at Russia’s Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre and continues their preparation at ISRO's facility in Bengaluru, contributing to the crew module design and undergoing rigorous fitness and psychological training.
• This announcement follows closely after the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed the successful human-readiness testing of the cryogenic engine intended for Gaganyaan mission launches. 
• The unmanned Gaganyaan-1 mission, a precursor to verify technological readiness, is anticipated by year-end 2024. 

GAGANYAAN:

• According to ISRO, the Gaganyaan project envisages a demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of four members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3-day mission and bringing them back safely to earth by landing in Indian sea water.

RELEVANCE OF A MANNED SPACE MISSION FOR INDIA:

• National Pride and Global Standing: 
  • Upon successful completion, Gaganyaan will position India as the fourth nation globally to conduct an independent human spaceflight, following Russia, the United States, and China. It will not only bring about prestige to the nation but also establish India’s role as a key player in the space industry.
• Technological Advancement: 
  • The mission demands the development and mastery of critical technologies such as human-rated launch vehicles, life support systems, crew escape systems, and re-entry technology. These advancements have broad applications, potentially benefiting other sectors and future missions.
• Boost to Indian industries: 
• Scientific Research: 
• Boost space commercialization:
• Inspiration and Education: 
• Strategic Autonomy: 
• Economic Opportunities:
• International Collaboration: 
• Gaganyaan Mission is expected will source nearly 60% of its equipment from the Indian private sector. The success of the mission will also attract foreign industries to collaborate with Indian counterparts. This can provide major push to India’s space industries, especially startups.
• Gaganyaan provides a unique platform for conducting experiments in microgravity. The insights gained can contribute to various fields, including space medicine, life sciences, and materials science, enhancing our understanding of space's impact on human physiology and other scientific inquiries.
•  ISRO is already known for its high reliability and low-cost operations. The completion of Gaganyaan could further boost the commercial use of space technology.
• The mission is expected to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts, bolstering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and encouraging innovation among young Indians.
• Achieving human spaceflight capability is a significant strategic asset, demonstrating self-reliance in accessing space and the ability to participate independently in future international space explorations and collaborations.
•  The development of technologies for Gaganyaan can spur growth in India's domestic space industry, attracting investments, encouraging startups, and fostering global partnerships. This can lead to job creation and economic benefits.
• For instance, Gaganyaan mission would create 15,000 new employment opportunities, 13,000 of them in the private sector industry.
• Gaganyaan has already seen collaborations with global space agencies like Roscosmos (Russia) and CNES (France) for training, equipment, and technological support. Such collaborations not only aid in the mission's success but also open doors for future joint missions, knowledge exchange, and cooperation in space exploration, thereby strengthening India's international partnerships?

CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH GAGANYAAN MISSION:

• Vehicle Safety: The mission's success hinges on the reliability of rockets, which must safely transport astronauts at immense speeds. Ensuring the safety of these "extreme machines" involves incorporating and testing multiple safety systems??.
• Hostile Space Environment: Creating a life-supporting environment within the spacecraft is paramount, as space's vacuum can cause immediate harm to human life. 
• Technological and Developmental Hurdles: The Gaganyaan mission involves the development of new technologies, including life support and re-entry systems. Previous missions and tests, such as the Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE), have laid the groundwork for these technologies.
• Gravity Field Effects: Transitioning from Earth's gravity to microgravity in space affects astronauts' physical health, including muscle atrophy and bone density loss. NASA's experiences highlight the need for rigorous exercise and nutritional plans to mitigate these effects??.
• Isolation and Confinement: Astronauts face psychological challenges due to isolation and confinement, potentially leading to issues like depression and sleep disorders. Behavioral support systems are essential for maintaining crew mental health??.
• Radiation Exposure: Outside Earth's protective magnetosphere, astronauts are subjected to increased radiation, raising the risk of cancer and other health issues. Developing shielding and monitoring radiation exposure is critical??.
• Funding and Budget Management: The project's budget, initially set at ?10,000 crore, emphasizes the significant investment required for such an ambitious endeavor. Managing these funds efficiently to cover all aspects of the mission, from development to training, is crucial??.

WAY FORWARD:

• Enhanced Safety: Prioritizing the safety of astronauts with robust vehicle safety measures, rigorous testing, and emergency preparedness will be crucial to mitigate the risks associated with space travel.
• Technological Innovation and Self-reliance: Continued investment in R&D for developing and fine-tuning life support, re-entry systems, and other critical technologies in-house will not only ensure mission success but also bolster India's position as a technology leader.
• Astronaut Training: Broaden training with domestic and international collaborations.
• Public-Private Collaboration: Boost private sector involvement to enhance technology and reduce costs.
• International Cooperation: Strengthen ties with global space agencies for support and collaboration.
• Outreach: : Utilizing Gaganyaan as a platform to inspire and educate the public and students about space science can cultivate a new generation of scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts.
• Strategic Benefits: Use the mission to boost India's space autonomy, economic growth, and job creation.
• Environmental Consideration: Implement green technologies and sustainable practices in mission planning.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q. What significance does the Gaganyaan mission hold for India, and what are the various challenges associated with the mission? (15 marks, 250 words)