First test flight of unmanned Gaganyaan crew module escape system on Oct 21

The unmanned test flight mission of the crew module escape system, using ISRO's heaviest rocket LVM3 will take place from the spaceport of Sriharikota and the preparatory works are underway, according to ISRO Chief S.Somanath.

Preparations for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), which would demonstrate the performance of the Crew Escape System, are in full swing at the SDSC-SHAR Range.

"The first unmanned test mission TV-D1 will take place on October 21, which will be followed by three more test flights TV-D2, TV-D3 and TV-D4 to test the systems before the maiden human flight mission," he said.

Union Minister of State for Space, Science and Technology Jitendra Singh had earlier told reporters in New Delhi that the first of multiple test flights ahead of the Gaganyaan mission--India’s first manned mission to space-will take place on October 21.

The test is intended to test the ‘crew module’ or the part of vehicle where the Indian astronauts will be housed.

The test involves launching the module into outer space and bringing it back to earth and recovering it after touchdown in the Bay of Bengal.

The Navy personnel have already started mock operations to recover the module, he said, adding, along with the crew module, there will also be a ‘crew escape’ system.

If the spacecraft malcfunctions while ascending into the space, this escape system is expected to separate and bring the crew safely back to sea where they will be picked up by the Indian Navy.

The Gaganyaan mission is expected to take place in the second quarter of next year.

(With UNI inputs)