The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that it will not rush its Gaganyaan project. The manned mission to space will be delayed to ensure that it is a “sure shot safe mission”. The decision was made due to the impact of COVID-19, which caused an inordinate delay. S Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, emphasized that the primary objective of the human space flight is safety.
Enhanced Testing and Demonstration Mission
ISRO has redefined the mission to ensure success in the first attempt. The space agency has enhanced the testing and demonstration mission. These exercises involve additional abort missions to ensure the safety of the crew. Somanath explained that the first exercise will probably happen in August, which was earlier planned in July. “So, two abort missions have to take place this year followed by an unmanned mission possibly by the beginning of next year,” the ISRO Chairman said.
The space scientist said that all the engine test programmes have been completed within ISRO. Hectic activities are taking place, and every week, at least some major tests are happening. According to him, eight major tests are there, and if all the tests successfully happen without any glitch, the launch will be between the time frame of 2024 and 2025. However, he also added that if he faces problems and challenges, which are natural in this process, he has to discount for the schedule.
Aditya-L1 and Chandrayaan-3 Missions
Aditya-L1, India’s first solar mission, is due to launch between August this year and January next year. Somanath stated that if they cannot launch it in August, then they will go to next year January. Regarding Chandrayaan-3, ISRO’s third moon mission, Somanath said that it is due to be launched in mid-July. ISRO will follow the same process that was adopted during the Chandrayaan-2 mission. He also added that the landing flight is just the same as previously, with no changes.
Somanath confirmed that what ISRO is doing is 100% indigenous. They are not buying anything from anybody to do it, but they buy some components such as electronic chips, processors, some high-end devices. However, they do not buy Chandrayaan lander from anybody.
ISRO is committed to prioritizing safety and ensuring that the Gaganyaan mission is a success. They are taking all necessary measures to achieve this, including enhanced testing and demonstration missions. The Aditya-L1 and Chandrayaan-3 missions are also on schedule, and ISRO is confident in their success.
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