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#700 by vyoma on 25 Jul, 2022 18:57
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Gaganyaan food heater:
https://www.aajtak.in/science/photo/isro-gaganyaan-food-heater-indian-human-spaceflight-orbital-spacecraft-know-all-details-tstr-1505881-2022-07-25-5 [Hindi article]
https://www-aajtak-in.translate.goog/science/photo/isro-gaganyaan-food-heater-indian-human-spaceflight-orbital-spacecraft-know-all-details-tstr-1505881-2022-07-25-5?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp [Google Translated]QuoteDefense Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), a lab of Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), has designed a food heater to heat food for Gaganyaan astronauts. Based on this design, Bangalore-based Anantah Technologies has developed this food heater. aajtak.in reached the lab where it was made.
Quote... his food heater is mainly made of aluminum. Apart from this, some other metals have also been used. At the moment it is its open structure. Many types of electronic items will be installed in it now. Right now its weight is around 4.3 kg. Which will be about 6 kilograms after it is completely ready. 5 sachets of food can be heated in this food heater.
QuoteNow it is yet to be tested by putting electronics, switches and thermoplate in it. After this, by placing a pouch of food on it, its hotness will be checked. After this it will be installed in Gaganyaan.
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#701 by vyoma on 25 Jul, 2022 19:42
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Gaganyaan space food processing and manufacturing facility opened at DFRL, Mysore back in Jan 2021.
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#702 by vyoma on 25 Jul, 2022 23:14
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One of the experiments that'll fly on one of the Gaganyaan missions: https://ioe.iitm.ac.in/project/extra-terrestrial-manufacturing/ [archived]Quote
Extra Terrestrial Manufacturing
Project A2-4: In-situ optics fabrication (Investigators: Arunachalam (ME), in collaboration with Diwakar (JCASR)) This project aims at developing a 3-D printing system to use in the space for printing of optical components in space. In this project, the main challenge is to create a precise and uniform droplet formation from the nozzle in microgravity. The numerical simulation of the process was carried out using a multi-physics framework. An inkjet nozzle that forms a droplet in response to the driving signal was simulated considering a level set approach for liquid and air interface. The primary results obtained using the COMSOL software was encouraging and the final simulation with proper environmental variables is under progress. Also, the experimental setup that will aid in evaluation in the drop tower under microgravity is under progress. The collaborator Dr. Diwakar’s own setup has been accepted for flying the upcoming Gaganyaan mission; hence, via this collaboration the team has much to learn.QuoteIn October 2021, Dr. Diwakar S. Venkatesan, Assistant Professor, Engineering Mechanics Unit, JNSCR, Bengaluru, India gave a talk on the topic ‘Evolution of Faraday instability in microgravity conditions’. Dr. Diwakar’s setup has been chosen to fly in the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
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#703 by vyoma on 25 Jul, 2022 23:27
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Sona College of Technology seems to be building stepper motors for Gaganyaan mission: https://www.sonatech.ac.in/research/sonaspeed/projects-sona-speed-bldc-research-development.phpQuote
2). Realisation of Permanent magnet Duplex stepper motor for Gaganyaan project, Human Space Flight Centre, Bengaluru.
They've built BLDC motors GSLV Mk3 engine gimbal, RLV-TD, and stepper motors for a many ISRO missions. -
#704 by vyoma on 25 Jul, 2022 23:37
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Flight performance of Crew Escape System during pad abort condition: https://www.currentscience.ac.in/Volumes/120/01/0081.pdf [Jan 2021]
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#705 by vyoma on 26 Jul, 2022 05:46
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https://presse.cnes.fr/en/france-india-space-cooperation-cnes-joins-indian-human-spaceflight-programme [April 15, 2021]Quote
Thursday 15 April, during the official visit to India of Jean-Yves Le Drian, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, CNES and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced a new space cooperation agreement from the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) in Bangalore. Under this agreement, France will be contributing to India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
The first space agreement between France and India dates back to 1964. Existing partnerships between the two nations cover almost all areas of space activity. ISRO will also be launching the joint Oceansat 3-Argos mission this year. With the new agreement, France will be taking part in the great technological and human challenge that is the Gaganyaan programme.
The Gaganyaan orbital spacecraft project was kicked off in August 2018. It originally intended to send aloft an astronaut from Indian soil to mark the 75th anniversary of the country’s independence in 2022. Test flights will carry an instrumented humanoid robot. The capsule will orbit at an altitude of 400 kilometres for seven days before splashing down in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Ahmedabad.
ISRO has asked CNES to help prepare for Gaganyaan missions and to serve as its single European contact in this domain. Under the terms of the agreement, CNES will train India’s flight physicians and CAPCOM mission control teams in France at the CADMOS centre for the development of microgravity applications and space operations at CNES in Toulouse and at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany. The agreement provides for CNES to support implementation of a scientific experiment plan on validation missions, exchange information on food packaging and the nutrition programme, and above all the use by Indian astronauts of French equipment, consumables and medical instruments. French equipment developed by CNES, tested and still operating aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will thus be made available to Indian crews. Thomas Pesquet, who is set to make his second flight to the ISS on 22 April for the Alpha mission, had previously tested these devices on his first spaceflight. Lastly, CNES will also be supplying fireproof carry bags made in France to shield equipment from shocks and radiation.
This cooperation could be extended in the future to parabolic flights operated by Novespace to test instruments and for astronaut training, as well as technical support for construction of an astronaut training centre in Bangalore. Ultimately, ISRO would like to leverage CNES’s experience in long-duration spaceflights with a view to developing an Indian space station. -
#706 by vyoma on 27 Jul, 2022 17:21
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Ananth Technologies completed building checkout systems for Gaganyaan Crew Module [27 Jul 2022]:
https://twitter.com/satcom_india/status/1552285886670606336 -
#707 by vyoma on 30 Jul, 2022 07:55
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VSSC, ISRO recently published a tender for fabrication and supply of Crew Module apex cover [10 Jun 2022]:
https://www.isro.gov.in/vssc-purchase-unit-vi-cmse-purchase-cmse-vs2021p-0-2723-01
https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:1wr1_iybaCEJ:https://eproc.isro.gov.in/viewDocumentPT%3FtenderId%3DVS202200272301
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#708 by vyoma on 03 Aug, 2022 09:44
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HSFC, ISRO recently put out a tender for fabrication of "Honeycombs for Crew Seat Impact Attenuation System" (250 count): https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/tenders/hsfc-pt-02-2022-23.pdf [01 Aug 2022]Quote
At the final phase of the mission, water impact of CM [Crew Module] occurs which induces large impact loads to the crew. In order to shield the crew from these impact loads, energy absorbers have to be used in impact attenuators. These energy absorbers will deform plastically and absorb the impact ...
QuoteIt is decided to make use of honeycomb based energy absorbers in Gaganyaan mission ...
QuoteA delivery schedule of 22 weeks is envisaged for delivery of these materials from the date of PO [Purchase Order] placement.
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#709 by lucspace on 04 Aug, 2022 12:37
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The shape of the Gaganyaan CM is depicted very differently in various sources: I compare two recent ones in the attachment.
Which is the correct one?
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#710 by vyoma on 04 Aug, 2022 20:34
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The shape of the Gaganyaan CM is depicted very differently in various sources: I compare two recent ones in the attachment.
Which is the correct one?
Crew Module shape has changed quite lot over the years in various ISRO presentations and renderings
Older renders from ISRO even had 4 solar panels, and now they have 2 solar panels. It has also changed from 3 crew to 2 crew now. The render that I posted here is an old one, and I just posted it to show "Crew Module Apex Cover".
Renders and full-scale mockup shown in recent Human Spaceflight Expo should be the ones that are closer to the real thing. -
#711 by vyoma on 04 Aug, 2022 20:36
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ISRO HRLV (Human Rated Launch Vehicle) qualification progress.
This is from a presentation dated 03 Jul 2022: 24th INS Webinar : Harnessing Space Technology By Dr A S Kiran Kumar
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#712 by vyoma on 04 Aug, 2022 22:04
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Gaganyaan upcoming tests in 2022-23: Integrated Air Drop Test, TV-D1 and TV-D2.
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#713 by vyoma on 04 Aug, 2022 22:07
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Microgravity experiments shortlisted for Gaganyaan unmanned missions.
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#714 by vyoma on 05 Aug, 2022 18:11
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"Expression-of-Interest for Development, Realisation & Qualification Testing of Crew Seat Assembly":
https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/tenders/eoi-04-_crew_seat.pdf [11 March 2020]
https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/tenders/eoi-_crew_seat_assembly_compressed.pdf [16 Dec 2020]
ISRO published an EoI on 11 March 2020 with scope of work for development, realization, and testing of following:
1) Crew Seat Frame Palette
2) Crew Bucket and Liner
3) Impact Attenuators
Later, they published another EoI on 16 Dec 2020 just for development, realization, and testing of Crew Seat Frame Palette and Impact Attenuators.
ISRO removed Crew Bucket and Liner from the scope of work for indigenous design and realization EoI. I guess they might've decided to go ahead with Russian crew seats by the time: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/will-space-suits-for-gaganyaan-astronauts-come-from-russia/articleshow/70799474.cms [24 Aug 2019]QuoteA statement issued from Moscow, Russian space agency Roscosmos, read: "...Russia and India are expecting to negotiate the contracts to supply windows, crew seats and spacesuits for the Indian crewed mission."
Note that ISRO recently put out a tender for fabrication and supply of 250 Honeycombs for Crew Seat Impact Attenuation System. Looks like they've completed design and qualification, and now going ahead with production: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=28405.msg2392357#msg2392357
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#715 by vyoma on 09 Aug, 2022 17:42
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https://www.spsmai.com/experts-speak/?id=1179&q=Indias-Venus-Mission [05 June 2022]Quote
Hardware realisation of the L110 stage and the C25 stage (cryo) for the first uncrewed mission (G1) mission is nearing completion, propellant tankages, inter stage structure have been realised and delivered to IPRC (propulsion complex). For C25, the thrust frame realisation is in an advanced stage. Configuration of IVHM (integrated vehicle health management) systems, including HRLV and OM has been worked out. The first high altitude pitch motor (HPM ST-01) was successfully static tested on July 20, 2021 at TERLS (Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launch Station) and the first low altitude pitch motor (LPM ST-01) was successfully static tested on December 29, 2021.
QuoteConfiguration of cabin ventilation unit (CVU) for establishing contact with the atmosphere post touchdown is complete, while configuration of air revitalisation system (ARS) has been finalised. While accommodation and routine of ECLSS components is complete for the SM, it is ongoing in the Crew Module (CM). At the second vehicle assembly building (SVAB) of the spaceport in Sriharikota, ISRO has completed platform travel range changes to accommodate orbital module activities and drawings for the clean tent specifications have been finalised. Aside from these, civil construction work is in progress for the OM preparation facility (OMPF) and Gaganyaan control facility (GCF).
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#716 by vyoma on 10 Aug, 2022 21:29
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https://www.isro.gov.in/update/10-aug-2022/gaganyaan-low-altitude-escape-motor-lem-static-testQuote
Aug 10, 2022
Gaganyaan Low Altitude Escape Motor (LEM) Static Test
Another important milestone in the Gaganyaan project is completed, by successfully test-firing the Low Altitude Escape Motor (LEM) of Crew Escape System, from Sriharikota on August 10, 2022.
The Crew Escape System (CES) takes away the Crew module of Gaganyaan mission in case of any eventuality and rescues the astronauts.
In case of mission-abort during the initial phase of flight, LEM provides required thrust to CES, to take away Crew Module from the launch vehicle.
LEM is a distinctive special purpose solid rocket motor with four reverse flow nozzles and generates maximum sea level thrust of 842 kN (nominal) with burn time of 5.98 s (nominal). The nozzle end of LEM is mounted at the fore end of the launch vehicle unlike at aft end in conventional rocket motors to avoid exhaust plume impingement on crew module. This necessitates the use of a reverse flow multiple nozzle in this solid rocket motor. The reverse flow nozzle implies the reversal of the exhaust gas flow direction in the nozzle region.
The main objectives of the static test are:
a) To evaluate motor ballistic parameters.
b) To validate motor subsystem performance and to confirm the design margins.
c) To evaluate the thermal performance of nozzle liners; especially to confirm the erosion / ablative characteristics.
d) To validate integrity of all interfaces.
e) To evaluate the head-end mounted safe arm (HMSA) based ignition system performance.
f) To evaluate side thrust due to misalignment and variation in flow and other functional parameters including flow reversal.
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#717 by TheVarun on 11 Aug, 2022 13:29
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Just finished reading all 36 pages of this thread! Very informative and educative. There is undoubtedly assistance for this program from Russia, and a bit from France, but the largest developer of the Gaganyaan crew module, by a huge margin, is ISRO and India itself with all the institutes and vendors( probably in their dozens) contributing their mite. Covid, politics and technical challenges have delayed this project, ISRO will surmount these and conduct a successful mission in the near future. Good reason to be optimistic after the 36 page marathon
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#718 by vyoma on 11 Aug, 2022 17:45
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https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/interview/an-anomaly-for-two-seconds-in-one-of-accelerometers-in-launch-vehicle-led-to-sslv-missions-underperformance-isro-chief/article65758052.ece?homepage=true [11 Aug 2022]Quote
There are different missions planned. The first and foremost is the abort mission. So we are planning to do a test vehicle flight… There are four abort flights we are planning to do. Two of them will be done immediately. After that, we will do the first GSLV-MkIII unmanned flight. After that, we will do two more abort missions. Then we will do the second unmanned mission for the Gaganyaan. Only after these six flights, we will do the manned mission.
Total six missions to go before manned missions:
1) Two abort missions, most likely TV-D1 and TV-D2.
2) One unmanned GSLV Mk3 flight.
3) Two more abort missions.
4) One more unmanned GSLV Mk3 flight.
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#719 by vyoma on 11 Aug, 2022 18:03
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https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/interview/an-anomaly-for-two-seconds-in-one-of-accelerometers-in-launch-vehicle-led-to-sslv-missions-underperformance-isro-chief/article65758052.ece [11 Aug 2022]Quote
No information is available on who these Indian astronauts are...
They are Indians (laughs).QuoteThey are IAF test pilots?
They are Indians. That is the most important news you should know.QuoteWill two or three go in the first flight?
That is a decision we will take a little later. Currently, we are training four people. The choice of flying one, two or three, that decision we will take a little later.QuoteHow long will they stay in orbit? What kind of experiments will they perform?
The original intent was to keep them in orbit for at least seven days and do some experiments related to micro-gravity. This was the plan… But the experiments are they themselves and their vehicle itself is an experiment. So they will conduct psycho-physiological measurements, the whole system validation etc.
But then, seven days are a long period. It will need a lot of resources including water, oxygen and other things. It is not a very big habitat [the crew module]. It is a compact habitat. So definitely, we will not venture into one week in the first mission.QuoteThe duration will be much shorter than one week in this mission.
QuoteWill the manned flight be in 2024?
Our attempt is to do it by the end of 2023 or in 2024.
Older renders from ISRO even had 4 solar panels, and now they have 2 solar panels. It has also changed from 3 crew to 2 crew now. The render that I