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#780
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 12 Aug, 2023 11:04
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#781
by
vyoma
on 22 Aug, 2023 18:58
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#782
by
vyoma
on 22 Aug, 2023 18:58
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Update
I will be working with the Navy for their next circumnavigation attempt.
In addition I am also helping @isro with India’s first manned space mission.
Thrilled to be consulting for a sea and space circumnavigation simultaneously. Both have been very close to my heart.
Truly, adventure has an unknown outcome.
#gaganyaan
https://twitter.com/abhilashtomy/status/1693640002876371143
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#783
by
vyoma
on 24 Aug, 2023 17:37
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#784
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 28 Aug, 2023 12:43
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https://twitter.com/tobyliiiiiiiiii/status/1695766466816319688𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮’𝘀 🇮🇳 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.
The space station, consisting of 3 modules can host 3 astronauts for 20 days at a time.
The Gaganyaan crew spacecraft, with its first launch in 2025, will ferry astronauts to & from the space station.
ISRO plans to launch the first module by 2035, and will make India a global space super power.
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#785
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 29 Aug, 2023 04:48
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Looks like one of the three modules is inflatable.
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#786
by
vyoma
on 02 Sep, 2023 00:05
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https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/ce-20-cryogenic-rocket-engine-tested-successfully/article67252443.ece [August 31, 2023]
CE-20 cryogenic rocket engine tested successfully
As the ISRO is to use CE – 20 cryogenic engine in its ‘Mission Gaganyaan’ for sending man to space in 2024 and bringing the astronauts back to earth after remaining for three days at an orbit of 400 km, the engine is undergoing a range of tests.
Since cryogenic engine CE – 20 is to be used in the upper stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark – 3, it was tested in the IPRC for 720 seconds on Wednesday.
“The test, which was conducted to confirm the engine’s capacity, thrust, endurance, heat resistance etc., went well and produced all desired and expected results,” said sources in IPRC.
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#787
by
vyoma
on 03 Sep, 2023 15:42
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twitter.com/tobyliiiiiiiiii/status/1695766466816319688
𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮’𝘀 🇮🇳 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.
I don't think ISRO is actively working on a space station. I guess these are are just concepts displayed at their events/exhibitions. This mockup is called HOME (Human-tended Orbital space station for Microgravity Experiments), and was displayed in Human Spaceflight Expo 2022.
More info here:
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=28405.msg2389455#msg2389455
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#788
by
vyoma
on 06 Sep, 2023 18:44
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https://www.indiatoday.in/science/gaganyaan-mission/story/exclusive-top-isro-scientist-reveals-new-details-about-gaganyaan-mission-2431166-2023-09-05 [Sep 5, 2023]
“We also have a test vehicle project where an L-40 engine, a GSLV booster, will be assembled with the Crew Module on top, and will be fired. At a particular speed of 1.1 Mach, at 10 kilometers altitude, we will initiate ejection and see how it gets aborted and brings back the crew safely. After checking all this we will go ahead with our GX and G1 missions”, stated the director.
Rajarajan also discussed the infrastructure requirements for the mission, stating that a separate facility is being established for the preparation of the orbital module, which includes the crew module, the service module, and the crew escape system.
This Orbital Module Preparation Facility will be responsible for checking and assembling all systems. Additionally, an extra clean room is being installed in the assembly area to make the systems more robust, and a separate launch termination room is being created. All these facilities will be connected to the Gaganyaan Control Facility, which will monitor the health of the vehicle, the crew module, and the astronauts.
“All this will come to the Gaganyan Control Facility where we will monitor the health of the vehicle, crew module, and the Gaganauts. We are refurbishing an old First Launch Vehicle facility called LCC," stated Director Rajarajan.
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#789
by
vyoma
on 08 Sep, 2023 15:17
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https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/after-chandrayaan-success-midhani-is-ready-for-isros-gaganyaan/article67284466.ece [September 08, 2023]
Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (Midhani), the defence public sector unit specialising in making special steels and alloys for the strategic sector, is ready for the Gaganyaan Mission after playing a successful role in the Chandrayaan Mission in supplying vital materials for making the launch vehicle, engine, motors, lander and the rover on the Moon.
It has already transferred the entire Gaganyaan project sets of materials for making rockets, engines, crew modules and others sufficient for “five launches”, though the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning three with the last one likely to take the humans into space, disclosed chairman and managing director S.K. Jha.
“For Gaganyaan Mission, we have to be very careful as it calls for highest standard of purity of raw materials, during processing and after processing, we have witnesses stringent quality controls. To achieve that kind of performance we have to take precautions from the beginning. It is a big challenge. In every stage, ISRO has sought 20% extra,” said Dr. Jha.
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#790
by
vyoma
on 15 Sep, 2023 17:51
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https://www.ndtv.com/science/isro-to-launch-first-test-vehicle-mission-for-gaganyaan-in-a-month-or-two-4393576 [September 15, 2023]
The first test vehicle mission of India's ambitious maiden human spaceflight venture Gaganyaan to validate the crew escape system will be launched in a month or two, a key ISRO official said on Friday.
According to officials of the Bengaluru-headquartered national space agency, it would be the first of the four abort missions of the Gaganyaan programme.
The first test vehicle mission, TV-D1, would be followed by the second test vehicle mission, TV-D2, and the first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan (LVM3-G1).
The second series of test vehicle missions (TV-D3 and D4) and the LVM3-G2 mission with a robotic payload are planned next. The crewed mission is planned based on the outcome of the successful test vehicle and uncrewed missions, they said.
"I am glad to say that the LVM3 has been human-rated. When we say human-rated, it should have adequate safety margins," Hutton told the conference, which was organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry.
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#791
by
GewoonLukas_
on 11 Oct, 2023 18:19
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India to conduct key test in crewed space mission on Oct 21
October 10, 2023
NEW DELHI, Oct 10 (Reuters) - India will conduct a key test in its ambitious space mission Gaganyaan on Oct. 21, launching an empty module into outer space and bringing it back to earth, deputy minister for science and technology Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday.
[...]
The test this month will be conducted from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in southern India and will look at the efficacy of the crew escape system, which can be used to eject astronauts in emergencies.
It will be followed by another test flight carrying a robot to outer space before the final manned mission takes place, the minister said.
"Before the ultimate manned 'Gaganyaan' mission, there will be a test flight next year, which will carry Vyommitra, the female robot astronaut," he said.
While an exact timeline has not been shared, the main mission is expected to be launched from the country's main spaceport in Sriharikota before the end of 2024.
Singh was speaking at a program to commend Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists associated with the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which made India the first country to land on the south pole of the moon.
[...]
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#792
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 17 Oct, 2023 13:15
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https://twitter.com/chethan_dash/status/1714210083356508487#Update #Space #Gaganyaan
Details from a high-level meeting chaired by PM suggest India could send #astronauts into space & bring them back safely in 2025, while PM has set more ambitious goals of a space station by 2035 & humans on #Moon by 2040 for @isro & DoS. 1/n
During the meeting, DoS presented a comprehensive overview of Gaganyaan, highlighting key technologies such as human-rated launch vehicles and system qualification. 2/n
Notably, plans for approximately 20 major tests, including three uncrewed missions of the human-rated launch vehicle (HLVM3), were discussed. The first demonstration flight of the crew escape system (CES) — the TV-D1 mission — is scheduled for Oct 21. 3/n
“The meeting evaluated the mission’s readiness, affirming its launch in 2025,” the PMO said, adding that the PM also set more ambitious goals, building on the successes of previous Indian space initiatives, including Chandrayaan-3 and the Aditya L1 Missions. 4/n
The PM directed DoS to work toward establishing the Indian Space Station by 2035 and sending the first Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040, it added. 5/n
To turn these visions into reality, DoS is tasked with developing #Moon exploration roadmap, including a series of #Chandrayaan missions, creation of a #NGLV, construction of new launch pad, establishment of human-centric labs & development of associated technologies. 6/n
In addition to lunar exploration, the PM called upon Indian scientists to focus on interplanetary missions, which may include a #Venus Orbiter Mission and a #Mars Lander. n/n
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#793
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 17 Oct, 2023 13:20
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https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1968368Prime Minister reviews readiness of Gaganyaan Mission
Indian Space Station to be set up by 2035
India to send Man to Moon by 2040
India to undertake missions to Venus and Mars
Posted On: 17 OCT 2023 1:53PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to assess progress of India’s Gaganyaan Mission and to outline the future of India’s space exploration endeavours.
The Department of Space presented a comprehensive overview of the Gaganyaan Mission, including various technologies developed so far such as human-rated launch vehicles and system qualification. It was noted that around 20 major tests, including 3 uncrewed missions of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3) are planned. First demonstration flight of the Crew Escape System Test Vehicle is scheduled on 21 October. The meeting evaluated the mission’s readiness, affirming its launch in 2025.
Building on the success of the Indian space initiatives, including the recent Chandrayan-3 and Aditya L1 Missions, Prime Minister directed that India should now aim for new and ambitious goals, including setting up ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ (Indian Space Station) by 2035 and sending first Indian to the Moon by 2040.
To realize this Vision, the Department of Space will develop a roadmap for Moon exploration. This will encompass a series of Chandrayaan missions, the development of a Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), construction of a new launch pad, setting up human-centric Laboratories and associated technologies.
Prime Minister also called upon Indian scientists to work towards interplanetary missions that would include a Venus Orbiter Mission and a Mars Lander.
Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence in India’s capabilities and affirmed the nation's commitment to scaling new heights in space exploration.
***
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#794
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 18 Oct, 2023 17:59
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https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/10/india-sets-sights-on-a-moon-landing-in-2040-but-is-it-realistic/India sets sights on a Moon landing in 2040, but is it realistic?
Also on tap for India: A space station and a Venus orbiter.
by Eric Berger - Oct 18, 2023 3:28pm GMT
In recent years the nation of India has embraced spaceflight as a means of establishing itself as a major geopolitical player. The Soviet Union and United States, of course, pioneered the use of space exploration to exercise soft power in the 1960s during the Cold War. More recently China has used its various space missions, both human and scientific, to bolster its international prestige.
And now India is seeking to do the same.
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#795
by
sanman
on 22 Oct, 2023 09:44
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https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/10/india-sets-sights-on-a-moon-landing-in-2040-but-is-it-realistic/
India sets sights on a Moon landing in 2040, but is it realistic?
Also on tap for India: A space station and a Venus orbiter.
by Eric Berger - Oct 18, 2023 3:28pm GMT
In recent years the nation of India has embraced spaceflight as a means of establishing itself as a major geopolitical player. The Soviet Union and United States, of course, pioneered the use of space exploration to exercise soft power in the 1960s during the Cold War. More recently China has used its various space missions, both human and scientific, to bolster its international prestige.
And now India is seeking to do the same.
Further key questions in the article:
What rocket will be used?
The prime minister's statement is fairly vague on how India will achieve its lunar aims: "To realize this Vision, the Department of Space will develop a roadmap for Moon exploration. This will encompass a series of Chandrayaan missions, the development of a Next Generation Launch Vehicle, construction of a new launch pad, setting up human-centric Laboratories and associated technologies."
Basically, this is saying "to be determined." The statement mentions a Next Generation Launch Vehicle, however this rocket will be able to lift about the same mass to orbit as the Falcon 9 rocket. Based on recent updates, the new rocket is intended to have a lift capacity of about 20 metric tons to low-Earth orbit. This is not nearly powerful enough for lunar crewed missions.
It's not precisely clear what the payload-to-LEO capability is supposed to be for expendable launches. It's possible that more enhanced variants will evolve over time (think Falcon Heavy?)
Flown reusably, that NGLV will likely be a key enabler for getting the space station done at a bearable cost:
Moreover, this new rocket is unlikely to fly before 2030 and is still in the basic phase of design. Reportedly, ISRO has not even decided whether its propulsion system will use kerosene or methane as propellant.
So this rocket will not be the vehicle that takes Indians to the Moon—such a rocket will require a longer process, perhaps taking a decade or so to design, develop, test, and ultimately fly. Indian officials have said nothing about such a super heavy lift vehicle.
I see 2040 manned moon-landing as notional/aspirational. It's that distant point which guides the developmental course of the programs which are supposed to be leading toward it. The national euphoria over the happy outcome of the Chandrayaan-3 moon-landing demands that the Moon be kept in view for greater guiding goals.
ISRO Chairman Somnath has been the strongest advocate for the NGLV, with the goal of taking Indian spaceflight to the next level thru reusability, and his successful delivery of the Chandrayaan-3 moon-landing then means that a delighted Modi govt is going to help him make this happen.
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#796
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 25 Oct, 2023 05:02
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https://twitter.com/chethan_dash/status/1717035175769731248#Update #Space #thread
@isro, which successfully carried out an in-flight abort test as part of #Gaganyaan last week will attempt an integrated air drop test involving dropping of the crew module from a helicopter next, while other abort tests are scheduled thereafter. 1/n
As of Tuesday, the space agency was carrying out analysis of the recovered crew module (CM) from Saturday’s mission while other data from the crew escape system (CES) and CM from its descent was also being studied. 2/n
Aside from understanding the data for the performance of the various systems, which Isro chairman S Somanath had said prima facie, performed as planned, the space agency will also look at how the systems within the CM have survived after the impact on the Bay of Bengal. 3/n
Close on the heels of this mission, Isro, as per current plans, will carry out an integrated air drop test, A Rajarajan, director, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), the spaceport in Sriharikota, had told me last Thursday. 5/n
“When this test will be scheduled will depend on what we learn from the in-flight abort test, tentatively, we are looking at December. The integrated air drop test will see the module being dropped using a helicopter over the sea… 6/n
…It will help understand impact from various heights and velocity which we can compare with designs for nominal conditions,” he had said. 7/n
Once the air drop test is complete, Isro is expected to conduct another pad abort test (PAT) — where an anomaly would be simulated while the vehicle carrying the CES and CM is still on the launch pad, leading to an abort and taking the crew module to safety. 8/n
While the space agency had carried out a PAT in 2018, testing multiple new technologies in one mission, Isro chairman S Somanath had told me earlier this year that they will have to redo the crucial PAT as there has been substantial design changes since the previous PAT. 9/n
“...So, that PAT is no longer valid. The complete system of the Gaganyaan crew module and CES has seen major changes, which means we have to repeat PAT. 10/n
The spaceport is also creating multiple new infrastructure as part of preparations for Gaganyaan, which will be the precursor to more ambitious goals — establishing a space station by 2035 and sending humans to Moon by 2040 — set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. n/n
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#797
by
Jajar
on 28 Oct, 2023 04:25
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Guys, any news on ISRO astronaut training hub in Challakere ? It was announced in 2020. We are in 2023, has it finally come up ? If yes, have the astronauts started training at the facility?
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#798
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 03 Nov, 2023 09:51
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https://twitter.com/isrospaceflight/status/1720396271549297116#ISRO is targeting March 2024 for #Gaganyaan's 2nd inflight abort test or TV-D2!! 🚀
The Crew Module on TV-D2 will be much closer to the final version as it'll include crew heat systems, post-splashdown CM uprighting system & even seats for the crew etc., unlike in TV-D1.
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#799
by
lucspace
on 29 Nov, 2023 07:34
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Gaganyaan configuration in recent ISRO video: