Is ISRO Making Progress on the Gaganyaan Mission with the New Engine Development?
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Synopsis
In an important leap towards India's first crewed space mission, ISRO has successfully tested the Service Module Propulsion System for Gaganyaan. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the journey to demonstrate India's capabilities in human space exploration and paves the way for future missions.
Key Takeaways
- ISRO has completed vital tests for the Gaganyaan mission.
- The Service Module Propulsion System is essential for crew safety during the mission.
- Liquid Apogee Motor engines play a key role in orbit maneuvers.
- Testing involved a cumulative duration of over 14,000 seconds.
- The Gaganyaan mission aims for a 2027 launch.
New Delhi, July 12 (NationPress) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made significant strides towards the Gaganyaan Mission by successfully developing a crucial engine. The agency confirmed that two hot tests for the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) were carried out earlier this month.
In a statement, ISRO announced, “The qualification test program for the Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) of the Gaganyaan Mission has been successfully completed.”
On Friday, ISRO executed a full-duration hot test of the SMPS lasting 350 seconds to assess its integrated performance for the flight off-nominal mission profile related to SM-based mission abort scenarios. “The propulsion system's overall performance during the hot test was normal, aligning with our pre-test predictions,” ISRO added.
The Service Module (SM) for Gaganyaan employs a regulated bi-propellant propulsion system, fulfilling the needs for orbit circularization, on-orbit control, de-boost maneuvers, and abort scenarios during the ascent phase.
The Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engines are responsible for the primary propulsive force during the orbit circularization and de-boost phases, whereas the Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters offer precise attitude control.
ISRO reported that a System Demonstration Model (SDM) testbed was established to simulate the fluid circuit of the SMPS, which included the propellant tank feed system, helium pressurization system, flight-qualified thrusters, and control components.
The agency emphasized that the SDM for the SMPS has undergone 25 tests under both nominal and off-nominal conditions, totaling a cumulative duration of 14,331 seconds to meet various Gaganyaan mission scenarios and human rating criteria.
The Gaganyaan SMPS was developed and realized by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), with testing conducted at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri.
Scheduled for launch in 2027, Gaganyaan is India's ambitious human spaceflight mission aimed at demonstrating the country's capability to send a crewed spacecraft into low Earth orbit.
ISRO plans to execute at least two significant projects under the Gaganyaan mission this year, including a second test vehicle and an uncrewed mission. The uncrewed orbital test mission is a critical step in validating systems for crew safety and recovery.
Additionally, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of the four astronaut-designates for the Gaganyaan program, has been performing scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) that could contribute to the success of India's human spaceflight initiative. He is expected to return to Earth next week.
Point of View
ISRO's advancements in the Gaganyaan mission reflect India's commitment to space exploration and technological innovation. This progress not only enhances national pride but also contributes to global scientific endeavors, showcasing India's growing expertise in human spaceflight.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gaganyaan mission?
The Gaganyaan mission is India’s first human spaceflight program, aiming to send a crewed spacecraft into low Earth orbit, demonstrating the country’s capabilities in space exploration.
What is the significance of the Service Module Propulsion System?
The Service Module Propulsion System is crucial for managing the spacecraft's orbit circularization, on-orbit control, and abort maneuvers during the ascent phase, ensuring crew safety.
When is the Gaganyaan mission expected to launch?
The Gaganyaan mission is slated for launch in 2027.
Who are the astronaut-designates for the Gaganyaan program?
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and three other astronaut-designates are selected for the Gaganyaan program.
What tests have been conducted for the Gaganyaan mission?
ISRO has conducted several tests, including two hot tests for the Service Module Propulsion System, validating its performance for various mission scenarios.
