Gaganyaan Mission FAQs: Know About Purpose Of Crewed Mission, Cost, Technologies And Beyond

India's space programme was highlighted today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he unveiled the names of four astronauts selected for the country's human space flight mission, Gaganyaan.

During an event at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, the four astronaut-designates were awarded astronaut wings. They have been trained in technical knowledge and physical fitness to ensure their well-being during the mission.

PM Modi on Gaganyan

"The aspirations of 140 crore Indians will be taken to space by the four Gaganyaan passengers. These individuals represent significant powers," stated the Prime Minister. He emphasized that India's space sector will reach new heights with the Gaganyaan mission, especially as India is poised to become the world's third-largest economy.

The Prime Minister highlighted the crucial role of women scientists in the space technology sector, noting that missions like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan are inconceivable without their contributions. India's success in the space sector, according to the Prime Minister, not only fosters scientific temperament among the youth but also positions the country as a dynamic global player in the 21st century, showcasing significant progress across various sectors.

Gaganyaan Mission FAQs

1. What is Gaganyaan Programme? What are the goals/objectives of Gaganyaan programme?

The Gaganyaan Programme aims to demonstrate human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in the short-term and lay the foundation for a sustained Indian human space exploration programme in the long run. Its objective is to demonstrate indigenous capability to undertake human spaceflight missions to LEO.

2. What are the likely benefits as a result of undertaking Gaganyaan programme?

The Human spaceflight programme offers both tangible and intangible benefits for the nation, including progress towards a sustained and affordable human and robotic space exploration, advanced technology capability, future collaboration in global space station development, wider Academia-Industry partnership, employment generation, youth inspiration, and strengthening of international partnerships.

3. What is the total cost of the Gaganyaan programme?

The total cost of the Gaganyaan Programme is approximately 9023.00 crores.

4. What is the purpose of uncrewed missions before the crewed mission?

Uncrewed missions serve for technology demonstration, safety, and reliability verification, heavily instrumented to study system performance before crewed flight.

5. What are the new technologies required for the Gaganyaan programme?

Major new technologies required include a human-rated launch vehicle, crew escape systems, habitable orbital module, life support system, and crew selection, training, and associated management activities.

6. How is ISRO executing the Gaganyaan programme?

ISRO is leading the overall coordination, systems engineering, and implementation of the Gaganyaan Programme. It will realize essential components utilizing in-house expertise and collaboration with Industry, Academia, and National agencies.

7. What is the eligibility and selection criteria of astronauts selected for the Gaganyaan Programme?

Astronaut trainees are selected from a pool of test pilots based on jointly defined selection criteria by ISRO and the Indian Air Force, including flying experience, fitness, psychological, and aeromedical evaluation.

8. Which all Indian agencies are collaborating with ISRO in the Gaganyaan Mission?

Major collaborating partners include Indian Armed Forces, Defence Research Development Organisation, Indian maritime agencies, Indian Meteorological Department, CSIR Labs, Academic institutes, and Industry partners.

9. What is ISRO's plan for a mission beyond the Gaganyaan programme?

After completing the Gaganyaan programme, ISRO will focus on achieving capability for a sustained human presence in space.

10. Is the Government planning to set up a space station in the future? What are the details, including the human crew model developed for the same?

Space station activities will be an extension of the Gaganyaan Programme, and detailed proposals and modalities will be worked out in the future. The Indian space station will serve as a platform for scientific and industrial research in various areas of fundamental, applied, and engineering sciences.