Gaganyaan: ISRO Completes Three Major Crew Module Tests Before Manned Mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed three critical tests of the Gaganyaan Crew Module systems, taking another step towards India's maiden human spaceflight mission.

According to ISRO, the first test validated the Crew Module Uprighting System, which is designed to ensure the capsule returns to an upright position after splashing down in the sea. The system uses stored cold gas to stabilise the module, a key safety feature intended to help astronauts after landing.

The space agency also tested the separation of the umbilical mechanism that connects the crew module, which carries the astronauts, with the service module that provides power and propulsion during the mission.

The mechanism consists of two components - CSU-1 on the crew module and CSU-2 on the service module. During the spacecraft's return journey, the service module separates after CSU-1 disconnects. Just before atmospheric re-entry, CSU-2 also detaches. ISRO said the test, carried out using a simulated crew module, demonstrated the clean separation of CSU-2 while confirming the structural stability of the crew module panel and its interfaces.

The third test assessed the crew module's structural integrity during the separation of the apex cover. According to the agency, the apex cover protects the parachutes and related systems throughout the mission and is jettisoned shortly before parachute deployment, allowing the crew module to descend safely for its planned splashdown.