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Gaganyaan Mission: ISRO LAUNCHES Its First TV-D1 Flight Test In 2nd Attempt, Succeeds

October 21, 2023
Bharat Times English News

In a significant milestone, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched its uncrewed flight test from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota launch facility in Andhra Pradesh, marking the first step towards the ambitious Gaganyaan mission.

This inaugural uncrewed flight test, known as the Test Vehicle Development Flight Mission-1 (TV-D1 Flight Test), was aborted at 8:45 am, 5 seconds before the launch, due to a problem in the engine ignition. Later, the errors were identified by the space agency and the second launch was scheduled for 10:00 am today. The ambitious mission to send astronauts to space is to test the safety of astronauts for future human space programmes as it is of paramount importance.

The countdown to this momentous event commenced, as announced by ISRO through a post on ‘X.’ This flight test vehicle’s mission is to demonstrate the functionality of the Crew Escape system, a vital component of the Gaganyaan mission. It will also validate the safe landing procedures in the Bay of Bengal following the rocket launch.

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This mission signifies a significant stride in India’s endeavour to showcase its capability to send humans into space. The TV-D1 Flight Test is designed to confirm India’s capacity to send humans into a 400-kilometre orbit and ensure their secure return to Earth, with a planned splashdown in the Bay of Bengal Sea.

Images of model rockets being arranged at the entrance of the Sriharikota launch facility serve as a visual testament to the anticipation surrounding this mission. The ISRO has outlined a comprehensive plan that includes about 20 major tests, including three uncrewed missions of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3).

The overarching vision of the Gaganyaan project involves demonstrating India’s proficiency in human spaceflight by launching a crew of three members into a 400-kilometre orbit for a 3-day mission and ensuring their safe return to Earth, with a landing in Indian sea waters. Success in this endeavour will position India as the fourth nation in the world to launch a manned spaceflight mission, following in the footsteps of the United States, Russia, and China.

This venture builds upon the achievements of prior Indian space missions, such as the Chandrayan-3 and Aditya L1 Missions. It aligns with the ambitious goals set by Prime Minister Modi, including the establishment of the ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ (Indian Space Station) by 2035 and sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040. These aspirations reflect India’s continuous commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and research.

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