Bengaluru, NFAPost: In a recent development, Union Minister Jitendra Singh shed light on the progress of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) ambitious Gaganyaan mission, revealing that crucial trials for this space odyssey are scheduled to kick off in October.
Phase Two: Welcoming Vyommitra
The forthcoming phase of the Gaganyaan mission brings with it the introduction of “Vyommitra,” a humanoid robot bearing the semblance of an astronaut, elegantly dressed in female attire. This artificial entity is meticulously designed to emulate a spectrum of tasks that human spacefarers would typically execute in the challenging milieu of outer space.
Astronauts in the Spotlight
Beyond these preliminary stages, the Gaganyaan project will proceed with its manned mission, involving the deployment of one to three astronauts into the cosmic expanse. Minister Jitendra Singh anticipates that this momentous phase may embark on its journey into the cosmos as early as 2024.
The Pandemic’s Influence
A significant factor contributing to the mission’s timeline has been the far-reaching impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, which wrought havoc on meticulously laid plans and disrupted activities across the board.
Unraveling Vyommitra’s Role
Vyommitra’s existence is rooted in its capacity to undertake specific functions critical for assessing human behaviour in the unforgiving conditions of space. This advanced planning is pivotal in ensuring the well-being and safety of astronauts during their perilous sojourns. Vyommitra’s activities are meticulously designed to mirror those expected of human astronauts during space missions.
Deciphering the Gaganyaan Mission
The Gaganyaan mission represents a comprehensive foray into the realm of space, aimed at showcasing India’s prowess in human spaceflight. The overarching objective revolves around sending a crew of three individuals on an orbit approximately 400 kilometres above Earth for a mission spanning three days, culminating in their safe return to our planet’s embrace. This endeavour necessitates the development of critical technologies, including crew-rated launch vehicles, life support systems, and emergency escape provisions. To ensure the impeccable safety and reliability of all systems, unmanned missions will precede the final manned venture.
Vyommitra: The Vital Component
Vyommitra, the female humanoid robot, has been a focal point of attention since its unveiling during the ‘Human Spaceflight and Exploration – Present Challenges and Future Trends’ event in 2021. Bearing a name that fuses the Sanskrit words “Vyoma” (Space) and “Mitra” (Friend), Vyommitra has been purposefully designed for its pivotal role in the unmanned Gaganyaan mission.
Contributions of Vyommitra
During the mission, Vyommitra’s responsibilities encompass a wide spectrum of vital tasks. These include vigilant monitoring of module parameters, issuing timely alerts, conducting life support operations, managing switch panel functions, and faithfully emulating other essential human actions within the demanding and isolated space environment.
In essence, the Gaganyaan mission, with Vyommitra as a critical participant, stands as a testament to India’s determination to conquer the cosmos, transcending the bounds of our planet and propelling human space exploration into uncharted territories.
