Context:
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch its first-ever test flight, TV-D1, for the Gaganyaan mission, marking a pivotal moment in India’s pursuit of human spaceflight.
Relevance:
GS III: Science and Technology
Dimensions of the Article:
- TV-D1 Mission
- Objective of the Test
TV-D1 Mission
- Mission Name: Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1)
- Purpose: Evaluate the readiness of the crew module for the Gaganyaan mission.
- Rocket Type: Single-stage liquid rocket designed specifically for this abort mission.
- Payloads: Crew Module (CM) and Crew Escape Systems (CES) with fast-acting solid motors, CM fairing (CMF), and Interface Adapters.
- Simulated Condition: This flight simulates the abort condition during the ascent trajectory corresponding to a Mach number of 1.2, as encountered in the Gaganyaan mission.
Objective of the Test:
- The test evaluates the abort and crew escape system, which functions similarly to an ejection seat in fighter jets, aiming to ensure the safety of crew members in case of in-flight anomalies.
- The Crew Escape System can automatically operate at various altitudes if the onboard computer detects malfunctions.
- This test simulates an abort condition during the ascent trajectory, ensuring the safety of Indian astronauts in the initial phase of the launch.
- During the test, the CES with CM is separated from the Test Vehicle at an altitude of approximately 17 km.
- Following the separation, the abort sequence is autonomously executed, involving the separation of CES, deployment of parachutes, and ultimately leading to the safe landing of CM in the sea, around 10 km from the coast of Sriharikota.
-Source: The Hindu
