Why is it in the News?
- ISRO is progressing with human spaceflight under the Gaganyaan programme.
- Recent successful tests of the CES validate astronaut safety mechanisms during critical phases of launch.
- The news highlights India’s capability in human-rated launch systems and contingency management.
Relevance:
- GS 3 – Science & Technology
- Human spaceflight, launch vehicle technology, crew safety mechanisms, aerospace engineering.
- Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) systems.
- GS 2 – Governance & International Cooperation
- India’s space policy, mission assurance, technological self-reliance.
Basic Concepts
- Gaganyaan Mission: India’s first human spaceflight to low-earth orbit (~400 km) using human-rated LVM3 (HLVM3).
- Crew Safety Priority: Safety is paramount over mission success at all phases — launch pad, ascent, orbit, and descent.
- CES Purpose: Rapidly separates crew module from a malfunctioning rocket during atmospheric ascent to ensure astronaut survival.
CES Functionality
- Operates during initial atmospheric phase (critical due to hypersonic speeds and high structural loads).
- Must overcome acceleration of HLVM3 (cannot shut down solid boosters) to pull crew to safety.
- Acceleration tolerance: Up to 10 g for a few seconds; crew positioned in “child in cradle” orientation.
- Improves survival using:
- Heritage-based design
- Redundant systems
- Robust mission planning
Types of CES
| Type | Mechanism | Example | Notes |
| Puller | Pulls crew module away from rocket | Gaganyaan | Uses thrust to extract module; safer integration with solid-fuel boosters |
| Pusher | Pushes crew module away using high-thrust engines | SpaceX Falcon 9 | Compact liquid-fuel engines; suitable for different propulsion tech |
Post-Separation Safety
- Crew module decelerates using multistage parachute system.
- Ensures safe sea splashdown within physiological limits.
- Integrated with Vehicle Health Management system to monitor crew and vehicle in real-time.
Testing and Validation
- ISRO developed a single-stage test vehicle powered by Vikas engine.
- First successful CES test: October 2023 during transonic flight (subsonic → supersonic).
- Additional tests planned to simulate critical ascent conditions.
- Confirms CES as a cornerstone of astronaut safety in Gaganyaan.
Significance
- Demonstrates India’s advancement in human-rated space technology.
- Validates emergency escape protocols, aligning with international safety standards.
- Builds confidence for crewed missions, supporting India’s space exploration and scientific ambitions.
- Highlights ISRO’s focus on mission assurance and risk mitigation.
Quick Revision
- Mission Goal: Transport astronauts safely to LEO (~400 km) and back.
- CES Type: Puller type; accelerates up to 10 g.
- Safety Mechanism: Multistage parachutes + Vehicle Health Management.
- Tested: Oct 2023 with single-stage test vehicle (Vikas engine).
- Critical Phase: Atmospheric ascent with solid-fuel boosters.
