ISRO completes three key Gaganyaan crew module tests ahead of human spaceflight
New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday announced the successful completion of three major qualification tests for critical systems of the Gaganyaan crew module, marking another significant milestone in India's first human spaceflight mission.
The first test focused on the crew module uprighting system (CMUS), designed to ensure the capsule returns to an upright position after splashing down in the sea — a crucial safety requirement for astronauts following re-entry.
ISRO said the cold-gas-based uprighting system underwent a successful system-level qualification test. The setup included all elements of the CMUS, with stored gas from a high-pressure bottle used to inflate the flotation system through controlled valve operations.
"The inflation tests for the primary inflation module were successfully conducted, demonstrating the performance of the crew module uprighting system," the space agency said.
The second test evaluated the separation of the crew module's umbilical mechanism, which connects the crew module to the service module that supplies power and propulsion during flight.
The mechanism comprises two units — CSU-1 on the crew module side and CSU-2 on the service module side. During the mission, the service module separates from the crew module after CSU-1 disconnects, while CSU-2 detaches shortly before atmospheric re-entry.
According to ISRO, the test successfully demonstrated the clean separation of CSU-2 from a simulated crew module, while also confirming the structural stability of the crew module panel and its interfaces.
The third qualification test assessed the structural integrity of the crew module during the apex cover separation event. The apex cover protects the parachutes and associated systems throughout the mission and is jettisoned before parachute deployment to slow the crew module during its descent.
ISRO said all three tests were completed successfully, strengthening the readiness of the Gaganyaan programme as India advances towards its maiden human spaceflight mission.
(PTI)