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Gaganyaan programme
Why is it in news?
- The Union Cabinet approved the ambitious Gaganyaan programme, which will send three Indian astronauts to space for up to seven days by 2022 at a cost of Rs.10,000 crore.
- The project was first announced by Prime Minster Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech this year.
- As part of the programme, two unmanned flights and one manned flight will be undertaken.
More in news
- Vyomnauts: Indian astronauts will be called “Vyomnauts” as “Vyom” means “Space” in Sanskrit.
- Target: The first human space flight demonstration is targeted to be completed within 40 months of the sanction date.
- Prior preparations: Prior to this, two unmanned flights in full complement will be carried out to gain confidence.
- Launch vehicle: ISRO has developed the launch vehicle GSLV MK-III, which has the necessary payload capability to launch a three member crew module in low earth orbit.
- Escape system tested: The ISRO has also tested the crew escape system, an essential technology for human space flight.
- Life support system and the space suit: Elements of the life support system and the space suit have also been realised and tested.
- Cheapest manned spaceflights in the world: This would be one of the cheapest manned spaceflights in the world, with the entire mission, including technology development, flight hardware realization and infrastructure, estimated to cost no more than Rs.10,000 crore.
- World ranking: The mission would make India the fourth country after Russia, the US, and China to launch a manned spaceflight.
Source
The Hindu, Live Mint