Gaganyaan mission: ISRO's TV D1 test flight successfully launched
ISRO successfully launched the TV D1 uncrewed test vehicle under its Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission on the second attempt at 10:00am Saturday from Sriharikota's Satish Dhawan Space Centre. It earlier experienced a setback as TV D1 failed to launch. Initially scheduled for a liftoff at 8:00am, it was later deferred to 8:30am. However, the rocket entered "hold" mode five seconds before the revised launch.
Take a look at ISRO's confirmation post
Objectives of TV D1 mission
The primary goal of TV D1 launch was to demonstrate and assess Gaganyaan's test vehicle subsystems, crew escape systems, various separation systems, crew module features, and high-altitude deceleration system demonstration and recovery. ISRO Chief S Somanath said, "I am very happy to announce the successful accomplishment of Gaganyaan TV D1 mission." It's a substantial training experience for the whole Gaganyaan mission team, he noted.
Components of test vehicle
The test vehicle, a single-stage liquid rocket designed specifically for TV D1, carried payloads such as the crew module (CM), crew escape systems (CES) with quick-acting solid motors, CM fairing (CMF), and interface adapters. The flight replicated an abort scenario during the ascent trajectory at a Mach number of 1.2 that could be encountered during the Gaganyaan mission.
India's ambitious Gaganyaan project aims for manned spaceflight
With the Gaganyaan project, India aims to prove its human spaceflight capabilities by sending a three-member crew into a 400km orbit for a three-day mission and safely returning them to Earth. This endeavor will position India as the fourth country to launch a manned spaceflight mission, following the United States, Russia, and China. The successful completion of TV D1 is a critical milestone.
Multiple test rounds prior to human spaceflight mission
Before the manned mission, ISRO will conduct multiple test rounds to guarantee system safety. Following the TV D1 test flight demonstration, a test flight with the robot Vyommitra, a humanoid astronaut, and an unmanned flight will also take place.
