Gaganyaan: ISRO completes key test ahead of first uncrewed mission

Separating the crew module from the service module involves multiple precisely sequenced separation events with pyrotechnic devices and jettisoning systems

Ahead of the first uncrewed mission of the Gaganyaan (G1) which is targeted for launch this year, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed a series of Crew Module (CM)-Service Module (SM) separation tests for the Gaganyaan missions.

The Gaganyaan Orbital Module comprises the CM and SM which are connected using a separation system.

Electrical and fluid servicing between CM and SM is ensured through umbilical connections. These modules are integrated prior to the launch and function as a single integrated module from launch till the completion of the on-orbit phase of the mission.

Prior to commencing re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere, the CM is separated from the SM.

Separation of the CM from the SM involves multiple precisely sequenced separation events involving pyrotechnic devices and jettisoning systems.

The ISRO said that in order to validate the overall design adequacy of the separation system, a test setup was realised at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, for simulating the overall CM-SM assembly with extensive instrumentation.

“The tests simulated the scenario of the CM-SM separation involving the severing of several umbilical connections between the CM and SM. Besides validating the design adequacy of the overall CM-SM separation systems, these tests have also demonstrated robustness and shock-survivability of various critical subsystems in the CM,” the space agency said.

These include various avionics systems, inertial navigation systems, thermal protection system in the Aft and conical heat shield, crew module deployable umbilical shield as well as pyrotechnic devices of crew module uprighting system and thermal and humidity control system.

The ISRO said that this test provides necessary confidence in the functioning of the implemented CM-SM separation system for the upcoming G1 mission.

The Gaganyaan mission envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of three members to an orbit of 400 km for a three-day mission and bringing them back safely to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.