Indian Human Spaceflight Programme

The Indian Human Spaceflight Programme (HSP[2]) was initiated in 2007[3] by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to develop the technology needed to launch crewed orbital spacecraft into low Earth orbit.[4] The first crewed flight was planned with a spacecraft called Gaganyaan for December 2021[5] on a GSLV Mark III rocket.[6][7][8][9]

Indian Human Spaceflight Programme
CountryIndia
OrganizationISRO Human Space Flight Centre
PurposeHuman spaceflight
StatusActive
Program history
CostApprox. 10,000 crore (US$1.4 billion) for maiden crewed mission (Planned)
Duration2006–present[1]
First crewed flightGaganyaan (Before August 2022)
Launch site(s)
Vehicle information
Launch vehicle(s)

Before the Gaganyaan mission announcement in August 2018, human spaceflight was not a priority for ISRO, but it had been working on related technologies and it performed a Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment and a Pad Abort Test for the mission.[10][11] In December 2018, the government approved further 100 billion (US$1.5 billion) for a 7-days crewed flight of 2-3 astronauts.[12][5][6][13][14]

If completed in meantime, India will become the fourth nation to conduct independent human spaceflight after the Soviet Union/Russia, United States and China. After conducting the first crewed spaceflights, the agency intends to start a space station programme, crewed lunar landings, and crewed interplanetary missions in the long term.[15][16]

History

Prototype flight suit for crewed mission

On 9 August 2007, the then Chairman of the ISRO, G. Madhavan Nair, indicated the agency is "seriously considering" the creation of the Human Spaceflight Programme. He further indicated that within a year ISRO would report on its development of new space capsule technologies.[17] Development of a fully autonomous orbital vehicle to carry a two-member crew into low-Earth orbit (LEO) began a few months after that when the government allocated 95 crore (US$13.3 million) for pre-project initiatives for 2007 through 2008. A crewed orbital spaceflight would require about 12,400 crore (US$1.7 billion) and a period of seven years for development. The Planning Commission estimated that a budget of 5,000 crore (US$701.0 million) was required for initial work during 2007–2012 for the crewed spaceflight.[3][18] In February 2009, the Government of India authorized the human space flight programme,[19] but fell short of fully funding it or creating the programme.

The trials for crewed space missions began in 2007 with the 600 kg Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE), launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket, and safely returned to Earth 12 days later. This followed with the Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment, and the Pad Abort Test in 2018. This enables India to develop heat-resistant materials, technology and procedures necessary for human space travel.

As per memorandum of understanding (MoU), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will provide support for Human Space Mission with critical human-centric systems and technologies like space grade food, crew healthcare, radiation measurement and protection, parachutes for the safe recovery of the crew module and fire suppression system etc.[20] Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) has worked on the space food for the crew and has been conducting trials on a G-suit for astronauts as well.[21][22] A prototype called 'Advanced Crew Escape Suit' weighing 13 kg and built by Sure Safety (India) Private Limited has been tested and performance verified.[23][24][25][26] While the crew module is design to carry a total of 3 passengers, the maiden crewed mission may only have one or two crews on board.[27]

Having shown success in all preliminary tests,[28] the decisive push for the creation of the Human Spaceflight Programme took place in 2017,[2] and it was accepted and formally announced by the Prime Minister on 15 August 2018.[29] The funding is approximately Rs 10,000 crore. The testing phase was expected to begin in December 2020 and the first crewed mission was to undertaken in December 2021.[30] However, on 11 June 2020, it was announced that the overall schedule for the Gaganyaan launches had been postponed, in turn revising the timetable for the HSP.[31]

Spacecraft developments

Development schedule of Gaganyaan[32][33][34][35]
Flight type Proposed month & year Crew
Test Flight 1 2020 - December None
Test Flight 2 2021 - July None
Crewed 2021 - December 1

The first phase of this programme is to develop and fly the 3.7-ton spacecraft called Gaganyaan with capacity to carry a 3-member crew in low Earth orbit and safely return to Earth after a mission duration of a few orbits to two days. The first crewed flight is planned for December 2021.[32][36] The extendable version of the spaceship will allow flights up to seven days, rendezvous and docking capability.

In the next phase, enhancements will lead to the development of a small habitat allowing spaceflight duration of 30–40 days at once. Further advances from experience will subsequently lead to development of a space station.[37]

On 7 October 2016, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre Director K. Sivan stated that ISRO was gearing up to conduct a critical 'crew bailout test' called ISRO Pad Abort Test to see how fast and effectively the crew module could be released safely in the event of an emergency. The tests were conducted successfully on 5 July 2018 at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This was the first of a series of tests to qualify a crew escape system technology.[38][39] Parachute tests are scheduled before end of 2019 and multiple in-flight abort tests are planned starting mid 2020.[40]

India will not use any animals for life support systems testing but robots resembling humans will be used.[41][42] ISRO is targeting more than 99.8% reliability for its crew escape system.[43]

As of August 2018, ISRO plans to launch its crewed orbiter Gaganyaan atop a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III (GSLV Mk III).[6][7][12][14] About 16 minutes after lift-off, the rocket will inject the orbital vehicle into an orbit 300 to 400 km above Earth. The capsule would return for a splashdown in the Arabian Sea near the Gujarat coastline.[44] As of May 2019, design of crew module has been completed.[45] The spacecraft will be flown twice uncrewed for validation before conducting actual human spaceflight.[32][33][34] As of January 2020, crew module was due to undergo testing in wind tunnel facility of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) at National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).[46] The spacecraft will carry one crew in its maiden crewed mission to an orbit of 400 km (250 mi).[27]

The first uncrewed flight will include launch of a 5,000 kg (11,000 lb) module in 2021 which after orbiting will re-enter atmosphere and will decelerate its speed at an altitude of 7 km (4.3 mi) from sea level before splashing down.[47]

Infrastructure development

Launch pad

A third launch pad with human rating and more facilities has been under construction in Sriharikota for India's future crewed missions.[48] However, India's maiden crewed mission is expected to take off from second launch pad only. In November 2019, ISRO released tenders for augmentation of second launch pad for Gaganyaan project.[49][50][51][52][53]

Human-Rating of GSLV Mk III

Human-rating rates the system is capable of safely transporting humans. ISRO will be building and launching 2 missions to validate the human rating of the GSLV-MK III.[54] Existing launch facilities will be upgraded to enable them to carry out launches under Indian Human Spaceflight campaign.[55][56]

ISRO has been modifying propulsion modules of various stages of rocket for human rating. Theoretical parameters for human rating are expected to achieved by August or September 2020 to be followed by simulations and three test launches.[57]

Escape System

ISRO has successfully conducted a pad abort test to validate its launch escape system for fast and effective crew extraction in the event of an emergency. The tests were conducted successfully on 5 July 2018 at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This was the first of a series of tests to qualify a crew escape system technology.[38][39] Work on parachute enlargement and new architecture are also going on.[54][58] Parachute tests are scheduled before end of 2019 and multiple in-flight abort tests are planned starting mid 2020 using a liquid fueled test vehicle.[40][59]

A new test vehicle has been designed in early 2020 for validation of crew escape system. The vehicle has been built for in-flight escape of crew and possess propulsion on top of the module to take the module away to a safe distance.[57]

Astronaut training

In spring 2009, a full-scale mock-up of the crew capsule was built and delivered to Satish Dhawan Space Centre for training of astronauts. India was to short list 200 Indian Air Force pilots for this purpose. The selection process would begin by the candidates having to complete an ISRO questionnaire, after which they would be subjected to physical and psychological analyses. Only 4 of the 200 applicants were to be selected for the first space mission training. While two will fly, two shall act as reserve.[60][61]

ISRO signed a memorandum of understanding in 2009 with the Indian Air Force's Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) to conduct preliminary research on psychological and physiological needs of crew and development of training facilities.[62][63] IAM played a key role in determining astronaut training, design for crew capsule as per anthropometric dimensions of Indian population and a number of control and environmental systems as per psychological and physiological needs.[64]

The announcement of Gaganyaan by PM Modi immediately attracted an enthusiastic reaction from Indian diaspora and ISRO received millions of letters and emails from Indians resident as well as abroad willing to volunteer as astronauts for the project.[65]

ISRO Chairman, K. Sivan, announced in January 2019 the creation of India's Human Space Flight Centre in Bangalore for training astronauts.[66] The 1,000 crore (US$140.2 million) centre will train the selected astronauts in rescue and recovery operations, operate in zero gravity environment, and monitoring of the radiation environment. While HSFC will initially function from ISRO headquarters, another facility has been planned to be built near Bengluru to build an HSFC campus. The facility will include offices, housing, testing and integration facilities and will also employ a workforce of 1,000 people in long run of Indian crewed space program.[67]

An astronaut training facility will be established on proposed site of 140 acres (0.57 km2) nearby Kempegowda International Airport in Devanahalli, Karnataka.[68]

ISRO's Human Space Flight Centre and Glavcosmos, which is a subsidiary of the Russian state corporation Roscosmos, signed an agreement on 1 July 2019 for cooperation in the selection, support, medical examination and space training of four Indian astronauts.[69][70] An ISRO Technical Liaison Unit (ITLU) will be set up in Moscow to facilitate the development of some key technologies and establishment of special facilities which are essential to support life in space.[71] Till September 2019, level 1 of astronaut selection process was completed in Bengluru. Selected Test Pilots underwent physical exercise tests, lab investigations, radiological tests, clinical tests and evaluation on various facets of their psychology.[72][73] By November 2019 the Indian Air Force had selected 12 potential astronauts who will then go to Russia for further training in two batches.[74]

As selection criteria require test pilot experience, any females will not be part of the first Indian crewed spaceflight. First crewed flight will consist of a crew of three with one backup and this team of four will go to Russia for astronaut training.[40]

In December 2019, selection process came to completion[35][75] and four candidates began their 12-month long training at Gagarin Research & Test Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) on 10 February 2020.[76] The astronauts will be trained for abnormal landing in various terrains including forests, rivers and sea.[57]

In February 2020, Indian astronaut candidates completed their winter survival training.[77][78][79]

ISRO's has also proposed a 2,700 crore (US$380 million) plan to establish an astronaut training centre at Challakere of Chitradurga district. The facility would take at least 2–3 years to be established after government's approval.[80] Following their training in Russia for unexpected and extreme situations, Indian astronauts would return to India in March 2021 for rest of training in Indian module.[16] CNES is supplying flight system, training flight physicians and technical teams for Indian Human Spaceflight Programme. It is also collaborating and sharing its expertise in the domains of space medicine, astronaut health monitoring and life support.[81]

Space food

The Mysore-based Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), a unit of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed dried and packaged food for astronauts. The food laboratory has developed around 70 varieties of dehydrated and processed food items that have undergone strict procedures to zero-in on micro bacterial and macro bacterial nutrients. Special care has to be taken in the packing and the food item should be of limited weight but at the same time should be high in nutritional qualities.[82] Waste disposal system for leftover food, liquid dispensing systems, food rehydrating systems and heaters etc. adaptable to outer space conditions were in development although variety of food products planned onboard Gaganyaan is yet to be publicised as of August 2020. DFRL is expected to launch its RTE space food by March 2021 while initial batch for Gaganyaan will carry fodder sufficient for 7 days.[83]

Humanoid robots

Unlike other nations that have carried out human space flights, India will not fly animals into space. Instead, it will fly humanoid robots for a better understanding of what weightlessness and radiation do to the human body during long durations in space.[84][27] A legless humanoid named as Vyom Mitrā was displayed in January 2020 which is expected to fly onboard uncrewed experimental missions as well as assist astronauts on crewed missions.[85]

Experiments and objectives

On 7 November 2018, ISRO released an Announcement of Opportunity seeking proposals from the Indian science community for microgravity experiments that could be carried out during the first two robotic flights of Gaganyaan.[86][87] The scope of the experiments is not restricted, and other relevant ideas will be entertained. The proposed orbit for microgravity platform is expected to be in an Earth-bound orbit at approximately 400 km altitude. All the proposed internal and external experimental payloads will undergo thermal, vacuum and radiation tests under required temperature and pressure conditions. To carry out micro-gravity experiments for long duration, a satellite may be placed in orbit. Indian vyomanauts will perform four biological and two physical science experiments related to micro-gravity during the mission.[88]

Space station

India plans to deploy a 20 tonne space station as a follow-up programme of the Gaganyaan mission. On 13 June 2019, ISRO Chief K. Sivan announced the plan, saying that India's space station will be deployed in 5–7 years after completion of Gaganyaan project. He also said that India will not join the International Space Station program. The space station would be capable of harbouring a crew for 15–20 days at a time. It is expected to be placed in a low Earth orbit of 400 km altitude and be capable of harbouring three humans. Final approval is expected to be given to the programme by the Indian government only after the completion of the Gaganyaan mission.[89][90][91][92]

ISRO is working to develop spacecraft docking and berthing technology, with an initial funding of ₹10 crore cleared in 2017.[93] A Space Docking Experiment, or SPADEX, is being worked out by ISRO with systems like signal analysis equipment, high-precision videometer for navigation, docking system electronics and real-time decision making for landing systems being developed in various stages. As part of SPADEX, ISRO will launch 2 small satellites for testing. This technology is crucial for a space station as it will enable transfer humans from one vehicle or spacecraft to another.[94]

References

  1. "Scientists Discuss Indian Manned Space Mission". Retrieved 13 January 2020.
  2. Rao, Mukund Kadursrinivas; Murthi, Sridhara, K. R.; Prasad M. Y. S. "THE DECISION FOR INDIAN HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT PROGRAMME - POLITICAL PERSPECTIVES, NATIONAL RELEVANCE AND TECHNOLOGICAL CHALLENGES" (PDF). International Astronautical Federation.
  3. "Eleventh Five year Plan (2007–12) proprosals for Indian space programme" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 May 2013. Retrieved 21 June 2013.
  4. "Gaganyan: How to send an Indian into space".
  5. "Rs 10,000 crore plan to send 3 Indians to space by 2022 - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  6. Gaganyaan mission to take Indian astronaut to space by 2022: PM Modi. The Hindu. 15 August 2018.
  7. "Gaganyaan mission to take Indian astronaut to space by 2022: PM Modi". The Hindu. 15 August 2018.
  8. "Independence Day 2018 Live Updates: 'We will put an Indian on space before 2022,' says Narendra Modi at Red Fort". Firstpost.com. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  9. "First Manned Mission" (Press release). Delhi: Department of Space. Press Information Bureau. 4 December 2019. Retrieved 6 December 2019.
  10. "Satellites Are Our Priority Now, Not Human Space Flight". Outlook. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  11. "ISRO's first 'pad abort' test, critical for future human space mission, successful". The Hindu. 5 July 2018.
  12. "Indian Astronaut Will Be in Space For 7 Days, Confirms ISRO Chairman".
  13. Indians To Spend 7 Days In Space In Rs. 10,000 Crore Gaganyaan Plan: 10 Points, NDTV, 28 December 2018.
  14. Suresh, Haripriya (15 August 2018). "JFK in 1961, Modi in 2018: PM announces 'Indian in space by 2022,' but is ISRO ready?". The News Minute.
  15. "India eying an indigenous station in space". The Hindu Business Line. 13 June 2019. Retrieved 13 June 2019.
  16. Dutt, Anonna (18 September 2020). "Gaganyaan mission: Astronauts to undergo Isro module next year". New Delhi. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  17. "ISRO considering manned space mission: Nair". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 9 August 2007.
  18. "ISRO plans manned mission to moon in 2014". Business Standard.
  19. "India announces first manned space mission". BBC. 27 January 2010
  20. "Gaganyaan: DRDO to provide special space food and emergency survival kit for ISRO's manned mission". The Financial Express. 4 March 2020. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
  21. "Def lab works on food for spaceflight crew". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  22. "Dosa or dum aloo. What will India's first astronauts eat?". DNA. 19 March 2010. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  23. "AHMEDABAD DNA G & G [PG 16] : Vadodara-based company develops space suit for ISRO". epaper.dnaindia.com. Archived from the original on 19 August 2018. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  24. "Gujarat's firms helping ISRO shape up 'manned space mission'". The Indian Express. 3 November 2015. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  25. IndiaTV (12 February 2016), Gujarat's Firm Develops India's First Space Suit for ISRO | Make in India, retrieved 18 August 2018
  26. "Government of India, Department of Space, Unstarred Question number 213 LokSabha" (PDF). 16 November 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 August 2018. Retrieved 19 August 2018.
  27. Anonna Dutt (8 January 2020). "India's first manned mission Gaganyaan may take 1 astronaut". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
  28. "ISRO to send first Indian into Space by 2022 as announced by PM, says Dr Jitendra Singh" (Press release). Press Information Bureau, Government of India. Department of Space. 28 August 2018.
  29. "Indian will take national flag to space on board Gaganyaan by 2022, says PM Narendra Modi in Independence Day speech". Hindustan Times. 15 August 2018.
  30. "Cabinet Okays ISRO's Human Spaceflight Programme for Rs 10,000 Crore". The Wire. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  31. Kumar, Chethan (11 June 2020). "Gaganyaan mission: No Gaganyaan unmanned flight this year | India News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
  32. "ISRO to launch two unmanned space missions in 2020 and 2021". All India Radio. 18 January 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  33. "Isro to build 3 sets of rockets, crew modules for Gaganyaan". The Times of India. 30 December 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  34. "ISRO to use a humanoid, not animal, for Gaganyaan tests". The Times of India. 18 January 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  35. "Tests for unmanned mission by 2020-end, says ISRO chief". The Hindu. 28 December 2019. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  36. "Rs 10,000 crore plan to send 3 Indians to space by 2022 - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  37. "We're talking of habitation on moon, Mars…we have to know how to adapt: ISRO chief K. Sivan".
  38. "Successful flight testing of crew escape system technology demonstrator - ISRO". www.isro.gov.in. Archived from the original on 5 July 2018. Retrieved 5 July 2018.
  39. "ISRO's first 'pad abort' test, critical for future human space mission, successful".
  40. "Episode 90 – An update on ISRO's activities with S Somanath and R Umamaheshwaran". AstrotalkUK. 24 October 2019. Retrieved 30 October 2019.
  41. "ISRO Not To Fly Living Being Before Actual Manned Space Mission: Official". NDTV.com. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  42. "ISRO to use a humanoid, not animal, for Gaganyaan tests".
  43. "Suits from Vadodara, parachutes from Agra: Inside ISRO's plan to launch India's first astronauts".
  44. Peri, Dinakar (28 August 2018). "Manned space mission before 75th I-Day: ISRO chief". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  45. "India's first solar mission in 2020: ISRO chairman". The Times of India. 4 May 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  46. Shimona Kanwar (11 January 2020). "Gaganyaan to be tested in wind tunnel facility of CSIR laboratory". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
  47. Anantha Krishnan M (11 November 2020). "Gaganyaan Unplugged-7: ADRDE recovery system to play critical role during India's manned mission". On Manorama. Bengaluru. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
  48. "ISRO to begin process for Human Space Flight Mission". PTI. Hyderabad. India Today. 26 January 2010. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  49. "SDSC SHAR/Sr.HPS/PT/RO/11/2019-20". www.isro.gov.in. Indian Space Research Organization. 7 November 2019. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  50. "RFP TO REALISE HYDRANT SYSTEM FOR AUGMENTED FACILITIES AT SLP COMPLEX (ASLP) SDSC, SHAR SRIHARIKOTA" (PDF). www.isro.gov.in. Indian Space Research Organization. 7 November 2019. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  51. "Work Contract to carry out Video & Still Photography documentation coverage and VIDEO Editing Works of Technical Photography Facility" (PDF). www.isro.gov.in. Indian Space Research Organization. 7 November 2019. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  52. "SUPPLY OF RAW MATERIAL, FABRICATION, ERECTION AND COMMISSIONING OF STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS FOR GAGANYAAN MISSION AT UMBILICAL TOWER OF SECOND LAUNCH PAD (SLP)" (PDF). www.isro.gov.in. Indian Space Research Organization. 7 November 2019. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  53. "REALISATION OF NEW HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FOR CREW ACCESS ARM (CAA) & AUGMENTATION/MODIFICATION OF EXISTING SCVRP-3 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FOR SERVICING GAGANYAAN MISSION AT UMBILICAL TOWER (UT) OF SECOND LAUNCH PAD (SLP)" (PDF). www.isro.gov.in. Indian Space Research Organization. 7 November 2019. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  54. "Isro to build 3 sets of rockets, crew modules for Gaganyaan - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  55. "India's human space programme gets a fillip". Retrieved 11 January 2019. Initially, the plan was the construct a new launch pad for the human space flight, but Sivan told the Express that due to paucity of time one of the two existing launch pads is being modified to meet the requirement.
  56. "Question number 1733 in Rajya Sabha" (PDF). Retrieved 11 January 2019. It is proposed to utilise the existing launch pad with augmentation for carrying out the initial flights under the Gaganyaan manned space flight programme.
  57. Kumar, Chethan (29 February 2020). "Gaganyaan: Isro designs new vehicle to test crew escape systems". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
  58. "Agra lab parachutes to bring back India astronauts". Deccan Herald. 4 January 2019. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
  59. "Isro all set to test Gaganyaan's crew abort system". Retrieved 30 October 2019.
  60. Model of space crew module ready, The Hindu, 2 May 2009
  61. "IAF developing parameters for India's manned space mission". The Economic Times. 28 December 2012. Retrieved 28 December 2012.
  62. "The Space Review: Prospects for the Indian human spaceflight program". www.thespacereview.com. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  63. "Isro unit to start building space capsule for manned mission". Livemint.com. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  64. Anantha Krishnan M (23 May 2020). "IAM to play pivotal role after Indian astronaut selects return from Russia". Malayala Manorama. Retrieved 1 September 2020.
  65. Anantha Krishnan M (17 April 2020). "ISRO was flooded with requests from Indians wanting to become astronauts". Malayala Manorama. Retrieved 1 September 2020.
  66. ISRO set for April launch of Chandrayaan-2 after missed deadline. Vikram Gopal, Hindustan Times, 11 January 2019.
  67. Anantha Krishnan M (18 April 2020). "Along with Gaganyaan, tech for Indian space station will emerge: Dr. Sivan". Malayala Manorama. Retrieved 1 September 2020.
  68. "Beyond space: Isro plans to place Indians on the Moon - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  69. "News. Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin met with the Indian delegation". en.roscosmos.ru. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  70. "Gaganyaan: India chooses Russia to pick & train astronauts | India News - Times of India". The Times of India. 1 July 2019. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
  71. Singh, Surendra (31 July 2019). "Isro will set up unit in Moscow to develop technology needed for Gaganyaan mission | India News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
  72. "Indian Air Force media coordination center". IAF MCC. 6 September 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  73. "Gaganyaan: Level 1 of astronaut selection done in Bengaluru". The Times of India. 6 September 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  74. "Seven IAF pilots sent to Russia for India's first manned mission to space". The Economic Times. 15 November 2019. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  75. Pinto, Nolan (1 January 2020). "4 astronauts identified for Gaganyaan mission: Isro chief K Sivan". IndiaToday. Retrieved 3 January 2020.
  76. "News. Indian candidates for a human spaceflight start training in Russia". en.roscosmos.ru. Retrieved 10 February 2020.
  77. "Gaganyaan: Four IAF pilots complete winter survival training at Russia centre". The Indian Express. 13 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  78. "Центр подготовки космонавтов им. Ю.А.Гагарина. Официальный Web-сайт". www.gctc.ru (in Russian). Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  79. "Новости. Очередные "зимние выживания" космонавтов". www.roscosmos.ru. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  80. Madhumathi D.S. (6 January 2020). "Challakere to be ISRO's astronaut training hub". The Hindu. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  81. "ISRO to launch its Venus mission in 2025, France to take part". Livemint. PTI. 30 September 2020. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  82. "DRDO develops space food for astronauts". DNA India. 29 August 2010. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  83. Anantha Krishnan M (27 August 2020). "Gaganyaan Unplugged-5: Tasty space food warming up at DFRL Mysuru for India's manned mission". Malayala Manorama. Retrieved 1 September 2020.
  84. "Why is India sending robots into space?". 25 July 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  85. "IAA-ISRO-ASI Symposium on Human Space Flight and Exploration was organised at Bangalore". www.isro.gov.in. 24 January 2020. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
  86. "Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for Low Earth Orbit based Microgravity Experiments - ISRO".
  87. "Human Mission: ISRO looking at pool of 10 experiments in space".
  88. "Lok Sabha, Unstarred Question number 2259" (PDF). 4 March 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 March 2020. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  89. Singh, Surendra (13 June 2019). "India's own space station to come up in 5–7 years: Isro chief | India News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 24 July 2019.
  90. "India's space station likel to have space for three". The Times of India. 31 October 2019. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
  91. "India's space station likely to have space for three". 31 October 2019. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
  92. Peri, Dinakar (13 June 2019). "India to have its own space station: ISRO". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 1 November 2019. Giving out broad contours of the planned space station, Dr. Sivan said it has been envisaged to weigh 20 tonnes and will be placed in an orbit of 400 km above earth where astronauts can stay for 15–20 days. The time frame is 5–7 years after Gaganyaan, he stated.
  93. Kumar, Chethan (2 May 2017). "ISRO: Isro project that can aid refuel, repair of satellites in space gets push | India News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 24 July 2019.
  94. Kumar, Chethan (13 June 2019). "ISRO Latest news: India has been quietly working on key technology to enable space station | India News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 24 July 2019.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.