India's Gaganyatri Mission: Historic Leap to ISS I UPSC

Gaganyatri going to ISS

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Context:

As participants of the Axiom-4 mission, Shubhanshu Shukla or Prashanth Nair will fly to the ISS along with two other astronauts.

Background:

India is composed to make a significant leap in its space exploration endeavors with the upcoming Gaganyatri mission.
This groundbreaking initiative, set to send Indian astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), marks a historic milestone for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the country's space program.

Details:

Gaganyatri aims to send Indian astronauts, known as Gaganyatris, to the ISS for scientific research and international cooperation.
This mission is part of a broader strategy to enhance India’s presence in space and to collaborate with other space-faring nations.
The Gaganyatri mission is scheduled for launch in the near future, with extensive preparations underway.

Training and Preparation:

The selected Gaganyatris have undergone rigorous training to prepare for the challenges of space travel. This comprehensive training regimen includes:

Physical Fitness:

Astronauts undergo intense physical training to ensure they are fit for the rigors of space travel.

Technical Skills:

Training in spacecraft systems, robotics, and scientific experiments is essential for carrying out their tasks on the ISS.

Simulations:

Realistic simulations of space missions help astronauts get acclimated to the conditions they will encounter in orbit.

International Collaboration:

The Gaganyatri mission is a testament to international cooperation in space exploration. ISRO has partnered with various space agencies, including NASA, to facilitate this mission.
This collaboration ensures access to advanced training facilities and technology, enhancing the mission’s chances of success.

Scientific Objectives:

The mission is not just a demonstration of India’s human spaceflight capabilities but also an opportunity for significant scientific research. The Gaganyatris will conduct various experiments in:

Microgravity Research:

Studying biological and physical processes in the microgravity environment of the ISS.

Space Medicine:

Examining the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body.

Earth Observation:

Using the vantage point of the ISS to collect data on climate change and natural disasters.

Significance for India:

The Gaganyatri mission represents a monumental achievement for India. It:

Boosts Technological Capabilities:

Enhances India’s expertise in human spaceflight and related technologies.

Inspires Future Generations:

Acts as a catalyst for young Indians to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Strengthens International Standing:

Positions India as a significant player in global space exploration efforts.

Conclusion:

The Gaganyatri mission symbolizes India’s ambitions and capabilities in the realm of space exploration.
By sending astronauts to the ISS, India not only achieves a historic milestone but also contributes valuable scientific research and fosters international collaboration.
This mission will undoubtedly inspire future generations and pave the way for more ambitious space endeavors.

KNOW IN DETAIL ABOUT GAGANYAAN MISSION- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/astronauts-for-gaganyaan-mission

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/gaganyaan-mission

Mission	Launch Date	Collaboration	Significance	Specific Features	Outcome
Chandrayaan-1	October 22, 2008	NASA, ESA, Bulgaria	India's first lunar mission, discovered water on the Moon.	Carried 11 payloads, including the Moon Impact Probe (MIP).	Successfully orbited the Moon and provided key data on lunar water presence.
Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission)	November 5, 2013	N/A	First Indian mission to Mars; made ISRO the fourth space agency to reach Mars.	Low-cost mission with innovative technologies, entered Mars orbit in first attempt.	Successfully conducted studies of Mars’ surface and atmosphere.
GSAT-6A	March 29, 2018	N/A	Communications satellite with a focus on mobile services.	S-band communication satellite, included a large unfurlable antenna.	Launched successfully, but lost communication with ISRO soon after.
PSLV-C37/Cartosat-2 Series Satellite	February 15, 2017	N/A	Set a world record by launching 104 satellites in a single mission.	Cartosat-2 was an Earth observation satellite; launched 103 nano-satellites from various countries.	Successfully placed all 104 satellites into orbit.
Gaganyaan	Expected 2024	Russia (Roscosmos), France (CNES)	India’s first manned space mission.	Will carry three astronauts to low Earth orbit (LEO) for 7 days.	Mission is in development; unmanned test flights planned prior to the manned mission.
Chandrayaan-2	July 22, 2019	N/A	Second lunar exploration mission aimed to explore the Moon's South Pole.	Included an orbiter, lander (Vikram), and rover (Pragyan).	Orbiter successfully operational; lander lost during descent, but provided valuable data.
RISAT-2B	May 22, 2019	N/A	Radar imaging satellite for reconnaissance and surveillance.	Carries X-band synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) for all-weather observation.	Successfully launched; enhances ISRO’s surveillance capabilities.
GSAT-11	December 5, 2018	Arianespace	High-throughput communication satellite for broadband services.	ISRO’s heaviest satellite at the time, providing multi-spot beam coverage.	Successfully launched, enhancing India's broadband connectivity.
NAVIC (IRNSS) Constellation	April 28, 2016 (final satellite)	N/A	Indigenous regional navigation satellite system for India.	Constellation of 7 satellites providing position accuracy over India and surrounding region.	Fully operational, providing services similar to GPS in the region.
Chandrayaan-3	July 14, 2023	N/A	Third lunar mission aiming for a soft landing on the Moon.	Includes a lander (Vikram) and rover (Pragyan) similar to Chandrayaan-2 but without an orbiter.	Successfully achieved a soft landing on the Moon’s South Pole.
Astrosat	September 28, 2015	N/A	India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory.	Observes in X-ray, UV, and optical bands; studies celestial sources in various spectra.	Successfully operational; provides valuable data on space phenomena.
GSAT-30	January 17, 2020	Arianespace	Communication satellite to replace INSAT-4A.	High-powered communication satellite covering Indian mainland and islands.	Successfully launched and operational, enhancing communication services.

Reference

https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_international/issues/94674/OPS/GSOD6CFI9.1.png?cropFromPage=true

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.What are the significance of the Gaganyaan mission for India, focusing on its potential impact on technological advancements, international collaborations, and the future of human space exploration in the country. How does this mission align with India’s broader strategic goals in space?