Answer:

Introduction:

India’s success in unmanned space missions, such as the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) and Chandrayaan, has been commendable. Yet, it has not embarked on a manned space mission so far. The primary challenges for launching a manned space mission are multi-faceted, ranging from technological to logistical.

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Technological Challenges:

• Advanced Technology: Manned missions require more sophisticated technology than unmanned missions.
  • For example, the development of a safe and reliable crew module to support human life in space is a complex task.
• Launch and Recovery Systems: It’s essential to have reliable launch systems that can abort the mission if required, ensuring the crew’s safety. Similarly, recovery systems to bring astronauts safely back to Earth are critical, with the return journey often being even more perilous than the outward trip.

Human Factor:

• Life Support Systems: Sustaining human life in the harsh environment of space, with issues like zero gravity, radiation, and varying temperatures, requires robust life support systems. These systems need to account for oxygen, food, waste management, and even psychological factors for the crew.
• Astronaut Training: Adequate astronaut training is a must. Training for space travel involves mastering numerous skills, including piloting spacecraft, handling emergency situations, and coping with long periods in a confined space.

Logistical and Financial Aspects:

• Logistical and Financial Constraints: Manned space missions are considerably more expensive than unmanned missions, requiring significant financial investments. The logistical considerations, including creating the infrastructure for such missions and ensuring long-term project continuity, are also vast.

India’s futuristic approach to manned space missions:

• Gaganyaan Mission: ISRO’s flagship project, Gaganyaan, aims to send a three-member crew to space in 2023. This mission is a significant step towards enabling India’s presence in manned space exploration.
• Astronaut Training: The selected astronaut candidates are currently undergoing intensive training to prepare for the demands and challenges of space travel.
• Advanced Technological Developments: ISRO is working on the development of advanced technologies such as a heavy-lift launch vehicle (ISRO Orbital Vehicle) and systems for crew rescue during a mission abort.
• Encouraging Private Participation: The establishment of IN-SPACe, an independent body, aims to regulate and promote private sector participation in the space sector, thereby creating a more robust and sustainable space ecosystem.
• Financial Commitment: The Indian government has allocated a budget of Rs. 10,000 crore for the Gaganyaan mission, demonstrating its financial commitment to the growth and advancement of India’s space exploration capabilities.

Conclusion:

Despite these challenges, India has been making progress towards launching its first manned mission, Gaganyaan, which could usher in a new era for the country’s space exploration capabilities.

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