The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for its first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan.

• The mission aims to demonstrate the safety and viability of human space travel using protocols adapted from international practices.
• Although Gaganyaan will not dock with a space station, its crew will be trained in established docking procedures.

About Human Spaceflight

• Human spaceflight refers to missions that send people beyond Earth’s atmosphere, typically into low Earth orbit (LEO), the Moon, or potentially further destinations like Mars.

Stages of Spaceflight

• Launch Phase: Begins from the launchpad and includes the rocket’s ignition and ascent.
  • It involves critical safety mechanisms like the Crew Escape System for emergencies.
• Orbital Phase: After successful launch, the spacecraft enters Earth’s orbit.
  • It includes navigation, system monitoring, and maintaining life-support functions.
• Reentry and Landing: The spacecraft fires thrusters to exit orbit and begin reentry.
  • It relies on thermal shields and parachute systems to slow down and land safely.

Safety Concerns in Human Spaceflight

• Spaceflight involves high risks due to extreme conditions and mechanical complexity.
• Historical accidents highlight these risks:
• • Apollo-1 (1967): Fire during a ground test killed three astronauts.
  • Soyuz T-10 (1983): Fire on the launchpad, but the crew survived due to the escape system.
  • Space Shuttle Challenger (1986): Disintegration after launch due to an O-ring failure.
• Successful interventions have also demonstrated safety advancements:
  • Blue Origin’s NS-23 (2022): Escape system worked effectively during engine failure mid-flight.
  • NASA’s recent return of astronauts from the ISS (2025): Demonstrated smooth reentry and recovery protocols.

ISRO’s Safety Measures and Innovations

• Launchpad Safety: Following the Apollo-1 fire incident in 1967, ISRO has installed ziplines and fireproof lifts at its Sriharikota launch pad for rapid crew evacuation.
• Crew Escape System
  • Gaganyaan’s LVM3 launch vehicle includes a tractor-type escape tower mounted above the crew module.
  • In emergencies, the escape tower’s Low-altitude Escape Motor (LEM) and High-altitude Escape Motor (HEM) can pull the crew module away at various stages of launch.
  • A pad abort system ensures the capsule is quickly moved to safety immediately after ignition if needed.
• In-Orbit and Docking Safety: The Gaganyaan spacecraft includes a crew module and service module; the latter manages propulsion and controls.
  • Emergency escape in orbit would involve the crew module being propelled back toward Earth using its onboard engines.
  • Although not part of a station mission, Gaganyaan’s crew will train for docking protocols used internationally.
  • The ISS maintains lifeboat modules (like Soyuz or Crew Dragon) docked at all times for evacuation during emergencies.
• Reentry and Landing Protocols: Reentry begins with the thrusters slowing the capsule and directing it toward the designated landing area.
  • Frictional heating is countered by an external heat shield that can withstand temperatures up to 1,800°C.
• The deceleration system includes a 10-parachute deployment sequence:
  • Apex separation parachutes deploy at 15.3 km altitude.
  • Drogue chutes stabilize the descent, followed by pilot chutes.
  • Three main parachutes reduce final descent speed to 10–12 m/s.
• Upon splashdown, a pyrotechnic mechanism releases the parachutes.

Conclusion

• ISRO’s approach mirrors global best practices and adapts proven methods to Indian conditions.
• Its step-by-step safety protocols across all flight stages aim to ensure a secure journey for astronauts.
• The Gaganyaan mission represents a significant milestone in India’s progress toward safe and independent human space exploration.

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