The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to embark on three more test vehicle missions as part of the ambitious Gaganyaan program, following the inaugural TV-D1 test flight scheduled for October 21, according to ISRO Chairman S. Somanath.
The Gaganyaan project aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capabilities by launching a crew into a 400 km orbit and safely returning them to Earth by landing in Indian sea waters.
The upcoming test vehicle development flight, TV-D1, will take place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, to test the crew module designated for Indian astronauts during the anticipated human spaceflight in late 2022.
"The initial test vehicle flight for the Gaganyaan mission is scheduled for October 21. Subsequently, we have outlined three additional test missions, namely D2, D3, and D4. Thorough tests will be conducted during this test flight sequence," stated Somanath, who also serves as the Secretary of the Department of Space, during a press conference in Madurai.
TV-D1 involves launching the crew module into outer space, safely returning it to Earth, and recovering it upon touchdown in the Bay of Bengal.
Recently, Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed that ISRO, headquartered in Bengaluru, would conduct the initial test flight ahead of the maiden Gaganyaan mission on October 21 at Sriharikota.
Addressing inquiries regarding the Aditya-L1 program, ISRO's first solar mission, Somanath expressed optimism that the spacecraft would reach the Lagrange point (L1) around mid-January 2024. "We will position it at the L1 point and conduct various scientific experiments from that location," he added.
Last week, ISRO scientists executed a trajectory correction manoeuvre on the Aditya L1 spacecraft, which had been launched on September 2 via a PSLV-C57 rocket.
Discussing the establishment of a new launch pad in Kulasekarapattinam in Tuticorin district, Somanath outlined the benefits ISRO would gain, including the ability to launch smaller rockets and accommodate private players. He highlighted that this new launch pad would eliminate the need for rockets to alter their trajectory above Sri Lanka and facilitate launches facing southward.
"Smaller Satellite Launch Vehicles and private players will be able to utilize this launch pad in Kulasekarapattinam. Currently, the land acquisition is in progress, and completion is expected within two years," Somanath stated.
