CHENNAI:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed critical Crew Module-Service Module separation tests for the Gaganyaan mission, a major step towards ensuring astronaut safety during India’s first human spaceflight.
The tests validated the separation mechanism and its ability to disconnect electrical and fluid connections before the crew module re-enters Earth’s atmosphere. ISRO also assessed the resilience of key systems, including avionics, navigation equipment and heat shields.
The mission aims to send three astronauts into low Earth orbit at an altitude of around 400 km for three to seven days before bringing them safely back to Earth. ISRO is targeting the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission by the end of 2026.