Introduction:- 

In 2004, the manned space mission was first endorsed by the ISRO Policy Planning Committee with the target initially set was in 2015, preparations have been going on since then. ISRO has successfully demonstrated some of the technologies required for the mission such as Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE-2007), Crew module Atmospheric Reentry Experiment (CARE-2014), GSLV Mk-III (2014), Reusable Launch Vehicle- Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD), Crew Escape System (July 2018) and Pad Abort Test (2018). ISRO also recently unveiled a space capsule (crew module) and Space suit prototype.

ISRO has also finalized the layout and design of Environmental Control & Life Support System (ECLSS) which maintains a steady cabin pressure and air composition, removes carbon dioxide and other harmful gases, controls temperature and humidity, and manages parameters like fire detection and suppression, food and water management, and emergency support.

Recently the Prime Minister in his Independence Day speech announced that ISRO will be sending its first human spaceflight mission into the space by 2022. The Objectives of the Gaganyaan Mission are:

• Enhancement of science and technology levels in the country
• A national project involving several institutes, academia and industry
• Improvement of industrial growth
• Inspiring youth
• Development of technology for social benefits
• Improving international collaboration

Specifications :- 

• GSLV Mk-III launch vehicle will be used to launch Gaganyaan. Two unmanned Gaganyaan missions will be undertaken prior to sending humans, with first unmanned flight within 30 months.
• The total programme is expected to be completed before 2022 and cost is expected to be less than Rs. 10,000 Crores.
• The mission will aim to send a three-member crew to space for a period of five to seven days. The spacecraft will be placed in a low earth orbit of 300-400km.
• This will be the first human mission indigenously developed by ISRO, though to accelerate the programme, ISRO may consider collaborations with space agencies from friendly countries.
• It will comprise of a crew module and service module that constitute an orbital module. The crew will do microgravity experiment during the mission.

Need for Gaganyaan :- 

• Potential for an enormous range of experiments in regard effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation on bio-organisms ranging from bacteria and plants to large mammals. Some of the research at the International Space Station (ISS) has already started paying off in concrete terms, for instance, it has led to huge advances in multiple technologies ranging from weather research to disaster management to ballpoint pens.
• Putting humans into space has also led to massive advances in medical technologies and basic understanding of functioning of human bodies: For instance, microgravity can lead to a debilitating loss of muscle and bone density. Scientists have developed technologies and fitness mechanisms that have been breakthroughs in the treatment of osteoporosis and maintaining muscle mass.
• Many of the present technologies were result of space research: Telemedicine, including miniaturized ultrasound units and remote monitoring systems were developed through space research. Similarly, development of laser surgery and robotic surgery was a result of developing better laser technology as part of space technology.
• Application of space technologies in various areas such as Agriculture, Railways, Human Resource Development and Road, Transport & Highways, etc. for ease of living.
• Water purification and sewage recycling can be transformed by adapting such technology at scale. For instance, NASA’s water purification techniques are being deployed in drier regions of Africa.
• Similarly, an ethylene removal system called Advanced Astroculture (ADVASC) was developed in space which removes viruses, bacteria and mould and is now being used to prolong the shelf life of fruit and vegetables and in winemaking. Also, Silica Aerogel developed by ISRO for space purposes found its utility in other fields like agriculture, etc.
• Manned space research is a much larger employment generator than unmanned missions: ISRO has estimated that the Gaganyaan Mission will create 15,000 jobs because of the new technologies involved.
• Enhance national pride as the programme will make India the fourth nation in the world to launch a Human Spaceflight Mission. So far, only the USA, Russia and China have launched human spaceflight missions.

Challenges :- 

• Biosciences: While ISRO has perfected the engineering aspects of the mission, bioscience is a new field for ISRO that requires greater technological knowhow and collaboration and support from other organizations. Creating habitable space ecospheres also requires a host of technologies, including the development of exotic materials and first class recycling systems.
• Cost: Manned missions require huge investments. So, for a developing country like India with limited resources, there is always a debate on need of such costly missions versus spending on social sector.
• Moving to a manned programme will involve research and development of a whole new range of technologies and precision: It involves mastering of the highly complicated and dangerous reentry and recovery ability. The spacecraft needs to withstand very high temperatures, in excess of several thousand degrees. Also, the spacecraft needs to reenter the atmosphere at a very precise speed and angle, and even the slightest deviation could end in disaster.
• Training of astronauts: India lacks training facilities for astronauts, though ISRO has demanded for indigenous training centers for its astronauts since early 2000s, no action have been taken yet.