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Gaganyaan FAQs: India's Gaganyaan Mission is the nation's big step towards the evolved future of space travel. The Gaganyaan mission is led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and it will launch Indian astronauts into space on an indigenously built spacecraft. This mission will make India the fourth country to have an independent human spaceflight capability. It is not just a space mission; it's a badge of scientific achievement, national pride, and global capability.

From training astronauts and complex crew modules to launch vehicles and state-of-the-art safety systems, the Gaganyaan programme is building significant preparation and innovation. To know more about the historic mission, here’s a list of more than 30 FAQ questions related to India's first human spaceflight.

ISRO's Gaganyaan Mission FAQs With Answers:

1. What is the Gaganyaan Mission?
Gaganyaan is ISRO's mission to prove human spaceflight capability by taking a crew of three Indian astronauts to low Earth orbit (400 km) for 3 days or more and returning them safely to Earth.

2. Who is undertaking the Gaganyaan Mission?
The mission is undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

3. What does 'Gaganyaan' mean?
Gaganyaan is a Sanskrit and Hindi word, which means Skycraft or craft of the sky.

4. What is the Gaganyaan mission's objective?
To build Indian human spaceflight capability and create the foundation for a long-term Indian human exploration program.

5. How many astronauts will be on board in the Gaganyaan mission?
Three Indian astronauts will make up the crew for the Gaganyaan mission.

6. How long will the astronauts remain in space?
They will remain in orbit for almost 3 days in the Gaganyaan mission.

7. What is Gaganyaan's orbit altitude?
The crewed spacecraft will remain in orbit at a height of almost 400 km above the Earth's surface.

8. What is the estimated project cost of Gaganyaan?
The overall cost of the mission is estimated to be below Rs 10,000 crore, as the official announced in 2018.

9. What launch vehicle to be used?
ISRO will employ a human-rated variant of the LVM3 rocket (previously referred to as GSLV Mk III) to launch the Gaganyaan mission.

10. What is 'human-rating' a rocket?
It is changes and certifications that render a rocket safe and dependable enough to launch humans into space and bring them back safely.

11. Which modules constitute the Gaganyaan spacecraft?
The Orbital Module comprises the Crew Module (CM) and Service Module (SM).

12. What is the Crew Module?
It is the pressurised living quarters of the spacecraft, which maintain the astronauts safe and comfortable with conditions similar to those on Earth.

13. What is the Service Module?
An unpresurized section of the spacecraft that offers propulsion, power, thermal control, and other mission support functions.

14. Is there an emergency escape system?
Yes, the spacecraft also has a Crew Escape System capable of rapidly jettisoning the crew module to safety in case of a launch or ascent malfunction.

15. Was the Crew Escape System tested?
Yes, ISRO has carried out several successful abort tests to prove the Crew Escape System.

16. How will the astronauts return to Earth?
The crew module will splash down in the Indian Ocean and re-enter Earth's atmosphere, parachuting safely back.

Also Read: What Can Astronauts Eat And What Cannot Eat In Space?

17. Where will the launch take place?
From the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

18. When is the launch likely to take place?
The first manned flight is tentatively scheduled by the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026, subject to the outcome of previous unmanned tests.

19. How many precursor missions are on the cards?
Two unmanned flights will come before the final crewed flight to check all systems of vital importance.

20. Who is giving training to the Indian astronauts?
Training is being conducted in India and Russia, with survival, zero-gravity, and spacecraft systems.

21. What global collaborations are there for Gaganyaan?
Russia is helping with astronaut training; France has been collaborating on health support and technical support.

22. What experiments will the crew perform?
The exact details of the experiments are not all public, but ISRO has stated that the Gaganyaan mission will have scientific experiments, including those in microgravity and life science experiments.

23. What special technologies were developed for the Gaganyaan mission?
Key technologies include the human-rated launch vehicle, crew escape system, life support system, orbital module, and re-entry and recovery systems.

24. What are the main safety measures for the crew of Gaganyaan?
Multiple redundancies, emergency escape provision, and rigorous abort tests to maximise safety.

25. What is the significance of Gaganyaan for India?
If the mission is successful, India will be the fourth nation (following the US, Russia, and China) to launch humans into space on its own.

26. Will the mission pave the way for subsequent Indian space missions?
Yes, it will establish the experience and technology foundation for subsequent Indian human spaceflight, including a potential space station.

27. What can be the next step after Gaganyaan?
India hopes to have its space station in the long run, employing technology developed from Gaganyaan.

Also Read: GK Quiz Questions On Axiom-4 With Answers

28. Will there be a robot before the crew flight?
Yes, an unmanned mission will feature a humanoid robot called Vyommitra to simulate testing of systems at flight conditions.

29. What is the capability duration of the Crew Module?
Whereas the intended duration of the mission is 3 days, the Crew Module can accommodate up to 7 days in space.

30. Has there been an Indian who has gone to space before Gaganyaan?
Yes, Rakesh Sharma travelled to space in 1984 aboard the Soviet Intercosmos programme, but Gaganyaan will be India's first entirely indigenous crewed flight.

31. What is the function of the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC)?
HSFC in Bengaluru is conducting top-level research, development, and astronaut training for the mission.

32. Which are the industries and agencies involved in Gaganyaan?
Several Indian industries, research institutions, academia, and global partners provide hardware and expertise.

33. How are the astronauts chosen for the Gaganyaan mission?
Through tests assessing physical fitness, psychological toughness, technical expertise, and medical fitness.

34. Where can the public access official Gaganyaan updates?
Through the ISRO official website and press releases.

35. How does Gaganyaan make India and the world proud?
It reflects India's emerging technological strengths and encourages the next generation to become science and space technology professionals.

The Gaganyaan Mission is not only a landmark for ISRO but a defining chapter in India's march towards being a full-fledged spacefaring nation. With modern technology, astronaut protection, and international cooperation at its core, Gaganyaan builds the foundation for future manned missions, space stations, and even interplanetary travel. As millions patiently wait for the historic takeoff, this mission is already making a buzz of interest and pride among Indians and encouraging a new era of scientists and dreamers. With ISRO set to launch citizens into orbit, Gaganyaan is a bold and talented move in India's vision to be a world leader in space exploration.