ISRO Clears Gaganyaan Crew Module Separation Tests Ahead of G1 Flight
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed a series of separation tests between the crew module and the service module of the Gaganyaan spacecraft, clearing a key step before the first uncrewed flight of India’s human spaceflight programme, known as G1. The tests were carried out at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, ISRO said.
Testing the Moment Two Modules Part
The crew module, where astronauts will sit, is attached to a service module that carries propulsion and power systems. Before the crew module re-enters the atmosphere, the two must separate cleanly. The tests checked the separation mechanism and how well the spacecraft’s systems withstand the mechanical shock it produces, using a heavily instrumented set-up that simulated the integrated modules, according to ISRO and The Week.
ISRO said the tests confirmed the design of the separation system and the shock tolerance of several critical crew module subsystems, including avionics and inertial navigation.
Earlier Qualification Work This Year
The separation tests follow earlier qualification work on crew module systems completed this year, including the uprighting system that keeps the capsule upright after splashdown, umbilical connect-disconnect mechanisms and apex cover separation, reports said. Each test adds confidence before hardware flies on an actual mission.
Uncrewed G1 Comes First
G1 is designed to fly the spacecraft without astronauts, with a humanoid robot, Vyommitra, on board to test systems, before India attempts to send astronauts to low Earth orbit. ISRO has described G1 as targeted for 2026; some reports put the crewed flight in 2027, a date that has not been officially fixed.
The programme has drawn on engineering work by public sector and private firms across the country. Read IPB’s recent report on Aditya-L1’s joint study of solar eruptions with Europe’s Proba-3 and more Positive News.
Based on ISRO and reporting by The Week, Indian Masterminds and The News Mill.
Image: IPB.
