Current Affairs

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Why in News?

4 IAF pilots named as possible Gaganyaan crew.

Indian Air Force pilots selected:

1. Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair,
2. Group Captain Ajit Krishnan,
3. Group Captain Angad Pratap, and
4. Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla.

Training and Selection:

» Training in various aspects of space flight, initially in Russia and later at ISRO's Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru.

» Astronauts presented with 'astronaut wings' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Gaganyaan Mission Objectives:

» Designed to demonstrate India's capability for human space flight to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

» Aiming to establish a sustained Indian human space exploration program.

Preparation and Tests:

» Various tests in progress, including Integrated Air Drop tests, Test Vehicle Missions, and pad Abort Tests.

» Unmanned flights scheduled before the actual crewed mission.

» ISRO plans to send astronauts to the moon by 2040.

ISRO's Technological Developments:

⇒ Integration Facilities (PIF) at Sriharikota to increase PSLV missions from 6 to 15 annually.

⇒ SIET for testing SCE-2000 semi-cryogenic engine to enhance payload capability.

Display of Equipment:

⇒ ISRO chairman S. Somanath showcased equipment related to Gaganyaan, including 'Vyommitra,' a humanoid robot.

⇒ Display included the Trisonic Wind Tunnel, aiding in assessing aerodynamic characteristics of rockets and aircraft.

Gaganyaan Mission (UPSC)