Engineers at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are meticulously analyzing data and experiences from astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's recent mission to the International Space Station (ISS) to refine the planning and execution of India's ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. Shukla, who made history as the first Indian astronaut aboard the ISS, shared these insights on Tuesday, emphasizing the invaluable contribution of his mission to the preparedness of the Gaganyaan project.
Shukla's mission, conducted as part of the Axiom-4 mission, provided first-hand experience of the challenges and nuances of spaceflight, which simulations and ground training cannot fully replicate. Adjusting to microgravity, conducting experiments in orbit, and living as part of an international crew offered unparalleled learning opportunities that are now being integrated into the Gaganyaan mission's development.
"The experience from ISS is going to be very useful for Gaganyaan," Shukla stated. "I have learnt so much… knowledge that will help us make our missions more efficient". ISRO engineers are currently comparing protocols and systems used in the Gaganyaan project with those of other human spaceflights to identify and address any potential gaps. This thorough evaluation involves revisiting existing systems and approaches to ensure the highest level of mission assurance.
The Gaganyaan program is slated to launch in 2027, utilizing the indigenously developed LVM-3 rocket to place at least two astronauts into a low Earth orbit. Four Indian astronauts have already been selected and are undergoing training for this historic mission. Shukla has been sharing his ISS experiences with the other astronaut candidates, including Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap.
During his time on the ISS, Shukla conducted seven microgravity experiments devised by ISRO. These experiments covered various fields, and the samples and data have been returned to Earth for analysis. The findings from these experiments will further refine the understanding of conducting tests in space, which differs significantly from ground-based experiments. A key outcome is the development of a template for conducting experiments in space, which will be invaluable for future missions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the importance of building a robust astronaut corps to support India's future space ambitions. These ambitions include launching its own space station by 2035 and potentially sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040. The Gaganyaan mission is viewed as a crucial first step towards achieving these long-term goals.
Shukla also underwent a week-long rehabilitation program to mitigate the effects of microgravity following his return. This program allowed him to regain his strength and balance, and he has stated that he feels perfectly normal and ready for another space mission.
Despite the formal training for the Gaganyaan mission set to begin soon, Shukla noted that it would not be as extensive as his Axiom-4 training. The focus is on leveraging the specific experiences and knowledge gained from his ISS mission to optimize the Gaganyaan program's efficiency and effectiveness.
The international community is also keenly observing India's progress in human spaceflight. Shukla shared that many of his Axiom-4 crewmates expressed great interest in the Gaganyaan launch, with some even jokingly requesting invitations to travel on the Indian spacecraft. This global interest underscores the significance of India's endeavors in space exploration and the potential for international collaboration in future missions.
