This first indigenous simulated crew module is developed and realized by VSSC Manjira Machine BuildersHyderabad.
“It is an unpressurized crew module where the interfaces of major systems like parachute system and pyros are simulated. This module will be used for various missions like test vehicle missions where the crew escape system will be verified with various crew module subsystems,” ISRO said.
ISRO added that the shape of the SCM and the outer mold line have also been simulated as per the crewed mission configuration. For crewed missions, the Crew Module is a pressurized capsule and houses the astronauts during the Gaganyaan mission.
“It (ISRO-delivered SCM) will fly as part of the first test vehicle mission. The test vehicle is already in SHAR (space port) and operations are underway,” S Unnikrishnan Nair, director, VSSC, which developed the test vehicle, told STOI.
While Nair did not specify a timeline for the said mission due to the complexities involved, several ISRO officials said the agency is targeting the first half of this year. “Timelines cannot be sacrosanct in a mission like this. This is the first time the country is trying something like this and there are many systems that are new,” one of them said.
The first abort test using the special test vehicle (TV) as part of the Gaganyaan will see the simulated crew module separate from the TV at an altitude of about 11 km (above sea level), gaining an altitude of about 15 km before falling back. Bay of Bengal
The test — the TV Technology Demonstrator-1 (TV-TD1) mission — which is tentatively planned for the first half of this year, will be the first of several that ISRO plans to conduct before the first uncrewed mission under Gaganyan.
As per ISRO’s plan, the vehicle will be taken to about 11 km and then from there, the crew module will go up to about 15-16 km and then descend. ISRO will demonstrate coming down, descent phase, parachute deployment and recovery.
Another scientist explained that at an altitude of about 11 km – the final mission profile will be revealed at a later stage – the crew module will separate from the vehicle, escape the vehicle’s trajectory and then return.
The ground team at Sriharikota will be tracking during the mission. Once detached/ejected from the TV, the module will undergo a free fall — essentially demonstrating the crew escape system in an in-flight abort situation.
This means navigation and guidance, control systems and parachutes will be displayed. Its success will give ISRO the confidence to accelerate many more processes.
