Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has identified 48 backup points worldwide where the crew of the Gaganyaan mission could safely splash down, senior officials have revealed. This strategic measure aims to ensure the astronauts’ safe recovery and rescue during the return mission.
Officials stated that the Gaganyaan module is ideally scheduled to land in the Arabian Sea, where Indian agencies will be stationed to rescue both the crew and the module. However, in the event of a deviation from the main plan, the space agency has identified 48 backup sites in international waters.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, a senior ISRO official explained that in any mission, there exists an ideal scenario alongside backup plans in case the ideal scenario is not achieved. For the Gaganyaan mission, if all proceeds as planned, the module is intended to land in Indian waters.
He emphasized the critical nature of ensuring the safety of the crew in human spaceflight, highlighting the need to account for any potential variation in the mission which could result in the capsule landing hundreds of kilometers aaway from the intended location. Therefore, precautionary measures have been taken to mark possible landing points for the capsule.
The Gaganyaan mission is India’s first project at sending humans into space. Its primary objective is to showcase the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) capability in human spaceflight. The mission entails launching a crew comprising three members into an orbit 400 kilometers above Earth’s surface for three days before safely returning them to Earth.
The official further mentioned that initially, the space agency had settled on two landing spots in Indian waters: one in the Arabian Sea and the other in the Bay of Bengal. However, due to the rough waters and the Bay of Bengal’s unpredictability, they ultimately decided on the Arabian Sea as the final landing site.
The official also said that the progress for the Gaganyaan mission is moving at a satisfactory pace. They expressed confidence that at least one uncrewed mission will be conducted this year before the final mission is undertaken.
Leading up to the manned mission, the space agency will conduct multiple rounds of tests to ensure the systems are safe for carrying astronauts to and from Earth.
Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the four astronauts selected by the Indian Air Force for the mission.
Indian Air Force Group Captain Prashant Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Subhanshu Shukla have undergone five years of training for the Gaganyaan mission in Russian and Indian facilities.
Out of these four astronaut candidates, three will ultimately be chosen to fly in the final mission, expected to take place by 2025.