The first abort test for India’s Gaganyaan mission will be conducted in early August 2023. The test will use a special test vehicle (TV) that will be taken to a near-supersonic condition before the abort command is executed. This will put the crew module (CM) and the crew escape system (CES) in test conditions that may arise during the Gaganyaan mission.
The abort test is a critical milestone in the Gaganyaan program. It will help to ensure that the CM and CES are able to protect the astronauts in the event of an emergency during launch. The test will also provide valuable data that will be used to improve the design of the CM and CES for future missions.
The Gaganyaan mission is India’s first human spaceflight mission. It is scheduled to be launched in 2023 or 2024. The mission will send three astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) for a stay of up to seven days.
The abort test is a significant step forward in the Gaganyaan program. It is a major milestone that brings India closer to its goal of sending humans to space.
Here are some additional details about the abort test:
- The test will be conducted at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.
- The TV will be launched on a GSLV Mk III rocket.
- The TV will reach a speed of Mach 2.5 (approximately 2,500 kilometers per hour) before the abort command is executed.
- The CM and CES will be separated from the TV and will parachute safely to the ground.
The successful completion of the abort test will be a major achievement for the ISRO and will pave the way for the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission.