The video captured by the onboard camera showed various stages of the test, including engine ignition, crew module separation, apex cover separation and main chute deployment.
The module was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota after a few technical delays.During the test, Isro successfully executed the separation of the crew module from the rocket. The crew module then splashed down into the Bay of Bengal as part of the planned mission, which was recovered by the Indian Navy later.
Safety measures demonstrated
The test flight also served as a demonstration of Isro’s capabilities to ensure crew safety during an in-flight emergency. The crew escape system (CES) showcased its ability to swiftly move the crew module (CM) to a safe distance before initiating its descent for a controlled splashdown and recovery in the sea. ISRO’s successful test flight marked for a significant step toward Isro’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission.
Gaganyaan Mission: Watch Indian Navy units recover crew module from Bay of Bengal
Who will make up the crew for Gaganyaan?
Isro chief S Somanath said that the space agency plans to send a female humanoid robot in an unmanned Gaganyaan spacecraft next year. This innovative decision aims to advance the understanding of space travel and the interaction between robots and astronauts.
Additionally, the Isro chairman mentioned that initial candidates for Gaganyaan are expected to be Air Force fighter test pilots with the agency open to welcoming women fighter test pilots once they are available.Watch Gaganyaan mission: ISRO successfully test fires TV-D1 crew module on second attempt