ISRO to launch Gaganyaan test mission on 21st October

The Indian Space Research Organisation will launch the Gaganyaan test mission on October 21st between 7.00 am and 9.00 am.  Named as the first development flight test Vehicle or TV-D1 in short, it is a launch to test the vehicle abort mission and comprises the crew module with its escape system. The Crew Escape System ensures astronaut safety during space missions. 

The mission entitles taking the crew module to a height of 17 kilometers  at low Earth orbit and test the abort system mid air when the rocket is



moving at the speed of Mach number of 1.2 or 1482 kmph. The Crew Escape System will help the Crew module to separate from the rocket after reaching a certain altitude and will be recovered after para-touchdown in the Bay of Bengal, using a dedicated vessel and diving team from the Indian Navy. 

This mission is crucial to test the efficacy of the system essential to save the astronauts during emergency while travelling to outer space as part of Gaganyaan programme.