The Indian Space Research Organisation’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) has successfully launched the Crew Module for the Gaganyaan project’s first uncrewed mission (G1). This is a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of human spaceflight. The module was delivered to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on January 21, 2025, following the integration of its liquid propulsion system.
The Gaganyaan mission is India’s ambitious human spaceflight program, designed to demonstrate the ability to send astronauts into space. Before launching a crewed mission, ISRO intends to conduct several uncrewed test flights to ensure mission safety and reliability.
The Crew Module Propulsion System incorporated at LPSC includes a bi-propellant Reaction Control System. This technology offers precise three-axis control during the module’s descent and re-entry, including pitch, yaw, and roll. It operates when the service module separates, directing it until the parachutes are released. The system includes twelve thrusters, a pressurisation system, gas bottles, and fluid control components.
The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) developed the Crew Module Uprighting System to maintain appropriate alignment during descent. The module will go through avionics assembly, electrical harnessing, and system checks at VSSC before fully integrating with the Orbital Module at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru.
