ISRO successfully carries out three major tests of Gaganyaan crew module systems

New Delhi ( Pallavi Srivastava) : The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully carried out three major tests of the Gaganyaan Crew Module systems. The first test validated the Crew Module Uprighting System, which ensures that the crew module returns to an upright position after splashdown in the sea. The system, based on stored cold-gas technology, is a critical safety feature for astronauts.

The second test involved the separation of the umbilical mechanism that connects the crew module, where the astronauts are housed, with the service module, which provides power and propulsion.

The mechanism consists of two units—CSU-1 on the crew module side and CSU-2 on the service module side. During the crew module’s re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere, the service module separates from the crew module after CSU-1 disconnects. Subsequently, just before re-entry, CSU-2 also separates.

ISRO carried out the separation test of CSU-2 from a simulated crew module. The test successfully demonstrated the clean separation of CSU-2, along with the structural stability of the crew module panel and its interfaces. The third test validated the structural integrity of the crew module during the separation of the apex cover.

The apex cover protects the parachutes and associated systems during the mission and is jettisoned before parachute deployment to enable the safe descent of the crew module.