ISRO To Build Its Own Astronaut Training Facility In The Next Few Months

According to a top official of ISRO, the space agency is carrying out tests to validate the engineering and design of the orbital module system and the rocket for its human space flight, Gaganyaan.

The official also shared that ISRO would soon set up its own facility to train astronauts and launch an SSLV (short for small satellite launch vehicle) or small rocket in the next few months.

According to K.Sivan, ISRO’s chairman, the agency’s plan was to do the first unmanned flight at the end of 2021.

The agency also schedules a manned flight demonstration to happen before the 75th Independence Day if India in 2022. Meanwhile, four Indians are participating in an astronaut training program in Russia.

K.Sivan also said that the land acquisition for the lunch site in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu was under progress.

He shared that a new lunch site was needed as using the current Sriharikota center in Andhra Pradesh would hinder the progress of the regular launch plans of ISRO.

Sivan remarked that in the next few months, the first developmental flight of a small satellite launch vehicle would take place. Another piece of information he shared was that ISRO was developing a rocket that could shuttle 10 tons of semi cryogenic engine and GTO (geostationary transfer orbit) to space.

ISRO’s lithium-ion cell technology has been transferred to industries and New Space India Ltd. The agency’s commercial arm, which will be in charge of marketing this technology outside of India as well as within the country.

Sivan also said that the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) would soon be manufactured as a full-fledge rocket by industries.

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