Isro completes key propulsion system development for Gaganyaan
Service Module Propulsion System
(SMPS) for the
Gaganyaan human spaceflight
mission, marking a milestone in the programme's progress.
The qualification test programme concluded with a full-duration hot test of the SMPS that lasted 350 seconds. 'The test, conducted on July 11, validated the propulsion system's integrated performance for an off-nominal mission profile involving a service module-based mission abort. The system performed normally, as predicted,' Isro said.
The service module of Gaganyaan is a regulated bi-propellant propulsion system. It enables orbit circularisation, on-orbit control, de-boost manoeuvres, and provides abort capability during ascent. 'The main propulsive force comes from the Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engines, while Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters ensure accurate attitude control,' Isro said.
To support testing, Isro developed a System Demonstration Model (SDM) replicating the fluid circuit of the SMPS, including propellant feed, helium pressurisation, flight-qualified thrusters, and control components.
This testbed underwent 25 tests under both normal and off-nominal conditions, totalling 14,331 seconds, to meet various mission and human-rating requirements.
The SMPS was developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), and all tests were carried out at the Isro Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
International Moon Day: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla shares moon pics he took from ISS
BENGALURU: Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (Shux), who returned from his Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station on July 15, Sunday shared photos of the Moon he clicked from the ISS on his X handle to mark the anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing in 1969. 'On this day in 1969, for the first time a human set foot on the Moon. The Moon is 3,84,000km away from us. The statement 'It is a small step for a man but a giant leap for mankind' became etched in history as one of the most impactful. The achievement forever remains a powerful indication of the immense human potential,' he wrote. Referring to India's Gaganyaan mission , Shukla said, 'Today as we are starting our human space flight journey with missions like Gaganyaan, our eyes are also set on the same destination.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 3 Casino Games in Belfast Lounge 777 Play Game Undo Shukla shared four photos, two clicked from the ISS, a snapshot from a video he shot of the Moon from the ISS, and one he had clicked from the ground, two years ago. In his message, Shukla encouraged young space enthusiasts and future astronauts to aim for new milestones. 'We still have pictures of the Moon from Earth and near-Earth orbit. What I would like to see is a picture of Earth from the Moon clicked by one of you. Let's make it happen,' he wrote. India's Gaganyaan mission is expected to send its first crewed mission to low Earth orbit in the coming years, with long-term plans that could eventually include Moon missions.
The Hindu
9 hours ago
- The Hindu
ISRO Chairman unveils plans for India's space station by 2035, moon landing by 2040
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan has announced that India will establish its own space station by 2035 and will send an astronaut to the moon and bring them back to Earth independently by 2040. Dr. Narayanan was speaking as the chief guest at the convocation of the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM) here on Sunday. He highlighted the significant strides India has made in the fields of space and technology, noting that the country is emerging as a global leader by placing strong emphasis on innovation and research. 'By 2035, we are going to build our own space station, and by 2040 we are going to send our own human being—our brother or sister—to the moon,' he said, addressing the gathering of students, their parents, and faculty members of the premier institute. Dr. Narayanan recalled how India's space programme began modestly, with the launch of a 17-metre rocket that could carry only 35 kilograms. Today, he noted, the country is building rockets as tall as 40-storey buildings, capable of lifting payloads of up to 74,000 kilograms. He added that the Aditya mission has made India one of only four countries to send satellites to study the Sun, and it has provided an abundance of valuable data to the scientific community. 'ISRO also successfully conducted a docking experiment this year, placing India among the few nations capable of performing such advanced space maneuvers,' he said. Looking ahead, Dr. Narayanan said India is preparing for a Venus orbiter mission and is in the process of launching several rockets and satellites, with strong involvement from numerous start-ups working in the space sector. 'What began as a humble effort, where rockets were transported on bicycles, has now witnessed phenomenal growth. Today, the entire world is watching us. By 2040, India will be on par with any other country in the field of space technology,' he asserted, adding that ISRO's efforts will also contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a Viksit Bharat. During the convocation, a total of 206 degrees were conferred, including 183 Bachelor of Technology ( 19 Master of Technology ( and four Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Time of India
Being still is a challenge: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla reflects on life aboard the ISS
Shubhanshu Shukla , India's second astronaut in space and the first to reach the International Space Station , recently posted a video that captured something unexpectedly powerful: the struggle to be still. In the footage, shared on Instagram, Shukla is seen floating cross-legged inside the ISS, gently nudging himself into position in the calm silence of microgravity. He wasn't doing an experiment. He was trying to stay completely still. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Technology Digital Marketing Public Policy MBA others Management Data Analytics Finance healthcare Cybersecurity Operations Management MCA Data Science Leadership Design Thinking Project Management Product Management CXO Artificial Intelligence Healthcare Others Degree Data Science PGDM Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks MIT xPRO CERT-MIT XPRO Building AI Prod India Starts on undefined Get Details "This video was a few days into the mission when I finally had better control over my movements. What I wanted to do was to be just still - but clearly failed," Shukla wrote. Back to Earth after 18 days in orbit On 15 July, Shukla and his Axiom-4 crew returned to Earth after spending 18 days in space. The SpaceX Dragon capsule , named Grace, splashed down safely off the coast of San Diego at 2:31 am Pacific Time (3:01 pm IST). Live Events The mission marked a significant milestone for India. Shukla became the first Indian to reach the ISS and only the second Indian in space, nearly 40 years after Rakesh Sharma's historic flight in 1984. Shukla was designated pilot on the Axiom-4 mission . His role wasn't just ceremonial. Along with three international astronauts, he participated in over 60 scientific experiments from 31 countries. Of those, seven were led by ISRO. Seven experiments, one Indian astronaut ISRO confirmed that Shukla completed all assigned tasks during the mission. These included studies on muscle regeneration, algae cultivation, crop resilience, tardigrades, seed germination, the effects of radiation, and human physiology. The Indian space agency called his work a 'significant milestone' in the mission's success. Before returning home, the Axiom-4 team underwent health checks on the recovery vessel and were later flown back to land by helicopter. For the Lucknow-born Group Captain, the mission was over. But his reflection on the experience is still resonating with many. What stillness means in Space and on Earth In his Instagram caption, Shukla shared more than just a technical insight. He spoke plainly about how difficult it is to remain still in space — and how that echoes life on Earth. "From the time we reached the ISS, we were quite busy chasing the timeline and completing our tasks and experiments. It is a bit challenging initially, as you are learning to move in microgravity and also getting to know the station." "Any small disturbance can move your body in space, and it takes skill to be completely still. Kind of like our minds in this fast-moving world. Take some time to be still today. It is important to sometimes slow down to be fast. Apparently, being still is a challenge - with or without gravity," he wrote. India's growing space footprint The Axiom-4 mission was run by private company Axiom Space, based in the United States, but it highlighted India's increasing contribution to global space missions. While ISRO remains focused on national programmes, Indian participation in commercial missions like Ax-4 suggests new directions ahead. Shukla's journey may inspire a generation of scientists and pilots to look beyond the Earth — and to understand that even in space, introspection has value. What stands out isn't just the science. It's the human moment. A pilot, a soldier, floating 400 kilometres above the Earth, learning the difficulty of stillness — and urging the rest of us to try.
