Four astronauts named for ISRO’s maiden human space flight mission – Gaganyaan

“The astronaut-designates are four forces that encompass the aspirations of 1.40 billion people,” Modi said.

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India is emerging as a global leader

The prime minister was at the VSSC to inaugurate three major technical facilities of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

He said that India in the 21st century was emerging as a dynamic global player, showcasing significant developmental strides across sectors.

The prime minister also emphasised the “important role” played by women in the country’s space programme and said those like Chandrayaan — the moon mission and Gaganyaan would not be possible without their contribution and participation.

Modi also said India’s success in the space sector was not only sowing the seeds of scientific temperament in the country’s young generation but was also helping it emerge as a dynamic global player in the 21st century by showcasing significant developmental strides across various sectors.

Inaugurated space infrastructure projects

He inaugurated three major space infrastructure projects of ISRO during his visit to the VSSC.

The Prime Minister also reviewed the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme during his visit.

Modi, accompanied by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan, also took a walkthrough of the exhibition of the various ISRO projects showcased at VSSC.

The projects inaugurated by Modi are — a Trisonic Wind Tunnel at VSSC, a Semi-Cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility at ISRO’s propulsion complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, and the PSLV Integration Facility at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota.

These three projects, which will provide world-class technical facilities for the space sector, have been developed at a cumulative cost of about ₹1,800 crore.

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The projects

VSSC, the lead centre of the ISRO, is responsible for the design and development of launch vehicle technology.

The Trisonic Wind Tunnel at VSSC produces controlled uniform airflow over scaled models of rockets and aircraft to evaluate their aerodynamic characteristics and designs. It features a test section size of 1.2 meters and can generate speeds ranging from subsonic to supersonic, up to 4 times the speed of sound (Mach number 4.0).

The Mahendragiri unit is a state-of-the-art facility capable of handling large flows of propellants. It stands 51 meters tall and has a flame deflector depth of 30 meters.

The PSLV Integration Facilities at Sriharikota were developed to increase launch frequency from the First Launch Pad (FLP) and include the Integration Building, Service Building, Rail Track, and associated systems.

The inauguration of these facilities marks significant advancements in India’s space exploration capabilities.

(With PTI inputs)