Crew Module–Service Module Separation Tests for Gaganyaan

Why in News?

The ISRO has successfully completed a series of Crew Module (CM) and Service Module (SM) separation tests for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.

Separation Tests

• The successful tests build confidence for the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission (G1), scheduled for launch in 2026.

Gaganyaan Orbital Module – It consists of two major components:

• Crew Module (CM)
  • The Crew Module accommodates astronauts throughout the mission.
  • It is engineered to safeguard the crew during both the mission and atmospheric re-entry.
  • The module incorporates essential systems, including avionics, inertial navigation, and thermal protection systems.
• Service Module (SM)
  • The Service Module provides support to the Crew Module throughout the orbital phase.
  • It is connected to the Crew Module via a separation system and umbilical connections.
  • The Service Module is separated from the Crew Module prior to atmospheric re-entry.

Validation of Critical Subsystems – Testing confirmed the robustness and shock-survivability of the following subsystems:

• Avionics systems – Electronic components responsible for spacecraft monitoring and control.
• Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) – Determine the spacecraft's orientation, motion, and navigation state.
• Thermal Protection System (TPS) – Provides protection through aft and conical heat shields.
• Crew Module Deployable Umbilical Shield – Protects the umbilical interface.
• Crew Module Uprighting System – Utilizes pyrotechnic devices to support module uprighting operations.
• Thermal and Humidity Control System – Maintains appropriate environmental conditions within the Crew Module.

Reference

ISRO | Crew Module-Service Module Separation Tests