ISRO Chairman S Somanath Announces In-House Development of ECLSS for Gaganyaan Mission

Panaji, Goa: ISRO Chairman S Somanath revealed that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has opted to internally develop the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. The decision comes after unsuccessful attempts to secure this critical system through international collaboration.

Gaganyaan Project Overview

The Gaganyaan project is a monumental venture by ISRO, aiming to demonstrate India’s capability in human spaceflight. The mission involves launching a human crew into orbit at 400 km and safely returning them to Earth by landing in Indian sea waters. Scheduled for 2025, it represents a pioneering achievement in India’s space exploration endeavors.

ISRO’s Experience and Challenge

Somanath acknowledged ISRO’s lack of prior experience in developing the ECLSS, given the organization’s historical focus on rocket and satellite design. Despite efforts to acquire this knowledge internationally, no collaboration materialized. Consequently, ISRO has resolved to harness its expertise and domestic resources for the indigenous development of the ECLSS.

Addressing Challenges and Building Confidence

Speaking at the 5th edition of Manohar Parrikar Vidnyan Mahotsav 2023 in Goa, Somanath highlighted the challenges associated with the Gaganyaan program. He emphasized the need for elevated skills and confidence in executing a human spaceflight program, considering the complexity and risks involved.

Focus on Rocket Intelligence

Somanath delved into the intricacies of rocket development, acknowledging the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with launches. He emphasized the importance of integrating intelligence into the rockets to mitigate potential failures. The Chairman highlighted ongoing efforts to incorporate technologies such as sensors, data processing, and artificial intelligence to enhance rocket intelligence.

Risk Mitigation Strategies

Acknowledging the possibility of failure, Somanath underscored the importance of developing technologies that enable swift decision-making in the event of a malfunction. He highlighted the challenge of ensuring rocket intelligence can detect and act upon potential failures within a fraction of a second.