Science & Technology📖 3 min read

ISRO Sets Up Two Gaganyaan Mission Control Centres

India's human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, has taken a significant step forward with the establishment of two dedicated mission control centres.

Source: GNews ISRO Space
Summary of News

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has established two mission control centres for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. These centres are located at the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru. One centre will serve as the primary control hub, while the other will act as a backup, ensuring redundancy and continuous monitoring of the mission. These facilities are crucial for managing all phases of the Gaganyaan mission, from launch and orbital operations to re-entry and landing. They will monitor the health of the spacecraft, track its trajectory, and communicate with the astronauts. The establishment of these centres marks a major milestone in India's preparations for sending humans to space.

Why It Matters

This development is important for competitive exams, especially for Science & Technology sections in UPSC (GS Paper III) and SSC General Awareness. It highlights India's progress in space technology and its ambitious human spaceflight program. Aspirants should understand the significance of mission control centres in space missions and the overall objectives of the Gaganyaan project, including its timeline and key components. This topic connects to India's self-reliance in advanced technological domains.

Key Points for Exam
  • ISRO has set up two mission control centres for the Gaganyaan mission.
  • These centres are located at ISTRAC facility in Bengaluru.
  • One centre will function as the primary control, and the other as a backup.
  • Gaganyaan is India's first human spaceflight mission.
  • The mission aims to send Indian astronauts into a Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • ISTRAC is responsible for providing tracking support for ISRO's satellite and launch vehicle missions.
Important Keywords Explained
Gaganyaan Missionscheme

Gaganyaan is India's ambitious human spaceflight mission. It aims to demonstrate India's capability to send a crew of three astronauts to an orbit of 400 km for a 3-day mission and bring them back safely to Earth by landing in Indian sea waters. The mission involves developing critical technologies like crew module, environmental control and life support system, and crew escape system.

ISROorganization

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the national space agency of India, headquartered in Bengaluru. Founded in 1969, it is under the Department of Space (DOS), which is directly overseen by the Prime Minister of India. ISRO is responsible for India's space program, including satellite development, launch vehicles, and planetary exploration missions.

ISTRACorganization

ISTRAC stands for ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network. It is a unit of ISRO located in Bengaluru, India. ISTRAC is responsible for providing tracking, telemetry, and command services for ISRO's satellite and launch vehicle missions. It operates a network of ground stations across India and other parts of the world to support space missions.

Additional Facts & Context
1The Gaganyaan mission is expected to be launched by 2025.
2The mission will use ISRO's GSLV Mk III rocket, renamed LVM3-G for human spaceflight.
3Four Indian Air Force pilots have been selected as astronaut candidates for the mission.
4The total budget for the Gaganyaan mission is approximately Rs 10,000 crore.
Examiner's Tip

UPSC and SSC often ask about India's space missions, key organizations like ISRO, and specific projects like Gaganyaan. Focus on the mission's objectives, key technologies, and the roles of different ISRO centres. Questions might also cover the timeline and budget.

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Memory Trick

Remember 'Gaganyaan's Two Towers' two control centres at ISTRAC Bengaluru, one primary, one backup, like two strong pillars for India's space dream.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Gaganyaan mission control centres?

The Gaganyaan mission control centres are crucial for managing all phases of the human spaceflight mission. They monitor the spacecraft's health, track its trajectory, and facilitate communication with the astronauts, ensuring the mission's safety and success from launch to landing.

Where are the Gaganyaan mission control centres located?

The two mission control centres for the Gaganyaan mission are located at the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) facility in Bengaluru, India. One serves as the primary control, and the other acts as a backup.

What is the significance of ISTRAC for ISRO missions?

ISTRAC (ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network) is vital for ISRO missions as it provides essential tracking, telemetry, and command services. It operates a global network of ground stations to support the monitoring and control of ISRO's satellites and launch vehicles throughout their operational lives.

Connected Concepts / Topics
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