How is spaceflight safe?

Before and During Launch

• ISRO has installed ziplines and a fireproof bubble lift at its second launch pad to ensure the safety of astronauts during their Starliner test mission.

• The crew module is fastened to a tower-like structure on the launchpad, which disengages from the main rocket in case of a launch vehicle malfunction.

• The Crew Escape System, a tractor-type system on the human-rated LVM3, propels the crew module upwards and away from the rocket.

• The crew escape mechanism operates in three modes depending on the altitude obtained during the emergency.

• The crew escape assembly and capsule are rapidly transported to a safe distance in the shortest amount of time.

Entering and Staying in Orbit

• ISRO’s Gaganyaan crew capsule consists of a pair of interconnected modules.

• The crew module serves as the living quarters for the crew and passengers, while the service module carries the fuel, engines, control systems, etc.

• All components of the crew escape systems will be released into space by the time the capsule gets close to its intended orbit.

• In the event of an emergency after the spacecraft is in orbit, the service module’s propulsion system and the crew module’s thrusters will together attempt to reenter the earth’s atmosphere.

At the ISS

• Gaganyaan is not expected to dock with any space station, but its crew will be familiarised with the established procedures for docking.

• The capsule is docked as a ‘lifeboat’ in the event of an emergency aboard the station.

• The space station also has a ‘safe refuge’ space where its occupants could go to escape any danger.

Returning to the Earth

• The most challenging part of spaceflight is reentry.

• The capsule will fire its thrusters according to begin its descent, controlling its speed while also trying to ensure it lands in a particular region on the ground.

• The capsule will decelerate throughout reentry using a 10-parachute system.