AFVOA Newletter August 2020

Section 6 – eConnect Reviews CV 2 No. 02 / 2020 Page 200 of 237 Did you know that our ISRO is one of the six largest space agencies in the world with the largest fleet of communication (INSAT) and remote sensing (IRS) satellites? ISRO is now preparing the first Indian manned space mission – GAGANYAN. Did you also know that the Indian astronauts will be called “Vyomonauts”? The Speaker opened our eyes to the all round health hazards posed to the Vyomonauts in a space mission. The effects on blood cell production, risks of high exposure to radiation, the negative influences on the brain leading to space sickness, stiffening and ageing of the blood vessels, loss of mass and strength of the muscles, bones losing density and strength and the oft reported problem of low back pain. He also spoke about the Humanoid simulation that would precede the actual manned mission. GAGANYAN – MISSION PROFILE IN BRIEF  Three Indians will be sent on a Low-Earth-Orbit mission (altitude 300 – 400 km) for 5 to 7 days.  At 27,000 km/h, a spacecraft completes an orbit of the Earth every 90 minutes.  Estimated cost INR 10,000 Crores.  40 month project with 15,000 individuals, 13,000 from industries and 1,000 from academic institutions.  Vyomonauts to be selected from 200 shortlisted IAF pilots. 4 to be selected and trained.  On the seventh day of launch, the crew module will re-orient and separate itself from the service module, landing on earth within 36 minutes, in the Arabian Sea, close to Ahmedabad. Kind Courtesy : Prof Dr K Ganapathy’s Slide Show The snapshots of the Speaker’s visit to the most critical components of the NASA Space Launch Centre kept the participants’ attention riveted. The incident narrated by him as to how a blood clot detected in an Asronaut’s neck was effectively treated by the Physicians monitoring his health from the Mission Centre on Earth highlighted the complexity of planning and executing space missions. While it is quite common to see advertisements from India based International Tour Operators offering “Indian Food” through the tour, it is entirely another thing to know that our Vyomonauts will be treated to hot Samosas, Moong Dal Halwa, Upma and such other Indian delicacies while onboard, thanks to our CFTRI, Mysore! It is also heartening to know 90% of the ingredients for project Gaganyan come from “Make in India” initiatives. Our entry into the manned space missions at this time bestows the advantages of not having to re-