India will send a female robot named "Vyommitra" on its first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. The announcement was made by Union Minister Jitendra Singh at the NDTV G20 Conclave on Saturday.
Singh said that the trial spaceflight of Gaganyaan is scheduled for the first or second week of October. In the subsequent mission, Vyommitra will be sent to space to mimic all human activities. This will help scientists to test the systems and procedures of the Gaganyaan mission before sending humans into space.
Vyommitra is a humanoid robot that has been developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). She is 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 30 kilograms. Vyommitra is equipped with a variety of sensors and cameras that allow her to interact with her surroundings. She can also speak and understand English.
The Gaganyaan mission is India's ambitious plan to send humans into low Earth orbit. The mission is scheduled to launch in 2024. If successful, India will become the fourth country in the world to send humans into space after the United States, Russia, and China.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh shared that the Gaganyaan project experienced delays due to the pandemic, but the first trial mission is now in the planning stages for the first or second week of October.
The significance of ensuring the safe return of astronauts was emphasized, underscoring the mission's comprehensive nature.
In a subsequent mission, Vyommitra, the female robot, is poised to play a pivotal role. Designed to simulate human activities, Vyommitra will contribute to expanding our understanding of human-machine interaction in space environments.
Mr. Singh expressed optimism about this mission, hinting at its potential success if all goes according to plan.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh recounted a recent triumph of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) - the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3's lander near the Moon's south pole.
This achievement marked a significant advancement in ISRO's journey and was made possible in part due to the visionary steps taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to open up the space sector.
Mr. Singh highlighted the shift from exclusivity to inclusivity, as the gates of Sriharikota were opened to the public, media, and schoolchildren during the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
This approach, coupled with increased funding for the space program, has accelerated India's achievements in space exploration.
India's role in space exploration has been nothing short of remarkable. As the first nation to successfully land a spacecraft near the Moon's south pole, India stands among a select group of countries, including the former USSR, the United States, and China, to achieve such a feat. This accomplishment reaffirms India's position as a significant player in the global space community.
The trial spaceflight of Gaganyaan is scheduled for the first or second week of October 2023.
Vyommitra is a humanoid robot that has been developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Vyommitra is 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 30 kilograms.
Vyommitra is equipped with a variety of sensors and cameras that allow her to interact with her surroundings. She can also speak and understand English.
The Gaganyaan mission is India's ambitious plan to send humans into low Earth orbit.
The mission is scheduled to launch in 2024.
If successful, India will become the fourth country in the world to send humans into space after the United States, Russia, and China.
Here are some additional facts that are worth mentioning:
The name "Vyommitra" comes from the Sanskrit words "vyoma" (space) and "mitra" (friend).
Vyommitra is the first female robot to be developed by ISRO.
Vyommitra is designed to help scientists test the systems and procedures of the Gaganyaan mission.
Vyommitra is also expected to help scientists learn more about the effects of space travel on the human body.
Conclusion
The impending launch of Vyommitra as part of the Gaganyaan mission showcases India's dedication to pushing the boundaries of space research. The journey to include a female robot in space missions underscores India's commitment to innovation and technological advancement.
As India prepares for the trial spaceflight and subsequent mission, the world watches with anticipation, recognizing the significance of this stride in the nation's space exploration journey.