Researchers from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have announced that they are nearing completion of preparations for astronaut supplies related to India”s upcoming Gaganyaan mission. According to Dr Upendra Kumar Singh, a Distinguished Scientist and Director General of the Soldier Support System, 90 percent of the necessary products are ready for the mission.
Collaboration between DRDO and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been crucial in developing technologies and devices that will be tested during the first uncrewed mission, set to occur in the near future. Eight laboratories have contributed to the development of various products that will undergo zero-gravity testing, including food items, parachutes, emergency kits, medical supplies, noise-cancellation devices, radiation dosimeters, and specialized fire suppression systems.
To enhance astronaut safety, DRDO has created electronic health kits made from textile materials. These kits are designed to monitor the health of astronauts continuously and will send alerts back to the ground station. The Bio-Vests developed are capable of remotely tracking physiological health metrics such as ECG, SpO2, temperature, and heart rate during all phases of the mission: launch, orbit, and re-entry. Additionally, the food developed for astronauts is intended to be safe from microbial contamination, palatable, and capable of keeping them hydrated while remaining durable against microbial growth.
While laboratory tests on these products have shown promising results, conducting tests in a zero-gravity environment is critical for ensuring their functionality in space. Recently, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed that 90 percent of the work for the Gaganyaan mission is complete and indicated plans to launch the first of three uncrewed missions in December. Emphasizing the importance of astronaut safety in space, Narayanan mentioned that rigorous testing is being carried out for each product.
A senior researcher from DRDO echoed this sentiment, highlighting the unique challenges astronauts face in space, similar to those of Indian Air Force pilots. The researcher noted that it is vital to understand how the chemical composition of food and medicines will behave in a microgravity environment, necessitating advanced testing protocols.
Protecting astronauts from harmful radiation is another critical aspect of the mission. DRDO has developed a specialized kit designed to enhance safety in space, which will undergo thorough evaluation. Dr B.K. Das, Director General of the Electronics and Communication System at DRDO, stated that initial tests have yielded satisfactory results, with additional evaluations scheduled for the near future.
