Vyommitra, derived from the Sanskrit words "Vyoma" meaning "Space" and "Mitra" meaning "Friend," is poised to take on a vital role as a half-humanoid companion in the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Gaganyaan mission. This mission, set to commence trials in October according to Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Space, aims to exhibit India's capabilities in human spaceflight. It entails sending a crew of three on a three-day mission into orbit at an altitude of 400 kilometers, followed by a safe return and landing in the Indian sea waters.
Vyommitra is much more than a mere robot; it serves as a prototype for this ambitious undertaking. Its capabilities encompass monitoring module parameters, issuing alerts, and executing life support operations. This includes activities like operating switch panels and most intriguingly, serving as a conversational companion to astronauts, recognizing them, and providing responses to their queries. Designed to simulate human functions in the challenging environment of space, Vyommitra plays a critical role in interacting with the life support system.
The Gaganyaan mission represents a holistic approach, drawing from in-house expertise, the resources of the Indian industry, knowledge from Indian academia and research institutions, and cutting-edge technologies from international agencies. The mission's success hinges on the development of key technologies, including a human-rated launch vehicle for safely transporting the crew into space, a life support system to create an Earth-like environment for the crew in space, provisions for crew emergency escape, and the evolution of crew management protocols for training, recovery, and rehabilitation.
Prior to embarking on the human spaceflight mission, a series of precursor missions are planned to demonstrate the Technology Preparedness Levels. These missions, such as the Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT), Pad Abort Test (PAT), and Test Vehicle (TV) flights, will rigorously test the safety and reliability of all systems. These unmanned missions serve as essential prerequisites to ensure the success of future manned missions. The Gaganyaan project represents a significant leap for India in the realm of human space exploration, and Vyommitra stands as a testament to the country's advancements in space technology.
