Gaganyaan Mission Overview
The Gaganyaan Mission by ISRO aims to send Indian astronauts into a 400-km low Earth orbit. This historic mission requires sophisticated life support technology to ensure astronaut survival in the harsh space environment.
Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS)
The ECLSS is designed to recreate Earth-like living conditions by regulating:
- Air composition
- Water management
- Pressure levels
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Waste management
Mission Type: Short-duration mission — supplies like oxygen and water are carried from Earth, with waste stored for later disposal (unlike long-duration missions that recycle waste into breathable air and clean water)
Core Subsystems of ECLSS
1. Air Revitalisation System (ARS)
- Supplies fresh oxygen to astronauts
- Actively removes exhaled carbon dioxide using lithium hydroxide canisters with activated charcoal
- Small ECLSS fans circulate air to prevent lethal pockets of CO2 and oxygen from forming
- Critical in microgravity: Natural convection doesn't exist, making air circulation essential
2. Thermal and Humidity Regulation
- Cabin temperature: Strictly maintained at 20-26°C
- Humidity levels: Controlled between 30-70%
- Active cooling systems use heat exchangers to expel metabolic and electronic heat into space
- Condensing units manage moisture to prevent:
- Short-circuits in electronics
- Microbial growth
3. Atmospheric Pressure Control
- Cabin pressure strictly maintained at 101.3 kilopascal (kPa)
- Mimics Earth's sea-level conditions
- Uses electronic sensors and safety valves to balance breathable gas levels
4. Water Management
- Challenge: In microgravity, water forms floating globules
- Hazards: Threatens electronics and poses inhalation risks
- Solution: Pressurized bladders mechanically force potable water from specially designed pouches directly to astronauts
5. Waste Disposal System
- Challenge: Microgravity causes waste to float freely
- Solution: Suction-based airflow systems manage human waste
- Process:
- Faeces and urine collected via suction
- Chemically treated to inhibit bacterial growth
- Prevents toxic ammonia buildup
- Stored in sealed containers for Earth disposal
6. Fire Suppression System
- Challenge: Microgravity causes fires to expand spherically (more dangerous)
- Detection: Smoke detectors for early warning
- Extinguishing: Fine water mist fire extinguishers
- Effectively cool the fire
- Simultaneously scrub toxic smoke particles from cabin air
Significance for India
- Technological Milestone: Demonstrates India's capability in human spaceflight technology
- Self-Reliance: Indigenous development of critical life support systems
- Foundation for Future Missions: Knowledge gained will support long-duration missions
- Inspiration: Boost to India's space program and scientific temperament
Key Facts Summary
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Target Orbit | 400 km Low Earth Orbit |
| Cabin Temperature | 20-26°C |
| Humidity Range | 30-70% |
| Cabin Pressure | 101.3 kPa (Earth sea-level) |
| CO2 Removal | Lithium hydroxide with activated charcoal |
| Water Distribution | Pressurized bladders |
| Fire Extinguisher | Fine water mist system |
Related Developments
- DRDO has conducted Gaganyaan's Drogue Parachute Test for crew safety during descent
- Multiple Indian astronauts being trained for the mission