
Isro's SpaDeX satellites complete second docking successfully, more tests to follow
Further experiments are planned in the next two weeks, the minister wrote.Isro defines SpaDeX mission as "cost-effective technology demonstrator mission" for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft launched by PSLV. The mission aims to demonstrate technologies related to orbital rendezvous, docking, and proximity operations.After the completion of first docking, Isro chairman V Narayanan said the results will be useful for multiple purposes, including future missions like Chandrayaan 4, Gaganyaan and India's space station.The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) has made India the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to accomplish the technological feat.Must Watch
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Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
Shubhanshu Shukla to undergo 7-day rehab post return to Earth on July 15
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will undergo a seven-day rehabilitation programme after his splashdown off the California coast on July 15 as he returns to the Earth from an 18-day sojourn at the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla and three other astronauts - commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu of Poland and Hungary - had docked at the ISS on June 26 as part of the commercial Axiom-4 mission . The four astronauts are scheduled to undock from the ISS on Monday, July 14, at 4.35 pm IST (7.05 am ET), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration said in a statement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo According to ISRO , following a series of orbital manoeuvres after undocking Crew Dragon spacecraft is expected to splash down near the coast of California on July 15, 2025, at 3 pm IST. "Post splashdown, the Gaganyatri will undergo a rehabilitation program (about 7 days) under supervision of Flight Surgeon to adapt back to Earth's gravity," the ISRO said in an update on the Axiom-4 mission. Live Events ISRO paid approximately Rs 550 crore for Shukla's travel to the ISS - an experience that will help the space agency in planning and execution of its human spaceflight programme , Gaganyaan, set to take to orbit in 2027. "ISRO's flight surgeons are continuously monitoring and ensuring the overall health and fitness of the Gaganyatri through participation in private medical/psychological conferences. Gaganyatri Shubhanshu is in good health and in high spirit," ISRO said. Shukla and the three other astronauts are expected to board the spacecraft at 2.25 pm IST, wear their space suits and carry out the necessary tests before they begin their journey to the Earth. The ISS is orbiting the Earth at a speed of 28,000 kilometres per hour, and the spacecraft will initiate the autonomous undocking process to gradually slow down and re-enter the planet's atmosphere for a splashdown off the coast of California. "The Dragon spacecraft will return with more than 580 pounds of cargo, including NASA hardware and data from over 60 experiments conducted throughout the mission," NASA said. Axiom-4 mission commander Peggy Whitson said in a post on X: "Enjoying our last few days on the @Space_Station with rehydrated shrimp cocktails and good company! #Ax4." Shukla had brought carrot halwa and mango nectar (aamras) to the party. On the experiment front, Shukla worked on the microalgae experiment, deploying and stowing samples that could one day provide food, oxygen and biofuels for deep-space missions, Axiom Space said in a statement. The resilience of the microalgae makes them a promising asset to sustain life beyond the Earth, it added. "Exercise research and spacesuit maintenance topped the schedule for the Expedition 73 and Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crews on Thursday," the NASA statement said. The crew also continued the Voyager Displays study, which examines how spaceflight affects eye movement and coordination. The crew collected data for a study to explore how astronauts perceive and interact with their environment in orbit, which is critical for designing mentally supportive habitats for long-duration missions. Another study focused on cerebral blood flow, investigating how microgravity and elevated carbon dioxide levels affect cardiovascular function, which could later benefit both astronauts and patients on the Earth. Radiation exposure was monitored using the compact Rad Nano Dosimeter, a tool for assessing astronaut safety. The crew took part in the Acquired Equivalence Test, a cognitive experiment that measures learning and adaptability in space, and supported the PhotonGrav study by collecting brain-activity data to explore neuroadaptive technologies for space and medical applications.


Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
ISRO inches close to Gaganyaan mission with successful development of key engine
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has taken a step closer to the Gaganyaan Mission with the successful development of a key engine. The two hot tests conducted, early this month, for the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) have been completed, ISRO said. 'ISRO has successfully completed the development of Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) for Gaganyaan Mission with the completion of the qualification test programme,' said ISRO, in a statement. The space agency on Friday conducted a full-duration hot test of SMPS for 350s to validate the integrated performance of the SMPS for flight off-nominal mission profile of SM-based mission abort. 'The overall performance of the propulsion system during the hot test was normal as per pre-test predictions,' ISRO said. The Service Module (SM) of Gaganyaan is a regulated bi-propellant-based propulsion system that caters to the requirements of the Orbital Module for orbit circularisation, on-orbit control, de-boost manoeuvring, and Service Module-based abort during the ascent phase. The Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engines provide the main propulsive force during the orbit circularisation and de-boost phases, while the Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters ensure precise attitude control. 'A System Demonstration Model (SDM) testbed was realised emulating the fluid circuit of the Service Module Propulsion System, encompassing the propellant tank feed system, helium pressurisation system, flight-qualified thrusters, and control components,' ISRO said. Further, the space agency noted that the 'SDM for Service Module Propulsion System has undergone 25 tests under nominal and off-nominal conditions for a cumulative duration of 14,331s for various Gaganyaan mission scenarios and human rating requirements'. The Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System was designed, developed, and realised by Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) and the tests were carried out at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri. Gaganyaan is India's human spaceflight mission slated for launch in 2027. The Gaganyaan programme aims to demonstrate India's capability to launch a crewed spacecraft into low Earth orbit. ISRO aims to launch at least two key projects under the Gaganyaan mission this year -- a second test vehicle and an uncrewed mission. The uncrewed orbital test mission will pave the way for India's human spaceflight programme. This will validate systems for crew safety and recovery. Meanwhile, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, part of one of the four astronaut-designates of the Gaganyaan programme, has also been conducting scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) that may help the human space flight mission for the country. He is expected to return to Earth next week.


India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
Isro moves closer to Gaganyaan launch, completes key engine development
The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) announced Friday it has successfully completed the development of the Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) for its ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, following the conclusion of its qualification test program. The milestone moves India closer to its first crewed space mission, slated for the first quarter of 2027.A full-duration hot test of the SMPS was conducted for 350 seconds on Friday at the Isro Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Tamil Nadu's Mahendragiri. The test was designed to validate the integrated performance of the system for a flight off-nominal mission profile, specifically an SM-based abort scenario during the ascent phase. Officials stated the propulsion system's overall performance during the test was normal and aligned with pre-test Service Module (SM) of the Gaganyaan mission is a regulated bi-propellant propulsion system vital for various orbital manoeuvres. It is responsible for orbit circularisation, on-orbit control, de-boost manoeuvring, and crucial Service Module-based abort operations during the ascent phase. The system comprises five Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engines, each providing 440 Newtons of thrust for main propulsion, and 16 Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters, each delivering 100 Newtons for precise attitude control. A dedicated System Demonstration Model (SDM) test bed, replicating the SMPS fluid circuit, was used for the extensive qualification programme. This SDM underwent 25 tests under both nominal and off-nominal conditions, accumulating a total duration of 14,331 seconds, to meet various Gaganyaan mission scenarios and human-rating Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System was designed, developed, and developed by Isro's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). Its robust design and successful testing are considered essential for ensuring crew safety and the overall success of the mission, particularly its capability to handle complex manoeuvres and emergency abort Gaganyaan mission aims to send Indian astronauts into low-Earth orbit, approximately 400 kilometres above Earth, for several days before their safe return. This latest achievement follows other key test milestones, including the TV-D1 abort test and the first uncrewed Test Vehicle mission conducted earlier this mission will utilise the human-rated LVM3 launch vehicle, a robust Crew Escape System, and meticulously engineered Crew and Service Modules, all currently undergoing final integration and training is also progressing steadily, with three Indian Air Force pilots, now designated as astronauts, having completed initial training in Russia and continuing with mission-specific preparations in India.- EndsTune InMust Watch