WHY IN NEWS:
The recent safe return of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore after a nine-month stay onboard the International Space Station (ISS) underscored the importance of following safety protocols
Main Phases of Space Travel
- Human space missions happen in three steps: Taking off, orbiting, and coming back.
- Gaganyaan is India’s first mission to send people into space.
- Emergency escape system helps astronauts get to safety if the rocket malfunctions.
Safety Measures at Takeoff
- Launchpad precautions: ISRO has zipline exits and fireproof lifts to help astronauts escape quickly.
- Different escape designs: – Pull-type (ISRO’s LVM3): A strong engine pulls the cabin away.
- Push-type (SpaceX Crew Dragon): The escape system pushes the cabin away from danger.
- Escape methods based on altitude: – Immediate escape (right after ignition).
- Low-level escape (crew drops into the sea).
- High-altitude escape (crew moves far away from the failing rocket).
Safety During Orbit – Crew vs. Service Modules:
- Living Area (Crew Module): Where astronauts stay. – Tech & Fuel Hub (Service Module): Contains power, engines, and controls.
- Emergency retreat option: – If needed, the capsule’s thrusters push it out of orbit.
- – The module can start returning to Earth using its own system.
Space Station Safety (For Docking Missions)
- Gaganyaan won’t connect to a space station.
- Backup capsules exist in case of breakdowns.
- Safe hideout zones: Provide protection from fires, space debris, or radiation exposure.
Returning to Earth Safely – Heat shield:
- Prevents extreme temperatures (up to 1800°C) from harming astronauts.
- Controlled landing with parachutes: – Several parachutes help slow the descent at different stages.
- Pyrotechnic mechanism automatically separates parachutes after the module lands.
Past Incidents – Apollo-1 disaster (1967):
- Fire on the ground killed three astronauts.
- Soyuz T-10 emergency (1983): Crew escaped before rocket explosion.
- Blue Origin failure (2022): Escape system worked correctly, saving the crew.