The humanoid, ‘Vyommitra’, is designed to replicate human activities once sent into space
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) did not stop at the success of Chandrayaan-3. However, ISRO’s ambitions extend far beyond this achievement. ISRO is taking another leap of faith as it embarks on a bold new venture—the Gaganyaan mission. The mission’s focal point is the deployment of ‘Vyommitra’, a female humanoid robot into space and to showcase India’s ability to conduct a successful manned mission and explore the potential for human space travel.
The name ‘Vyommitra’ is a thoughtful amalgamation of two Sanskrit terms, namely ‘Vyoma’ which translates to ‘Space’ and ‘Mitra’ which signifies ‘Friend’, encapsulating the essence of the robot’s role as a companion as well as an explorer in the cosmos. The Gaganyaan mission has been in development for a substantial period. However, its progression was considerably impeded by the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Human safety is of paramount importance in Gaganyaan mission,” said ISRO on its website.
In a recent and much-anticipated update on the Gaganyaan mission, Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of Science and Technology, conveyed a significant update on Saturday that a trial spaceflight will be attempted in the first half of October. Throughout the mission, the female humanoid will be responsible for overseeing module parameters, issuing alerts, executing life support functions, managing tasks like switch panel operations, and imitating various human activities in the space environment, as reported.
In the run up to the first Human Space Mission by India at @isro … ‘Vyommitra’, the humanoid for #Gaganyaan unveiled. This prototype of humanoid will go as trial before Gaganyaan goes with Astronauts. #ISRO pic.twitter.com/pnzklgSfqu
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) January 22, 2020
The humanoid, ‘Vyommitra’, is designed to replicate human activities once sent into space, helping ISRO assess how humans would act (if and when sent) in space. As per ISRO’s website and other multiple sources, the mission will involve sending three astronauts into space as part of the mission to an orbit of 400 km for a three-day period, ensuring a safe retrieval – starting 2024. The crew will land on the Indian sea waters once they are back.
