On December 13, 2023, the Union Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh said that Indi will launch a female robot called Vyommitra into space ahead of the manned mission as an integral part of the Gaganyaan Mission, before sending astronauts.
ISRO’s ambitious Gaganyaan project is set to demonstrate India’s capability in human spaceflight. Before the manned mission, a test flight carrying Vyommitra a female robot astronaut is scheduled for the next year. Additionally, the Deep-Sea Mission project expected to be realized within a span of three years will explore deep-sea resources showcasing India’s prowess not only in outer space but also in the ocean depths.
All About Vyommitra
Vyommitra, a female humanoid robot was first unveiled at the inaugural session of Human Space Flight and Exploration-“Present Challenges and Future Trends event in January 2020. The name of the robot is derived from joining two Sanskrit words Vyom (Space) and Mitra (friend) and she has been designed for the Gaganyaan Mission. Since she lacks legs, she is a half-human (humanoid robot). She can lean forward and bend sides and forward though.
The design, development, and integration of the robot were carried by the ISRO Inertial Systems Unit, at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre located in Thumba. The robot has been designed to survive stress and vibrations during launch and spaceflight/. She can see and make facial expressions, speak, and hear as well.
Vyommitra will travel with Indian astronauts on manned missions in addition to the Gaganyaan Mission. The main purpose behind making and use of Vyommitra is to perform specific tasks to analyze how astronauts might behave. She will mimic every action that astronauts are required to take and respond to them in two languages.
She will monitor module parameters, alert, carry out life support procedures carry out tasks like operating switch panels and imitate other human actions throughout the flight.
Growth of India’s Space Sector
The minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reforms for the exponential increase in the number of space startups in India. From just one startup in 2014, the country now boasts 190 space startups, with some already evolving into profitable enterprises. This surge in entrepreneurial activity in the space sector is a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and private participation.
India’s space sector is on a progressive trajectory of rapid growth. Jitendra Singh announced and added that the nation’s space economy is currently valued at a modest 8 billion USD and is projected to reach an impressive 40 billion USD by 2040. This projection aligns with international observers’ even more optimistic potential of 100 billion dollars as cited in the Arthur Little Report. He emphasized the significant strides made in attracting private investment to space startups which have collectively raised over 1000 crore since April of this financial year.
He also highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the Indian Space missions drawing a comparison between the expensive mission to the moon by Russia and India’s Chandrayaan 3, which was successful by a fraction of the cost. He attributed these achievements to India’s rich human resources and skills. He even highlighted that the Indian mission achieved the feat of discovering water molecules on the lunar surface which could not have been done by the US or Russia.
Achievements of ISRO
ISRO, the Primary Space Agency of India has been instrumental in earning foreign revenue through satellite launches. To date, it has launched over 430 satellites (foreign) and generated substantial income, more than 290 million Euros from European Satellites and over 170 million Euros from American satellites.
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