Vyommitra, India’s first robot astronaut, is ready to lead the way for the Gaganyaan mission, which will be the country’s first human-manned space flight. Here is everything you need to know about this remarkable feat of science and technology.
Who is Vyommitra?
Vyommitra is a name derived from two Sanskrit words, namely, ‘Vyoma’ (meaning space) and ‘Mitra’ (meaning friend). She is a female robot astronaut equipped with the capability to monitor module parameters, issue alerts, and execute life support operations. She can perform tasks such as operating six panels and responding to queries in two languages: Hindi and English .
Vyommitra is designed to simulate human functions in the space environment and interact with the life support system. She can mimic every action that astronauts are required to take and respond to them. She has a human-like face, torso and arms, but no legs. She can also express emotions such as happiness, sadness and fear.
Why is Vyommitra important?
Vyommitra is an integral part of the Gaganyaan project, which envisages a demonstration of human space capabilities by launching a crew of astronauts into an orbit of 400 kilometres and then bringing them safely back to earth by landing them in India’s sea waters.
The Gaganyaan project is scheduled to be launched in 2025, but before that, Vyommitra will fly into space ahead of the manned mission in an uncrewed mission called Vyommitra. This mission is scheduled for the third quarter of 2024 and will test the performance of the robot astronaut and the life support system in the space environment .
Vyommitra will also help in collecting valuable data and feedback that will be useful for improving the design and functionality of the Gaganyaan mission. She will also serve as a companion and a friend to the astronauts who will eventually board the Gaganyaan spacecraft.
What are the challenges and opportunities of Vyommitra?
Vyommitra is a result of years of research and development by ISRO’s Inertial Systems Unit (IISU), which specialises in inertial sensors and satellite technology. The IISU has successfully developed Vyommitra to contribute significantly to the Gaganyaan project.
However, Vyommitra also faces some challenges and limitations, such as coping with the extreme conditions of space, such as radiation, microgravity, temperature variations and vacuum. She also needs to have a reliable communication system with the ground control and the astronauts. She also needs to have a high level of autonomy and intelligence to handle any unforeseen situations or emergencies.
On the other hand, Vyommitra also offers some opportunities and advantages over human astronauts, such as being able to withstand higher levels of stress, fatigue and isolation. She also does not need food, water or oxygen to survive in space. She can also perform tasks that may be too risky or tedious for humans.
Conclusion
Vyommitra is a remarkable achievement of Indian science and technology that showcases the country’s ambition and potential in the field of space exploration. She is not only a robot astronaut but also a symbol of India’s pride and progress. She is ready to lead the way for the Gaganyaan mission, which will be a historic milestone for India and humanity.