India eyes human presence in space |
India is coming out with a policy framework and a long-term roadmap and is planning to have a sustained human presence in space. The Department of Space has envisaged a national effort to meet the goal of successful demonstration of human spaceflight capability and to achieve the vision of sustained human presence in space. India`s maiden human spaceflight module `Gaganyaan` is expected to be launched after the second unmanned mission planned in 2022-23. In her Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said the first unmanned launch is slated for December 2021. The Department of Space has now put up for public consultation on the website of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This comes under the former, the draft "Humans in Space Policy for India -- 2021" and guidelines and procedures for its implementation. It is essential that the policy enables sustained presence in low earth orbit and beyond through reliable, robust, safe, and affordable means by undertaking appropriate capacity-building measures like collaborations, infrastructure development, facilities modernization, technology development and human resource development. This would also encourage new industries, create high technology jobs, enable socio-economic growth and further enhance India`s stature and role in space. The Humans in Space Policy aims at sustained human presence in space as an instrument for development, innovation, and foster collaborations in alignment with national interests", the draft said. Technological elements such as development of human-rated launch vehicle, environmental control, and life a support system, crew escape system, deceleration system, crew selection and training and development of human-centric products shall be undertaken by the DoS, utilizing the expertise of ISRO, national research institutions, academia, industry and others. According to the draft, "DoS/ISRO shall encourage start-ups and industries through suitable mechanisms. Mechanism will be established to explore spinoff opportunities and their development for societal benefits".
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