ISRO’s Gaganyaan Trials to Begin in October: Meet Vyommitra, India’s Space-Faring Humanoid
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for an important milestone as the trials for its ambitious Gaganyaan missions are set to commence in October. Adding to the excitement, the second phase of the mission will introduce Vyommitra, India’s very own space-faring humanoid robot. This development was announced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Space, who highlighted the significance of these trials.
Vyommitra, a name derived from the combination of two Sanskrit words, Vyoma meaning Space and Mitra meaning Friend, is a half-humanoid prototype designed specifically for the first unmanned Gaganyaan mission. The introduction of Vyommitra was met with great enthusiasm during its debut at the opening session of the ‘Human Spaceflight and Exploration – Present Challenges and Future Trends’ event in 2021.
This remarkable humanoid possesses a diverse range of capabilities. Equipped with the ability to monitor module parameters and send alerts, Vyommitra plays a crucial role in life support operations. Additionally, it can perform tasks such as switch panel operations. Not only that, but Vyommitra also serves as a companion for astronauts, engaging in conversations and responding to their queries while even recognizing their presence. With its simulation of human functions in space, it seamlessly interacts with the environment control life support system.
The trials for the Gaganyaan missions are a significant stepping stone for India’s space exploration endeavors. With October marking the beginning of these trials, ISRO aims to evaluate and refine various aspects of the mission, including the integration of Vyommitra as a valuable member of the team. The humanoid robot’s presence on board brings a new dimension to space travel, ensuring comprehensive support and assistance for astronauts throughout their journey.
The inclusion of Vyommitra in the Gaganyaan mission stands as a testament to India’s technological prowess and its determination to push the boundaries of space exploration. This development is a significant milestone for the country, cementing its position in the global space race. With advancements in humanoid robotics and the successful completion of these trials, India is poised to make remarkable progress in its pursuit of manned space missions.
As the ISRO trials commence in October, the world will be watching with anticipation to witness the groundbreaking feats achieved by Vyommitra, India’s remarkable space-faring humanoid. With its advanced capabilities and human-like interactions, Vyommitra is sure to pave the way for a future where human and robotic collaboration becomes the norm in space exploration.