ISRO’s Humanoid Robot ‘Vyommitra’ to Join Gaganyaan Space Mission
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for another landmark achievement in space exploration. After the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, the organization has announced its plan to send a humanoid robot named ‘Vyommitra’ into space as a significant part of the ‘Gaganyaan’ human space mission program. This move represents a remarkable leap in India’s space capabilities and ambitions.
Delayed First Phase and the Role of Vyommitra
The first phase of the Gaganyaan mission, initially scheduled for September, has been rescheduled to October due to various factors, including the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. This phase will involve an unmanned trial mission to test the spacecraft’s systems and capabilities. The second phase of the mission will mark a historic moment with the presence of ‘Vyommitra,’ a humanoid robot designed specifically for space travel. The robot’s name, which means ‘space friend’ in Sanskrit, reflects its role in aiding and enhancing the mission’s success.
“In the second mission, there will be a female robot and she will mimic all human activities. If everything goes perfectly, then we can have a go-ahead,”
– Union Minister Jitendra Singh
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, shared that the upcoming mission will not only focus on sending astronauts but also on bringing them back safely. The role of ‘Vyommitra’ will be pivotal, as she will simulate human activities and interactions in the space environment. This represents a crucial step toward understanding how the human body and technology can effectively collaborate during extended space missions.
The Unveiling of Vyommitra
The humanoid robot ‘Vyommitra’ was unveiled by ISRO in Bengaluru in 2020. Designed with advanced robotics and artificial intelligence, Vyommitra showcases the organization’s commitment to innovation and technological advancements in space exploration. Her human-like appearance and capabilities make her a valuable asset in studying the effects of space travel on the human body and testing various systems and equipment.
Chandrayaan-3 Success and ISRO’s Journey
The recent success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, with its Lander Module (LM) achieving a successful landing near the Moon’s south pole, has added another feather to ISRO’s cap. This achievement not only makes India the fourth country to successfully execute a lunar lander mission, following the former USSR, the US, and China, but also showcases the nation’s growing expertise in space technology and exploration.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh expressed his sense of relief and pride in ISRO’s accomplishments. He highlighted the pivotal role played by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to open up the space sector to media and the public. Unlike previous missions, this time, there was increased transparency and engagement, with media coverage and schoolchildren being part of the journey to Sriharikota, the launch site.
The increased funding for ISRO’s space program has also been crucial in enabling such ambitious missions. As the organization continues to push boundaries and achieve remarkable milestones, India’s space capabilities are being recognized on a global scale.
Conclusion
ISRO’s announcement of sending the humanoid robot ‘Vyommitra’ into space as part of the Gaganyaan mission program marks a significant advancement in India’s space exploration efforts. The inclusion of Vyommitra and the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission showcase ISRO’s dedication to technological innovation, scientific research, and international space collaboration. As the organization continues its journey to explore new frontiers, the future holds promising opportunities for India’s space endeavors.
Tags: ISRO, Gaganyaan, Vyommitra, humanoid robot, space mission, Chandrayaan-3, lunar landing, space exploration