🛠️ Features & Design of the Crew Module
The Crew Module of Gaganyaan is meticulously designed to ensure astronaut safety, comfort, and mission reliability. It embodies advanced engineering to support human life in space and enable a secure return to Earth.
- Double-Walled Structure: An inner pressurized capsule houses the astronauts, while the outer structure provides thermal protection and structural integrity during re-entry.
- Thermal Protection System (TPS): The module is coated with ablative materials that safeguard it from extreme heat during atmospheric re-entry (up to 1,600°C).
- Ergonomic Interior Layout: The crew seating, interfaces, and displays are designed for maximum comfort and efficiency, allowing astronauts to monitor systems and perform tasks with ease.
- Parachute & Flotation Systems: Equipped with a multi-stage parachute system for controlled descent and inflatable devices to ensure flotation after splashdown.
- Structural Safety: The module is built to withstand high G-forces during launch and re-entry, with shock-absorbing crew seats and reinforced cabin design.
- Material & Construction: The CM uses lightweight, high-strength alloys and composites, making it resilient yet efficient for spaceflight needs.
The Crew Module is a result of extensive collaboration across Indian research institutes and industry partners, showcasing India’s capability to produce human-rated space systems indigenously.