ISRO, India’s Space Research Organization, moved closer to realizing human space flight by successfully testing the Crew Escape System for its crew capsule in an emergency pad abort situation. The 4 minute unmanned test, was designed to validate the launch escape system that would carry the spacecraft and its crew to safety in the event of a major malfunction during the early stages of a future manned launch.
While ISRO has not made manned space missions one of their highest priorities, the agency has been quietly proceeding with work on a capsule that would launch atop the GSLV Mk.III rocket and carry a crew of two into orbit. “The crew module systems, space suit, recovery systems, crew escape systems, elements of environmental control, and life support systems are already developed,” said K. Sivan, chairman of ISRO.
The project’s most high-profile test took place three and a half years ago, when the Crew Module Atmospheric Reentry Experiment successfully demonstrated that the spacecraft could withstand the rigors of atmospheric reentry.
