SCIENCE

Space

ISRO Successfully Conducts Second Air Drop Test for Gaganyaan (IADT-02)

• Context: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) completed the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02).

• • Location: Test carried out at Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

• The system is essential to ensure safe recovery of the crew module — the capsule in which astronauts sit during a human flight. 

• • After the module’s release, a parachute system, comprising 10 parachutes, was deployed, helping the capsule decelerate to a safe splashdown speed.

• This test marks another significant step towards the readiness for the Gaganyaan G1 Mission, with active support and participation from the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).

• • Successfully recovered with support from the Indian Navy.

• First Test (IADT-01): Successfully conducted on August 24, 2025 at Sriharikota.

Execution Method

• • A simulated Crew Module was lifted to ~3 km altitude.

• Deployment was done using an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter.

Gaganyaan

• • Gaganyaan Mission is India’s maiden human spaceflight initiative, designed to send three astronauts into Low Earth Orbit (about 400 km altitude) for a duration of three days, and ensure their safe return to Earth.
  • The program will proceed in stages, beginning with uncrewed test flights to validate systems, followed by the first crewed mission, which is currently targeted for early 2027.
  • Successful completion of Gaganyaan will make India one of the few nations alongside the United States, Russia, and China to achieve independent human spaceflight capability. 

• The astronauts selected for the mission include: Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Pratap, Shubhanshu Shukla.

Current Facts

• ‘THIRAN’ Scheme

• The ‘THIRAN’ (Targeted Help for Improving Remediation and Academic Nurturing) educational enhancement scheme was implemented in July 2025 with the objective of identifying slow learners among students studying in Grades 6 through 9 in Tamil Nadu government schools, providing them with special remedial training in English, Tamil, and Mathematics, and thereby bridging their learning gaps.

Critical Technologies Developed

• Human-rated launch vehicle (HLVM3)
• Life Support System (Earth-like environment in space)
• Crew Escape System (CES) for emergencies
• Crew training, recovery & rehabilitation systems

Human rated LVM3 – HLVM3

• LVM3 rocket – The well proven and reliable heavy lift launcher of ISRO, is identified as the launch vehicle for Gaganyaan mission. 
• It consists of solid stage, liquid stage and cryogenic stage. 
• All systems in LVM3 launch vehicle are re-configured to meet human rating requirements and christened Human Rated LVM3. 
• HLVM3 will be capable of launching the Orbital Module to an intended Low Earth Orbit of 400 km.
• HLVM3 consists of Crew Escape System (CES) powered by a set of quick acting, high burn rate solid motors which ensures that Crew Module along with crew is taken to a safe distance in case of any emergency either at launch pad or during ascent phase.

 

AAKA Space Studio – 3D Printed Mars Radiation Shield

• Context: Ahmedabad-based AAKA Space Studio has developed and successfully tested Asia’s first 3D-printed radiation shield designed for Mars habitats.

• The technology was demonstrated during a large-scale analog space mission, highlighting future possibilities of sustainable construction on Mars.

Purpose of the Innovation

• The shield is designed to protect astronauts from harmful cosmic and solar radiation during long-duration stays on Mars.

• It aims to support safe human habitation on the Red Planet.

Radiation Protection is Important on Mars

• Mars has: No strong magnetic field, very thin atmosphere
• Because of this, the surface is exposed to high levels of cosmic and solar radiation.

Without protection, astronauts may face

• Serious radiation sickness
• Long-term damage to cells and tissues
  Current Facts
  • National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (National Authority CAMPA)
    Features of the 3D-Printed Shield
    • Provides effective protection from space radiation
    • Enhances thermal stability in extreme Martian conditions
    • Offers structural strength suitable for long-term habitats

    Significance

    • Represents a key step toward:
    • Sustainable habitat construction on Mars
    • Future lunar and interplanetary bases