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Narendra Modi

February 27, 2024 3:15 PM IST

PM Modi reviews Gaganyaan progress and inaugurates ISRO facilities in Kerala

PM Narendra Modi visited Kerala on Tuesday to review the progress of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthpuram. He was joined by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister V Muraleedharan, and ISRO chairman S Somanath.

During his visit, PM Modi dedicated three facilities of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to the nation. These facilities are crucial for the Gaganyaan Mission, India’s first human space flight program. They will enhance India’s technical capabilities in the space sector and support its vision for space exploration.

The projects, developed at a cost of about Rs. 1800 crore, include the PSLV Integration Facility (PIF) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota; a Semi-Cryogenics Integrated Engine And Stage Test facility at ISRO Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri; and Trisonic Wind Tunnel at VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram.

At the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, PM Modi presented ‘Astronaut Wings’ to astronaut-designates of Gaganyaan Mission- Group Captain P Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander S Shukla.

He highlighted India’s progress in space technology, pointing out the significant increase in satellite launches over the past decade.

PM Modi outlined India’s ambitious space exploration plans, including a space station by 2035 and a manned moon mission.

Most of the equipment used in Gaganyaan is ‘Made in India,’ showcasing India’s growing capabilities in space technology.

PM Modi’s vision to reform India’s space sector and enhance technical and R&D capability received a boost with the inauguration of the space infrastructure projects.

The PSLV Integration Facility (PIF) is set to significantly increase the frequency of PSLV launches, from 6 to 15 per year. It is also capable of accommodating the launches of SSLV and other small launch vehicles developed by private space companies.

The Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and Stage Test facility marks a significant advancement in engine and stage development. It will facilitate the creation of semi-cryogenic engines and stages, thereby enhancing the payload capacity of current launch vehicles. Equipped with liquid oxygen and kerosene supply systems, this facility can conduct engine tests with up to 200 tons of thrust.

Wind tunnels are vital for aerodynamic testing, allowing for the evaluation of rockets and aircraft during flight in the Earth’s atmosphere. The inauguration of the “Trisonic Wind Tunnel” signifies a crucial step forward in technological innovation.

(With inputs from ANI)

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Last updated on: 14th February 2025