Indian Navy and ISRO conduct astronaut well deck recovery trials for Gaganyaan Mission
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Dec 13, 2024

The Indian Navy and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have advanced preparations for Gaganyaan's recovery operations by conducting "Well Deck" recovery trials on December 6, 2024. The exercise took place under the Eastern Naval Command using a well deck-equipped ship off the coast of Visakhapatnam.

A ship's well deck can be flooded to allow docking of smaller vessels, landing crafts, or recovered spacecraft. This capability is critical for efficient and safe retrieval operations after the Gaganyaan Crew Module splashes down at sea.

The trials involved a simulated Crew Module mock-up that replicated the mass and shape of the actual spacecraft. The operations validated critical steps, including attaching recovery buoys, towing the module to the ship, maneuvering it into the well deck, securing it on fixtures, and draining the deck.

These trials mark significant progress in refining the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for recovering the Crew Module, ensuring timely and safe retrieval of the crew. ISRO and the Navy are focusing on both standard and contingency recovery scenarios, aiming to minimize crew discomfort during operations.

"The validated operations and equipment configurations from these trials will play a pivotal role in the success of Gaganyaan's recovery phase," said ISRO.

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