Tue Apr 15 03:00:00 UTC 2025: ## ISRO Prioritizes Safety in Gaganyaan Mission, Learning from Past Spaceflight Disasters

**Bengaluru, India (April 15, 2025)** – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is implementing rigorous safety protocols for its upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, drawing lessons from past successes and failures in the field. The recent safe return of NASA astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) highlighted the critical role of such protocols, which, while often unseen, safeguard astronauts physically and mentally.

ISRO’s safety measures address the three key phases of human spaceflight: launch, orbit, and reentry. For launch, ISRO has incorporated features like ziplines and a fireproof bubble lift at the launchpad, inspired by the tragic Apollo 1 fire. A sophisticated Crew Escape System, similar to those used by SpaceX and Soyuz, will allow the crew module to quickly detach from the launch vehicle in case of malfunction, employing both low- and high-altitude escape motors. This system is designed to ensure crew safety even immediately after ignition (pad abort).

While in orbit, the Gaganyaan mission, unlike some others, will not dock with a space station. However, crew training will include established docking procedures and emergency protocols should such a scenario arise in the future. The crew module itself is designed with redundancy, including a service module that provides backup propulsion and life support.

Reentry, considered the most challenging phase, will utilize a ten-parachute system for controlled deceleration, reducing speed from 276 m/s to 10-12 m/s before splashdown. The capsule’s heat shield will protect the crew from the intense temperatures generated by atmospheric friction.

ISRO’s commitment to safety reflects a comprehensive approach, integrating advanced technologies and learnings from incidents like the 1983 Soyuz T-10 fire and the 2022 Blue Origin New Shepard NS-23 engine failure. This meticulous planning aims to ensure the safety and success of India’s first human spaceflight.

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