Source: TH
Context:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) showcased the Crew Escape System (CES), a critical safety mechanism designed for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. CES ensures astronaut survival during launch emergencies by rapidly separating the crew module from a malfunctioning launch vehicle.
Key Features of CES:
- Purpose:
- Provides a rapid ejection mechanism to move the crew module to safety in case of a launch anomaly.
- Protects astronauts during critical phases of lift-off and early ascent.
- Development:
- Fully designed and developed by ISRO as part of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
- Working Mechanism:
- Located at the forward end of the LVM3 rocket.
- Uses high-burn solid motors to accelerate the crew module faster than the rocket.
- Triggered by Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) in case of an emergency.
- Crew module separation is followed by multi-stage parachute deployment for controlled splashdown.
- Types of CES:
- Puller Type (used by ISRO): Solid motors pull the crew module away (used in Gaganyaan, Soyuz, Saturn V).
- Pusher Type: Liquid-fuel engines push the module away (used in SpaceX Falcon 9).
