As children, many of us dream of becoming astronauts, captivated by the allure of exploring the cosmos. This blog post delves into the immense physical and mental resilience required for those who will represent Earth on their journey into the vast expanse of space. In our previous article, we discussed the “Heart of the Gaganyaan Mission : The Orbital Module” that shields astronauts from the harsh environment of space.
Today, we highlight the rigorous training that Indian astronauts, such as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Indian Air Force test pilots selected by ISRO on August 2, 2024, will undergo at Axiom and NASA facilities. This training underscores the vital role of international collaborations and partnerships in advancing space exploration.
Astronaut Training: Preparing for the Ultimate Journey
The Gaganyaan mission, India’s ambitious human spaceflight program, is poised to place Indian astronauts—referred to as vyomanauts—into low Earth orbit, marking a historic milestone for the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Preparing for such a mission demands rigorous and comprehensive training that equips astronauts with the necessary skills to thrive in the challenging environment of space. This training, designed to ensure the success of the mission and the safety of the crew, encompasses various stages, each focusing on different aspects of space travel.
National Space Day – 2024
— ISRO (@isro) August 15, 2024
🇮🇳 Jai Hind…
A testament to Aatmanirbhar Bharat#NSpD2024 @DrJitendraSingh pic.twitter.com/jRuogExFi2
1. Selection Process: The First Hurdle
Before the training even begins, a meticulous selection process is conducted to identify the most suitable candidates for the mission. In the case of Gaganyaan, ISRO’s Human Space Flight Center (HSFC) and Glavcosmos, which is a subsidiary of the Russian state corporation Roscosmos, signed an agreement on July 1, 2019, for cooperation in the selection support, medical examination, and space training of Indian astronauts.
The selection process involved multiple rounds of physical exercise tests, lab investigations, radiological tests, clinical tests, and evaluations on various facets of their psychology. The goal is to ensure that the selected candidates are not only in peak physical condition but also have the mental fortitude to handle the unique challenges of spaceflight.
2. Basic Training: Building a Strong Foundation
Once selected, the astronauts began their 12-month basic training phase at the Gagarin Research & Test Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) on February 10, 2020. This phase includes several key components:
- Survival Training: The first phase of their training was a winter survival course conducted from February 12 to March 6. This program involved both theoretical and practical exercises on survival tactics and actions after landing a descent vehicle in extreme conditions. The astronauts were trained to use onboard spaceship equipment and improvised materials to survive in harsh environments. They also underwent a two-day practical survival test overseen by a team of instructors, doctors, psychologists, and other specialists. Given the uncertainties of space missions, this training is essential, as it prepares astronauts to handle emergency situations, survive in extreme environments like jungles, deserts, and oceans, and thrive even in the most inhospitable conditions on Earth.
- Technical Training: Understanding the spacecraft and its systems is vital for astronauts. During this phase, they received instructions on spacecraft propulsion, thermal control, orbital mechanics, spacecraft operations including navigation, communication, and life support systems. This knowledge is essential for handling any technical issues that may arise during the mission.
- Physical Conditioning: Astronauts must be in excellent physical shape to withstand the rigors of space travel. Their training includes cardiovascular exercises, yoga, strength training, and endurance drills to enhance their overall fitness. This conditioning is crucial for coping with the physical demands of launch, landing, microgravity, and re-entry.
3. Advanced Training: Mastering the Complexities of Spaceflight
As the astronauts progress through their training, they move on to more advanced stages that delve into the complexities of space travel.
- Microgravity Training: One of the most challenging aspects of spaceflight is adapting to a microgravity environment. To prepare for this, astronauts undergo parabolic flights, often referred to as the “Vomit Comet,” where they experience brief periods of weightlessness. This training helps them acclimate to the sensation of floating and teaches them how to move and operate equipment in zero gravity.
- Simulations and Mock Missions: Simulating various mission scenarios is a critical part of astronaut training. The vyomanauts participate in full-scale simulations that replicate different Gaganyaan flight systems from launch to landing. Crew Training Simulators (CTS) such as Independent Training Simulator (ITS), Virtual Reality Training Simulator (VRTS), Dynamic training Simulator (DTS), and Static Mock-up Simulator (SMS) were used to prepare the crew for handling all the nominal and off-nominal scenarios of mission situations. These simulations are designed to be as realistic as possible, allowing astronauts to practice their responses to a wide range of potential situations, including system malfunctions, communication failures, and emergency procedures.
Credits: ISRO – The four Gaganyaan astronauts pose alongside a Crew Module simulator.
- Psychological training : Astronauts undergo rigorous psychological training to prepare for the demanding conditions of space missions. Key elements include stress management techniques, such as mindfulness and simulated emergency scenarios, to help them stay calm under pressure. Team dynamics training focuses on enhancing communication, conflict resolution, and cultural sensitivity, essential for effective collaboration. Adaptation to isolation and confinement is addressed through resilience-building exercises and virtual reality simulations. Regular psychological evaluations and access to mental health support ensure ongoing emotional well-being. Cognitive skills training improves problem-solving and focus, while sensory deprivation exercises help astronauts adapt to limited sensory inputs. Sleep management strategies are taught to handle the absence of natural light cycles, and crisis management training prepares them for unexpected emergencies, ensuring they can perform optimally in the challenging environment of space.
4. Specialized Training: Preparing for Axiom Mission-4
Axiom Mission-4 is set to be a groundbreaking endeavor, underscoring the significance of international collaboration in space exploration. This mission, in partnership with the United States, offers India a historic opportunity to showcase its advanced space capabilities on a global stage and to strengthen its relationships within the space sector.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been chosen as the primary astronaut for this mission, with Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair serving as the backup pilot, marking a pivotal moment in India’s space exploration journey. Both astronauts will begin intensive training in August 2024 at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, focusing on mission-specific procedures, adaptation to the space environment, and coordination with international partners to ensure the mission’s success. This training will involve the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility (SVMF), Precision Air-Bearing Floor (PABF), Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL), and more, all of which are crucial in preparing the astronauts for the challenges and responsibilities they will face as they contribute to this landmark mission.
Conclusion
The journey into space is not one that any single entity—be it a company or a country—can undertake alone. The complexities and challenges of space exploration demand a collective effort, where knowledge, resources, and expertise are shared across borders. It is through international collaboration that we can push the boundaries of what is possible, accelerate technological advancements, and ensure the success of missions that benefit all of humanity. As we look to the future, the spirit of partnership and cooperation will continue to be the driving force that propels us further into the unknown, unlocking the mysteries of the cosmos and expanding our understanding of the universe.