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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) celebrated the success of the 'TV-D1' launch in the Gaganyaan Mission.
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Initially, an engine ignition problem at 8:45am IST forced a brief launch abort of the first uncrewed test flight.
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However, errors were promptly identified and corrected, rescheduling the launch for 10:00am IST the same day.
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Speaking to the media, Chairman S Somanath expressed his elation, emphasizing the mission's aim - to demonstrate the crew escape system through a test vehicle.
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The vehicle reached a Mach number slightly above the speed of sound, then simulated an abort condition for the crew escape system.
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Somanath elaborated that the crew escape system efficiently distanced the crew module from the vehicle. Touch-down at sea and subsequent operations were executed flawlessly.
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Post the touchdown, the ISRO chief congratulated the team of scientists for their unparalleled achievement.
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Mission Director S Sivakumar labeled this as a 'never-before' attempt, praising the successful demonstration of all the systems in their first attempt.
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Highlighting the effort over the past few years, Sivakumar expressed joy at the success of this mission on its first attempt.
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The TV-D1 launch aimed to evaluate the Test Vehicle subsystems and demonstrate the Crew Escape System, among other objectives.
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A single-stage liquid rocket with Crew Module, Crew Escape Systems simulated abort conditions for the Gaganyaan mission.
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This achievement is pivotal in India's journey to prove its capability of human spaceflight.
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The overarching Gaganyaan project plans to send three astronauts into a 400km orbit for three days and ensure their safe return.
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Following the legacies of the US, Russia, and China, this program will cement India as the fourth nation to achieve manned spaceflight.
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With successes like Chandrayan-3, India's ambitious space goals include establishing the 'Bharatiya Antariksha Station' by 2035 and landing the first Indian on the Moon by 2040.