Challenging, but achievable: ISRO chief K Sivan

The Indian Space Research Organisation (IRSO) is all geared up to fulfill the dream of ‘Gaganyaan’, India’s first human spaceflight mission that Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday, ISRO Chairman K Sivan told DNA. He added that he heard the announcement just as he was leaving home for flag-hoisting and was pleasantly surprised. Sivan spoke to DNA over the phone on the developments since.

What are your first thoughts on the PM’s announcement?

Actually, it is an excellent gift the honourable Prime Minister has given to the nation. This project will help in raising, enhancing science and technology advancement of the entire country. Also, as a national project it will be inspiring for the youngsters. Above all, it is about national prestige — every Indian can feel proud that we are not less than any other country. Technologically and scientifically, we are equal to other developed nations. That way, this announcement is fantastic, which the PM has made at the right time.

In the past, ISRO had tried to develop this project, but had to drop it. What has changed now?

Efforts were made earlier, but we did not have advanced technology. Even though the government had not given nod, we started developing the critical technology in our own way. Each centre has an R&D fund and we could develop intricate technology and that will now be handy. So, we are not starting from zero. We have reached a level where we are well-placed technically. Therefore, the deadline given by the PM is not unusual and we will able to meet the target.

As far as the mission is concerned, what kind of specific launch vehicle would be used for this mission?

We will be making use of the GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) Mark III vehicle, the biggest vehicle which is reliable. By the time the project fructifies, we would have flown 10-15 vehicles. This would help us to understand its reliability for the mission ahead.

Has ISRO already carried out tests?

Recently, we had done a crew escape test to evacuate the crew and enable their safe landing; that has boosted our confidence. Also, the environment control and life support system has been developed. That, too, has given us confidence that we are on the right track.

What is the estimated cost of the entire undertaking?

It will be less than Rs.10,000 crore and we have already developed technology so now the expenditure would be largely incurred on infrastructure and facility centre for this mission.

We don’t have trained astronauts in the country. How will we approach that?

Three people can travel. We can also make use of facilities available in the world, which will be cost effective. Instead of building infrastructure and waiting, we can make use of global facilities. We can train them there. Parallelly, we can build our infrastructure.