How India’s Gaganyaan Astronauts Trained?

Article By Girish Linganna

Astronauts chosen for India’s Gaganyaan mission are undergoing thorough training to guarantee the safety and success of the space expedition. Four Indian Air Force pilots have been chosen for this mission and have been engaged in intensive training for three years, covering diverse aspects that range from mastering the Russian language to simulations of weightlessness in space.

In the ever-evolving era of space exploration, astronaut training has grown to be more extensive and thorough. The transition from being a candidate to a fully qualified astronaut involves an initial two-year training phase. The training process is structured into three primary phases: basic training, pre-assignment training, and assigned crew or increment training.

Throughout these three stages, candidates acquire knowledge about shuttle systems, emergency protocols and operations of flight vehicles. They engage in flight training aboard high-performance T-38 jets to cultivate swift decision-making abilities. Additionally, they focus on learning the finer nuances of the Russian language—a vital skill due to the international character of space missions.

Following their assignment to a specific mission, astronauts undergo an additional 18 months of specialized training tailored to the mission’s requirements. This entails the simulation of diverse mission scenarios—including launch, rendezvous and docking procedures, along with practising emergency protocols. Additionally, they receive comprehensive training related to the scientific experiments they will conduct in the space environment.

Irrespective of the length of their space missions, all astronauts must uphold physical fitness to mitigate the muscle and bone atrophy associated with the microgravity environment. This entails dedicating a substantial portion of their daily schedule to physical exercise.

US astronauts, as well as those from several other nations, undergo this entire training process at the Johnson Space Center, situated near Houston, Texas. During this period, candidates also delve into a wide array of subjects—including mathematics, geology, meteorology, guidance and navigation, oceanography, orbital dynamics, astronomy, physics and materials processing.

Indian Astronauts’ Training Process

In 2020, the astronauts underwent general spaceflight training at Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre. Upon their return to India, they commenced mission-specific training, covering fundamental spaceflight concepts, such as propulsion, aerodynamics, launch vehicles and spacecraft. The training programme also encompasses preparations for recovery and survival, familiarization with microgravity through parabolic flights and Yoga practices.

The training programme encompasses theoretical coursework, physical fitness training, simulator training and instruction on flight suits. The astronauts have attended over 200 lectures conducted by faculty from ISRO and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) and have taken part in 75 physical training sessions. Additionally, they have completed two flying practice sessions totalling 12 hours and undergone medical evaluations and course assessments.

Why Russian Language is Important?

Astronauts have to focus on mastering the Russian language because it has been a longstanding tradition in space exploration, particularly in missions to the International Space Station (ISS). There are a few key reasons for this:

• International Collaboration: The International Space Station (ISS) is a collaborative effort involving multiple space agencies, including NASA (US), Roscosmos (Russia), European Space Agency (ESA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Russian is one of the official languages on the ISS, and Russian spacecraft, such as the Soyuz and Progress, are a crucial part of its crew transportation and cargo resupply missions
• Communication Redundancy: Having astronauts proficient in Russian serves as a redundancy in case of communication or technical issues with English-language systems. It ensures that astronauts can effectively communicate and operate spacecraft systems in Russian in case of emergencies
• Cultural Exchange and Coop: Learning the Russian language facilitates cultural exchange and cooperation between astronauts of different nationalities, fostering teamwork and cooperation on the ISS.
• Wide Russian Contributions: Russia has made significant contributions to space exploration and their expertise in spacecraft design and operations has been critical to the success of the ISS. Being proficient in Russian allows astronauts to tap into this expertise

However, while Russian is a primary focus, astronauts are also required to be proficient in English, as it is the primary language for many space-related procedures and systems. Additionally, they may learn other languages if their missions involve collaborations with astronauts from other countries.

Simulations of Space Weightlessness

In readiness for the distinctive microgravity conditions of space, astronauts engage in simulations that replicate weightlessness. Microgravity, also known as zero gravity or weightlessness, refers to the condition in which objects appear to be in a state of free fall, experiencing very small gravitational forces.

The weightlessness simulations encompass parabolic flights and sessions within the Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL), an essential training facility located at the NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. It a spacious aquatic facility (indoor swimming pool) where astronauts rehearse extravehicular activities (spacewalks) in a simulated microgravity environment and acquire the skills needed to perform tasks while wearing their pressurized spacesuits.

Inside the NBL, there is a full-scale mock-up of the ISS submerged in the pool. Astronauts in their specialized training suits are submerged in the pool, where they practise working in microgravity conditions. By adjusting their buoyancy and using underwater tools, they can simulate the weightlessness of space and practise such tasks as installing equipment, conducting repairs and moving around the ‘space station’.

Technical Features of T-38 Talon Jet

(Type: Supersonic jet trainer aircraft; Manufacturer: Northrop Corporation—now Northrop Grumman, USA; First Flight: April 10, 1959)

1. Maximum Speed: Approximately 812 knots (935 mph or 1,504 km/h) or Mach 1.06
2. Service Ceiling: Approximately 50,000 feet (15,240 metres)
3. Range: Approximately 1,140 nautical miles (1,310 miles or 2,110 kilometres)
4. Crew: Typically, it has seating for two: the pilot and the trainee/student pilot
5. Powerplant: The T-38 is powered by two General Electric J85 turbojet engines having approximately 12.91 KN of thrust per engine
6. Length: Approximately 46 feet (14 metres)
7. Wingspan: Approximately 25 feet (7.6 metres)
8. Empty Weight: Approximately 7,200 pounds (3,270 kg)
9. Maximum Takeoff Weight: Approximately 12,093 pounds (5,491 kg)
10. Avionics: While the avionics suite has evolved over the years, it typically includes navigation and communication systems, as well as training-specific equipment
11. Role: The T-38 is primarily used as a supersonic jet trainer for military pilots and astronaut candidates, but it has also been used for various research and development purposes

(Specific variants of the T-38 may have variations in these technical features).

Integral Component: Survival Training

Survival training is an integral component of the training programme, ensuring that astronauts are equipped with essential skills to manage extreme situations in the event of an emergency landing on Earth. Yet, the demands of space exploration go beyond the physical aspects.

Astronauts must also be mentally equipped to face the challenges of isolation, confinement and separation from their loved ones that accompany extended space missions. Scheduled consultations with psychologists and flight surgeons are in place to safeguard their mental well-being. Moreover, the training encompasses techniques for stress management and preservation of their psychological health.

Also Read, Militarization and Weaponization of Space

Training for Commercial Astronauts

Training for commercial astronauts, although less rigorous compared to that for government-sponsored programmes, addresses the fundamental aspects of space travel and safety protocols. Commercial astronauts undergo training similar to traditional astronauts, including spaceflight training, safety procedures and mission-specific preparations, depending on the objectives of their missions. Their roles can vary—from piloting spacecraft to conducting experiments, or providing guidance to space tourists.

Commercial astronauts are trained and recruited by private, commercial spaceflight companies, rather than traditional government space agencies, such as NASA, or Roscosmos. These astronauts participate in commercial space missions, which can include a variety of objectives, such as space tourism, research, cargo transportation and more. Commercial spaceflight companies, such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic and others have begun to hire and train their own astronauts for their missions.

Ultimate Objective is Human Safety

As an increasing number of individuals venture into space, the process of preparing for spaceflight will continue to advance. The ultimate objective remains unchanged: to ensure the well-being and safety of individuals as they embark on this exciting new era of space exploration.

(The author of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach out to him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)