ISRO successfully tests SMPS

• ISRO has successfully tested Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System(SMPS).
• The service module of Gaganyaan is a regulated bi-propellant based propulsion system that caters to the requirements of the Orbital Module, performing orbit injection, circularisation, on-orbit control, de-boost manoeuvring, and SM-based abort (if any) during the ascent phase.
• This test involved five liquid apogee motor (LAM) engines with a thrust of 440 N, and 16 reaction control system (RCS) thrusters with a thrust of 100 N.
• The 440 N thrust LAM engines provide the main propulsive force during the ascending phase, while the RCS thrusters ensure precise altitude correction.

ABOUT GAGANYAAN MISSION

• The Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of three members to an orbit of 400 km for a three-day mission, and bringing them back safely to Earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.
• As part of it, two unmanned missions and one manned mission are approved by the government.
• LVM3 (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III) is identified as the launch vehicle for Gaganyaan mission. It is a three stage vehicle: solid, liquid and cryogenic.
• ISRO plans to carry out Gaganyaan’s first abort test in August.