Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS)

• Recently, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath stated that ISRO will be independently developing the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) for the Gaganyaan mission.
• The system is being termed pivotal by experts for sustaining human life beyond the Earth’s confines.

ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL AND LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM (ECLSS)

• The ECLSS, a technological cornerstone, intricately manages air quality and water supply essential for astronaut survival in the challenging environment of space.
• Using mechanisms incorporating activated charcoal beds, catalytic oxidizers, and molecular sieves, this system impeccably regulates cabin air quality, ensuring a breathable atmosphere for the crew.
• The Oxygen Generation System, employing cutting-edge electrolysis, separates water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen gas.
  • This closed-loop process ensures a constant oxygen supply for breathing while efficiently utilizing hydrogen byproducts to generate water.
• Additionally, the Water Recovery System reclaims and purifies water from diverse sources, including crew members’ urine and cabin humidity.
• Air Revitalization System is dedicated to cleaning circulating cabin air.

ABOUT GAGANYAAN

• The Gaganyaan project envisages a demonstration of Indian Space Research Organisation’s human spaceflight capability by launching a 3-member crew to an orbit of 400 km for 3 days and bringing them safely back to earth by landing in Indian sea waters.
• Launch vehicle – LVM3 (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III).
• It consists of solid stage, liquid stage and cryogenic stage.