• The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facility at Thumba in Thiruvananthapuram, has developed a multi-purpose app ‘SAKHI’ that will help astronauts on the Gaganyaan space flight mission carry out a range of tasks such as looking up vital technical information or communicating with one another.

About SAKHI

• The Space-borne Assistant and Knowledge Hub for Crew Interaction (SAKHI) is equipped to monitor astronauts’ health, maintain communication with Earth, and manage dietary schedules.
• It serves as an essential tool for the crew, offering real-time assistance and access to necessary data.
• It would assist astronauts during the Gaganyaan space flight mission, facilitating tasks such as accessing vital technical information and communication.
• Strapped to astronauts’ space suits, it allows for easy access and facilitates the maintenance of mission logs in various formats.

BENEFITS OF SAKHI APP:

HEALTH MONITORING:

• It will provide information on key parameters like blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation & invaluable insights into the crew’s physical condition throughout the mission.
• It will also remind them about their hydration and dietary schedules and sleep patterns.

CONNECTIVITY:

• Astronauts can use the app to maintain a log on the mission in multiple formats including voice records, texts and images.
• It will keep the crew connected with the onboard computer and ground-based stations, guaranteeing a seamless communication link.

ABOUT GAGANYAAN MISSION:

• ISRO aims to launch the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission in 2025.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed the names of the four astronaut-candidates for the first human spaceflight mission.
• They are group captains Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap, and wing commander Shubanshu Shukla.