Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) solid motor was successfully tested at the Static Test Facility, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
- ISRO is developing a solid motor based SOLVE as a test platform to carry out Integrated Parachute Tests.
About SOLVE
- Objective: It will serve as a test platform for validating the deceleration (parachute) system of the Gaganyaan Mission Crew Module.
- Function: Carries Crew Module to 10–17 km, followed by separation and sea splashdown using 10 parachutes.
- Component: Solid motor is derived from the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) Strap-on Motor with modifications.
About Gaganyaan Mission
- India's first human spaceflight mission aims to send 3 astronauts to a 400 km Low Earth Orbit for 3 days, followed by a safe splashdown in Indian waters.
- Gynoid (female robot) Vyommitra will undertake the first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan.
Components of the Gaganyaan Mission
- Human-Rated LVM3 (HLVM3): Modified LVM3 rocket designed to safely carry astronauts, equipped with a Crew Escape System (CES). It is a three-stage rocket. (Refer Image)
- Crew Escape System (CES): Emergency escape mechanism that rapidly separates the Crew Module from the launch vehicle.
- Orbital Module (OM): Spacecraft comprising:
- Crew Module (CM): Pressurized, habitable module with life support.
- Service Module (SM): Provides propulsion, power, and thermal control.
- Life Support System (LSS): Maintains an Earth-like environment inside the Crew Module.
- Thermal Protection & Recovery Systems: Includes heat shield, parachutes, and sea recovery systems etc.
- Human-Centric Technologies: Human Factors Engineering, Bioastronautics, etc.
