ISRO’s humanoid Vyom Mitra’s skills to get a lift-off

ISRO’s humanoid Vyom Mitra’s skills to get a lift-off

Subject : Science & tech

Context: Vyommitra, the humanoid designed and developed by the ISRO has been successfully integrated with a computer ‘brain’ which enables it to ‘read’ control panels aboard and communicate with the ISRO ground stations.

Concept :

About Vyom Mitra:

• The humanoid has been developed by the ISRO Inertial Systems Unit, Thiruvananthapuram.
• Vyom Mitra is a half-humanoid and her body stops at the torso and has no legs.
• The humanoid will simulate the human functions required for space before real astronauts take off.
• She has been designed to resemble a human with facial expressions and speech and sight
• Vyommitra is also set to get a digital twin. The ‘twin’ will undergo computer simulations where the control systems are tested for microgravity conditions.

Capabilities:

• The humanoid can detect and give out warnings if the environment changes within the cabin.
• She is capable of switching panel operations, performing Environment Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) functions, having conversations with the astronauts, recognizing them, and solving their queries.
• The AI-enabled robot can withstand vibrations and shock during the flight.

Role of Vyom Mitra:

• Vyommitra will fly aboard the first unmanned test flight ahead of the crewed Gaganyaan flight expected in 2024.
• It will simulate the exact human functions in space.
• It will check whether the systems are working right.

Gaganyan Mission:

• Gaganyaan is a mission by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
• Under the Gaganyaan schedule:
  • Three flights will be sent into orbit.
  • There will be two unmanned flights and one human spaceflight.
• The Gaganyaan system module, called the Orbital Module will have three Indian astronauts, including a woman.
• It will circle Earth at a low-earth-orbit at an altitude of 300-400 km from earth for 5-7 days.
• Payloads:
  • Crew module –spacecraft carrying human beings.
  • Service module –powered by two liquid propellant engines.
  • It will be equipped with emergency escape and emergency mission abort.
• GSLV Mk III, also called the LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3,)the three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle, will be used to launch Gaganyaan as it has the necessary payload capability.
• Training in Russia:
  • In June 2019, the Human Space Flight Centre of the ISRO and the Russian government-owned Glavkosmos signed a contract for the training, which includes Russian support in the selection of candidates, their medical examination, and space training.
  • The candidates will study in detail the systems of the Soyuz manned spaceship, as well as be trained in short-term weightlessness mode aboard the Il-76MDK aircraft.
    • The Soyuz is a Russian spacecraft. The Soyuz carries people and supplies to and from the space station.
    • The Il-76MDKis a military transport plane specially designed for parabolic flights of trainee astronauts and space tourists.