Vyommitra: ISRO to launch India’s female robot astronaut into space ahead of Gaganyaan mission

Vyommitra: ISRO to launch India’s female robot astronaut into space ahead of Gaganyaan mission

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Space tech

Context: India’s female robot astronaut Vyommitra will fly into space ahead of Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) ambitious Gaganyaan mission – the country’s manned space flight carrying Indian astronauts into space – said the union minister of science and technology, on Sunday (Feb 4).

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.