Gaganyaan's ablative thermal protection system crucial for safe crew re-entry
Gaganyaan's crew module requires a robust thermal protection system (TPS) to withstand extreme temperatures of up to 1,800°C during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere at speeds of 7,500-8,000 m/s. The module will use an ablative TPS, a single-use system that absorbs heat by sacrificing its outer layers through chemical decomposition and physical shedding. This process creates a protective char layer and outgassing vapours, effectively carrying heat away and maintaining the module's internal temperature below 150°C. ISRO's choice of an ablative TPS is based on its proven reliability, ability to handle fluctuating heat loads, and cost-effectiveness, building on lessons from previous missions like SRE and CARE.
Key Points
- Gaganyaan's crew module needs a robust thermal protection system (TPS) to survive extreme heat during atmospheric re-entry.
- The ablative TPS works by chemically decomposing and physically shedding its outer layers, creating a protective char and releasing vapours to dissipate heat.
- This system is designed to keep the module's internal temperature safely below 150°C despite external temperatures reaching 1,800°C.
- ISRO chose an ablative TPS for its proven reliability, ability to handle fluctuating heat loads, and cost-effectiveness for the single-use module.
- The technology builds on the success of previous Indian space missions like the Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE) and CARE.
Exam Facts
- Gaganyaan's crew module will re-enter the atmosphere at speeds of 7,500-8,000 m/s.
- External temperatures during re-entry can reach up to 1,800°C, while internal temperature is maintained below 150°C.
- The ablative TPS is 30-35 mm thick.
- ISRO successfully demonstrated crew module re-entry using an ablative TPS in the LVM-3/CARE mission in 2014.
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