Space is a vacuum beyond Earth’s atmosphere devoid of air, oxygen, and pressure. In this harsh environment, astronauts must wear pressurised suits to protect their bodies from the absence of atmospheric pressure, extreme temperatures, and radiation exposure.
Importance of Atmospheric Pressure
- The Earth’s atmosphere creates a pressure of about one atmosphere (1 atm), balancing the pressure inside our bodies and enabling normal respiration.
- In space, no air pressure exists, and the absence of this equilibrium can cause decompression, hypoxia (lack of oxygen), and ebullism — where bodily fluids begin to boil due to low pressure.
- Therefore, maintaining artificial pressure around the body is vital for survival.
Role and Design of Pressurised Suits
- A pressure suit is a specialized garment designed to protect astronauts from the low-pressure and high-radiation environment of space or high altitudes.
- It provides oxygen supply, thermal regulation, and mobility while preventing bodily fluids from vaporizing.
- Astronaut suits are made of multiple layers of rubberized and fabric materials to ensure air-tightness and flexibility.
- These suits also shield astronauts during launch, re-entry, and emergencies, when cabin pressure may drop suddenly.
GAGANYAAN MISSION
Gaganyaan is India’s first manned space mission, being developed by ISRO. The mission aims to send a crew of three astronauts into low Earth orbit (about 400 km) for a few days and bring them back safely to Earth.
Objectives
- To demonstrate India’s human spaceflight capability — including crew training, life support systems, re-entry, and recovery operations.
- It will boost technological innovation and create new opportunities in aerospace, robotics, and life sciences.
Key Features
- The spacecraft consists of two parts:
- Orbital Module (OM) – where astronauts will live and work.
- Crew Module (CM) – designed for re-entry and safe landing.
- Astronauts will wear Russian-made Sokol KV-2 pressure suits for safety.
- The mission will use the LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) rocket.
Conclusion
Pressurised suits act as miniature life-support systems, protecting astronauts from the hostile conditions of space. As India steps into the era of human spaceflight with Gaganyaan, mastering such technologies will mark a major leap in indigenous aerospace innovation.
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