Context:
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facility has developed a multi-purpose SAKHI App.
About SAKHI App
- Space-borne Assistant and Knowledge Hub for Crew Interaction (SAKHI) App will help astronauts on the Gaganyaan space flight mission.
- Its purpose includes facilitating tasks such as accessing technical information, communication, health monitoring, and dietary scheduling.
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)
- It is the lead Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the Department of Space (DOS), Government of India at Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram.
- It is responsible for the design and development of launch vehicle technology.
- This Space Centre named after Dr Vikram A Sarabhai (father of Indian Space Programme).
- Sarabhai established several institutions:
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad
- Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad
- Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), Jaduguda, Bihar
Significance:
- It monitors astronauts’ health by tracking key parameters like blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation, providing valuable insights into their physical condition throughout the mission.
- It also serves as a reminder for hydration, dietary schedules, and sleep patterns.
- It ensures seamless communication between astronauts onboard computer and ground-based stations, enabling effective coordination and support.
- It allows astronauts to maintain mission logs in various formats, including voice records, texts, and images.
Gaganyaan Mission
- ISRO is hoping to launch the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission in 2025.
- The Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) was constituted in ISRO in 2019 to implement the vision of the human space flight programme.
- Objective: To demonstrates human space flight capability to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with 3 crew members for 5-7 days in orbit and safely recovers them after the mission.
- The identities of the four astronaut-designates, all Indian Air Force (IAF) test pilots, were revealed during a high-profile event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi .
- Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair
- Group Captain Ajit Krishnan
- Group Captain Angad Pratap
- Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla