'Well deck' recovery trials success; Gaganyaan tourists can now return safely

VISAKHAPATNAM: Critical achievement in India's space dream Gaganyaan mission. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has announced the success of the 'well deck' test that will safely recover the Gaganyaan passengers.

When the mission is complete, the crew module used to bring the passengers back to Earth will crash into the ocean. A trial of recovery of this crew module was completed by the Eastern Naval Command's well-deck ship. Steps are currently being taken to minimize discomfort to passengers and avoid unexpected challenges when the crew module hits the sea. An object of similar shape and weight to the crew module was used for testing. The Water Survival Training Facility at INS Garuda, Kochi will provide training on what to do after the passengers reach the sea.

WELL DECK

The well deck is a method used for the safe recovery of submerged boats and aircraft. This is done by filling the deck of the ship with water. This allows for the rapid and safe recovery of passengers from crew modules that crash into the sea.

Steps

1. The crew will find the module

2. The module is towed to the deck

3. Water will be drained from the deck

4. Passengers will be evacuated safely