In a significant advancement for India’s Gaganyaan mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced the successful completion of essential recovery trials known as the ‘Well Deck’ recovery operations, in collaboration with the Indian Navy. These trials took place off the coast of Visakhapatnam on December 6 and represent a critical step in the country’s ambitious human spaceflight programme.

The Eastern Naval Command conducted extensive simulations focusing on the recovery procedures for the Crew Module, utilizing a well-deck ship to enhance mission safety protocols. A well-deck ship is a specialized vessel that can be flooded with water, allowing for secure docking and retrieval of various marine craft, including spacecraft. This method is crucial in ensuring a swift and comfortable recovery for astronauts post-mission.

During these trials, a mass and shape-simulated mock-up of the crew module was employed to rigorously validate the entire recovery sequence. The operations included the attachment of a recovery buoy, towing of the crew module to the well-deck ship, precise positioning of the crew module within the ship, and the subsequent draining of the well-deck. ISRO emphasized that the primary goal is to minimize recovery time while ensuring maximum comfort for the crew once the module touches down in the ocean.

ISRO remarked, “By practising these intricate manoeuvres, we aim to fine-tune our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for both standard and unexpected conditions.” The recovery operations will continue as part of the preparations leading up to the Gaganyaan mission, advancing India’s objective of sending astronauts into space.

Earlier in May 2023, ISRO and the Indian Navy outlined the Gaganyaan recovery training plan, which was launched at the Water Survival Training Facility (WSTF) INS Garuda in Kochi. This comprehensive document delineates the training regimen for the crew module’s recovery, articulating the requirements for various teams involved in the operations, including navy divers, MARCOs (Maritime Commandos), medical professionals, communicators, technicians, and naval aviators.

As indicated by ISRO, the training will unfold in phases, initially commencing with unmanned recovery before transitioning to manned recovery operations in both harbour and open sea environments. The Indian Navy is leading the recovery efforts, coordinating closely with other government agencies to ensure the mission’s success. The December 6 trials form part of ongoing efforts by the Navy to assist ISRO in refining the protocols necessary for training both crew members and recovery teams associated with the Gaganyaan mission.