ISRO to hold more test under Gaganyaan vehicle missions after maiden test flight on Oct 21: Chairman
Madurai (TN) (PTI): ISRO will conduct three more test vehicle missions under the ambitious Gaganyaan programme after the maiden TV-D1 test flight, which is scheduled on October 21, the space agency's chairman S Somanath has said.
The Gaganyaan project envisages a demonstration of the human spaceflight capability by launching a human crew to an orbit of 400 km and bringing them safely back to earth by landing in Indian sea waters.
The test vehicle development flight (TV-D1) will be conducted at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh to test the crew module that is scheduled to house Indian astronauts during the human spaceflight late next year.
"The first test vehicle flight (of the Gaganyaan mission) will be conducted on October 21. After that we have planned for three more test missions, D2, D3, D4. We will hold thorough tests during the test flight sequence," Somanath, who is also the secretary, Department of Space, told reporters in Madurai on Saturday. He was here to participate in a couple of events in Rameswaram.
TV-D1 involves launching the crew module to outer space, bringing it back to earth and recovering it after touchdown in the Bay of Bengal.
Recently, Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh said the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency would carry out the first of several test flights ahead of the Gaganyaan maiden mission on October 21 at Sriharikota.
To a query about the Aditya-L1 programme, the maiden solar mission undertaken by ISRO, Somanath expressed hope that the spacecraft will reach the Lagrange point (L1) in the middle of January 2024.
"We will insert it in the L1 point and undertake various scientific experiments from that point," he said.
Last week, ISRO scientists performed a trajectory correction manoeuvre on the Aditya L1 spacecraft. The spacecraft was launched by a PSLV-C57 rocket on September 2.
On the setting up of another launch pad in Kulasekarapattinam in Tuticorin district, he said ISRO would be able to avail several benefits from that launch pad as it would be useful for launching smaller rockets and to serve private players.
" right now bigger rockets like PSLV need to take a turn towards the southward direction above Sri Lanka since the launch pad is in the east (in Sriharikota). Whereas in Kulasekarapattinam, we don't need to make rockets to make that turn as they will already be facing southward," he said.
"Smaller Satellite Launch Vehicles and private players will be able to use that launch pad (in Kulasekarapattinam). Right now, the land is in the acquisition stage. It will take two years for completion," Somanath said.
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Healthy eating in 40s linked to better well-being in 70s: Harvard study
Washington: A recent Harvard study has found that dietary choices made in the 40s can have a significant impact on health and quality of life in the 70s. The research, published in Nature Medicine, emphasises the role of a balanced and nutritious diet in preventing chronic diseases and promoting overall well-being in later years.
The study defines healthy ageing as reaching 70 without major chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or cognitive decline while maintaining physical independence and a good quality of life.
Researchers monitored the eating habits of 105,015 individuals over three decades, evaluating their diets based on eight recognised healthy eating guidelines. The Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), developed by Harvard, was identified as the most effective diet for promoting healthy ageing. This diet emphasises the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and healthy fats found in olive oil and fatty fish while discouraging red and processed meats, sugary beverages, refined grains, and high sodium intake.
Experts suggest that while no single diet suits everyone, incorporating nutrient-rich foods, opting for whole grains, and prioritising healthy fats over trans and saturated fats can contribute to better health as individuals age.
