The Indian Space Research Organisation has always been very clear on not sending for its test mission for its planned human spaceflight mission.
The organization has revealed that instead of their choice of sending a guinea pig for the unmanned mission, ISRO will be using humanoid robots that resemble human beings–before the first man mission aboard Gaganyaan in 2022.
“The humanoid is almost ready,” K Sivan, Chairman of ISRO told the Times of India. “This missions should serve a purpose beyond displaying our ability to send humans and bring them back safely.”
K Sivan said that ISRO will be using humanoid for both their unmanned mission planned before the actual human spaceflight mission. “Our robot will be like a human and be able to do whatever a man can do, although not as extensively as humans. We want to show that even the first flight will not go empty and also ensure that we utilize the opportunity in a maximum way. We have our own humanoid model that will be used”, said Sivan explaining the possibility of sending a humanoid to space.
The humanoid will be used to carry out experiments and conduct other tasks using the zero gravity environment that the mission will be offering. ISRO has also mentioned that they intend to use the opportunity of using humanoid models to carry out studies to the maximum possible degree.
ISRO is set to carry out a wide range of experiments ranging from experimental medical devices and sensors to microbiology and waste disposal.
A panel of experts from ISRO will decide which study will make the final cut by reviewing 40 different proposals from research institutes, according to the report from TOI.
The advanced version of the ISRO’s heavyweight, the GSLV Mk-III-D2 will be finalized a week from now in terms of design configuration, said Sivan