What is Vyommitra?

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About Vyommitra

Vyommitra is a combination of two Sanskrit words Vyoma (Space) and Mitra (Friend).
It is a female robot designed and developed by the ISRO to fly aboard unmanned test missions ahead of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
It is referred to as a half-humanoid robot as she doesn’t have legs. However, she can bend forward and sideways.
Besides going on uncrewed Gaganyaan missions, she will accompany astronauts on manned missions too.
Features:
- The AI-enabled robot, which can withstand vibrations and shock during the flight, has been designed to resemble a human with facial expressions, speech, and sight capabilities.
- It is equipped with the capability to monitor module parameters, issue alerts, and execute life support operations.
- It can perform tasks such as operating switch panels, and serving as a companion to astronauts, engaging in conversations, recognising them, and responding to their inquiries.

What is the Gaganyaan mission?

Under the Gaganyaan Mission, ISRO will be sending three humans to an orbit of 400 km for a 3-day mission and bringing them back safely to Earth.
Launch Vehicle: The Mark-3 (LVM3/GSLV Mk3) rocket, the well-proven and reliable heavy lift launcher of ISRO, is identified as the launch vehicle for the Gaganyaan mission.
The Astronaut Training Facility established in Bengaluru provides a comprehensive training program for astronauts preparing for the Gaganyaan mission.

Q1) What is GSLV Mk3?

It is the new heavy lift launch vehicle of ISRO for achieving a 4000 kg spacecraft launching capability to GTO (Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit) in a cost effective manner. GSLV MKIII (43.5 m height and a gross lift-off weight of 640 tonnes) is configured as a three-stage vehicle with two solid strap-on motors (S200), one liquid core stage (L110) and a high thrust CUS (configured with the fully indigenous cryogenic engine – CE20).

Source: India to launch female robot astronaut ‘Vyommitra’ ahead of manned mission