The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) audacious Gaganyaan mission, aiming to propel a three-member crew into a Low Earth Orbit for a three-day odyssey, takes a revolutionary step forward with SAKHI.
This acronym, which stands for Space-borne Assistant and Knowledge Hub for Crew Interaction, represents a pioneering digital companion that will serve as a lifeline for the Gaganyaan astronauts.
SAKHI: An Amalgamation of Technological Brilliance
Developed by the esteemed Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), SAKHI, a cornerstone of ISRO, transcends the boundaries of a mere application. It embodies a sophisticated amalgamation (merging two or more things) of advanced technology, meticulously designed to cater to the astronauts’ diverse needs throughout the mission.
A Reservoir of Instantaneous Knowledge:
SAKHI helps astronauts quickly get technical information and training without required physical manuals or documents. This digital repository ensures critical knowledge is readily available at their fingertips, fostering informed decision-making during the mission.
A Guardian of Astronaut’s Health:
SAKHI goes beyond being an information hub, transforming into a vigilant guard for astronaut health. It meticulously monitors physiological parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. This real-time health telemetry provides invaluable insights, enabling mission control to address potential health concerns.
Chronicling the Voyage with Precision:
SAKHI empowers astronauts to document their spacefaring adventures. It facilitates the creation of comprehensive mission logs, allowing them to capture experiences in various formats – voice recordings, text entries, and even images. This multi-dimensional documentation serves as a rich historical record and a cornerstone for future space missions.
A Bridge for Seamless Communication:
Bridging the physical expanse between space and Earth, SAKHI fosters uninterrupted communication. It acts as a conduit, enabling seamless exchange of information between the crew, the onboard computer, and mission control at ground stations. It ensures real-time support and fosters a collaborative environment throughout the mission.
Advanced Functionalities for Enhanced Performance
The brilliance of SAKHI lies not only in its core functionalities but also in its nuanced design considerations:
- Unmatched Accessibility: Designed for constant accessibility, SAKHI is seamlessly integrated into the astronauts’ spacesuits, guaranteeing its presence at all times during the mission.
- Holistic Well-being Management: Recognizing the importance of a well-rested and optimally hydrated crew, SAKHI plays a pivotal role in astronaut well-being. It furnishes timely reminders regarding hydration schedules, dietary plans, and sleep patterns, ensuring peak physical performance throughout the spaceflight.
The Dawn of a New Era in Indian Space Exploration
With a targeted launch date in 2025, the Gaganyaan mission signifies a momentous leap forward for ISRO. The successful testing of SAKHI’s engineering model paves the way for the growth of the final flight model, ready to accompany the chosen crew on their historic voyage.
The identities of the four astronaut-designates, all distinguished IAF test pilots, have already been revealed. The final selection process will meticulously choose the crew best suited to navigate the complexities of spaceflight.
SAKHI: A Testament to India’s Technological Prowess
The development of SAKHI transcends its role as a mere app. It embodies India’s growing technological prowess in the artificial intelligence (AI) and human-computer interaction (HCI) sectors.
This innovation empowers the Gaganyaan astronauts and also lays the groundwork for future human spaceflight endeavors, propelling India toward the forefront of space exploration.
The success of the Gaganyaan mission and the ingenious design of SAKHI stand as a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of human exploration and technological advancement.
Positive takeaway
With SAKHI as their digital copilot, the Gaganyaan astronauts are confident to make history. This innovative app signifies a giant leap for India’s space ambitions, paving the way for a future where human exploration reaches new heights
