India’s First Humanoid Space Robot, Vyommitra, Poised to Make History
Just two weeks after successfully landing on the Moon, India is already planning its next big move in space exploration. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is set to launch its astronauts into space in 2024, but before that happens, it may astound the world with the release of its first humanoid space robot, Vyommitra. In a race to outshine the United States, China, and Russia, India aims to send the world’s first robot astronaut, marking a monumental milestone for humanity and expanding our understanding of the universe. Let’s delve into the fascinating features of Vyommitra and explore similar projects from China and the United States to get a sense of how far space research has come.
So, how does Vyommitra work? According to Jagran Josh, a leading Indian publication, Vyommitra is a remarkable half-humanoid robot with a robotic head and torso, equipped with arms for interactions. Although its legs don’t function, it is designed to float in microgravity and collaborate with the Gaganyaan spacecraft and its crew. Interesting Engineering reports that the robot will be responsible for switch panel operations and monitoring module parameters. Notably, it bears a striking resemblance to a human female. Its name, “Vyommitra,” is a clever fusion of the Indian words “Vyoma,” meaning “space,” and “Mitra,” meaning “friend.” The robot made its debut on January 22, 2020, at the Human Spaceflight and Exploration Symposium in Bengaluru. Three years later, Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Space, announced on his X account that Vyommitra will join the ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts to space in 2024. Vyommitra’s primary task is to collect data and test equipment to ensure the safety of the human astronauts during their mission. In addition, launching the humanoid robot offers numerous benefits, such as creating a safe and controlled environment for testing systems and procedures that will be used in the manned mission and gathering valuable data on the effects of space travel on humans, potentially enhancing the safety of future manned space missions. It is also expected to raise awareness of India’s space program and inspire younger generations to pursue careers in science and technology.
Moving on to other countries’ space projects, we find that Russia, China, and the United States have also made significant strides. Russia, although launching its Luna-25 spacecraft before India’s Chandrayaan-3, faced a setback when it crashed on the Moon. Meanwhile, the United States has been actively involved in space exploration, with NASA introducing its own humanoid space robot named Valkyrie, which commenced its first mission on July 6, 2023, overseeing oil rigs at the Woodside Energy facility in Western Australia. This mission aims to ensure workplace safety by inspecting infrastructure, while simultaneously allowing the energy company to gather valuable information to improve the performance of the Valkyrie bot. However, it is China that presents the most ambitious plan for space exploration. The country’s space agency and Academy of Sciences are proposing a four-stage roadmap called “Tiangong Kaiwu” or “The Exploitation of the Works of Nature,” which involves mining ice and water on the Moon and other planets, developing transportation systems, and ultimately creating the world’s first space economy.
In conclusion, India is on the verge of making history once again with the launch of the world’s first humanoid space robot, Vyommitra. Extensive testing has been conducted by the ISRO to ensure a successful maiden voyage. This year has been an exhilarating time for space exploration, with various countries pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve beyond our planet. For more exciting space mission updates and the latest trends in technology, including artificial intelligence, visit Inquirer Tech, your go-to source for news and information.
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