Sci-Tech · 15 Jul 2026

Gaganyaan crew module sphere-cone design

With reference to the design of the Gaganyaan crew module, consider the following statements:

  1. The crew module uses a pure spherical shape, similar to the Soviet Vostok module, to maximise internal volume and minimise structural mass.
  2. A blunt, rounded base in the module's design generates a detached shockwave ahead of the spacecraft, deflecting frictional heat away from its skin during re-entry.
  3. Because of its asymmetric shape, the crew module has two stable aerodynamic positions and two stable hydrodynamic positions, requiring control thrusters and a gas-based uprighting system to manage instability.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Tests the ability to correctly attribute a specific engineering design choice to the right spacecraft, rather than confusing it with a historically related but distinct design.

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This question is based on: The Gaganyaan crew module has to burn and survive at the same time. Here's how ISRO squares that.
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About this question

Why in news

ISRO recently completed ground tests of the Gaganyaan Crew Module Uprighting System and umbilical separation mechanisms, prompting a detailed technical explainer on the engineering trade-offs behind the crew module's design.

Why for UPSC

This tests whether aspirants can correctly attribute specific spacecraft design features to the right mission - a frequently tested distinction in GS3 science-technology questions involving comparative space programme details.

Prelims summary

Gaganyaan's crew module uses a sphere-cone shape (not a pure sphere like Vostok); its blunt base deflects heat via a detached shockwave, while its asymmetry creates two stable aerodynamic and hydrodynamic positions managed by thrusters and an uprighting system.

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