INS Garuda all set to impart sea survival techniques to Gaganyaan astronauts

The four astronauts selected for India's inaugural human space flight programme, Gaganyaan, will undergo rigorous training at the Indian Navy's water survival training facility (WSTF) at INS Garuda in Kochi on how to survive in water after landing in the sea.

- MANOJ VISWANATHAN

While ISRO and DRDO are pioneering the space flight, the Navy is tasked with recovering the crew module from sea on its return to earth after the three-day mission. The module is expected to land in the Indian Ocean and the Navy will be positioning its vessels in the region. The ISRO has marked the waters for landing with 48 backup spots.

Upon landing, the astronaut will open the module's hatch and jump into the water. He will then inflate the personal safety pack and wait for the recovery team's arrival.

WSTF's training is essential to help the crew survive in rough sea for about six hours till help arrives.