GAGANYAAN – CREW MODULE (Prototype Simulation System)

Project Summary

This project aimed to simulate the interface and functionality of the Gaganyaan Crew Module prototype, supporting India’s first manned space mission initiative. A high-fidelity simulation system was designed to replicate crew interaction interfaces, system status monitoring, environmental feedback, and emergency response logic.

The integrated setup used three IPC screens, PLC-based control, live camera feeds, and intelligent indicators to emulate real-time conditions within a crew capsule.

Location

India

Sector

Space Applications Centre – Human Spaceflight Simulation

Project Year

2023 – 2024

Platform

IPC + PLC + HMI Interface + Real-Time Video Integration

Challenges

The Space Applications Centre required a simulation platform to:

  • Mimic onboard crew interface conditions
  • Display real-time telemetry such as crew health status (ECG, oxygen levels, pulse, temperature, blood pressure)
  • Simulate external location parameters (latitude, longitude, altitude)
  • Provide real-time video feed switching using IP cameras
  • Manage lighting, emergency indicators, alarms, and video demos within the simulation capsule
  • Deliver a stable, lab-ready solution suitable for training, testing, and demonstration

Solutions

ICES Solutions developed a modular IPC and PLC-based control system for the Gaganyaan Crew Module Simulator with the following features:

  • Screen 1 & Screen 2: Display system summary, environmental data, health telemetry, lighting control, and emergency status
  • Screen 3: Enables live video switching between two IP cameras and plays demo videos for public or training demonstrations
  • Physical Controls: Push buttons and toggle switches for controlling screen navigation, camera selection, LED lighting, and emergency system triggers
  • Alarm & Emergency Handling: Integrated emergency stop functionality with red visual indicator and siren-based audio alert system

The entire system was designed for precise coordination, real-time monitoring, and easy usability for research and demonstration environments.

Hardware

  • 3× Industrial IPCs for multi-screen display and user interaction
  • 2 PLCs for I/O logic control
  • 12V & 24V SMPS Unit, MCBs, LED adapters
  • IP Cameras (2 Units) with Ethernet switching for video feed control
  • Push Buttons, Toggle Switches, LED Indicators, Emergency Stop Unit

Software

  • LAB View based system
  • Custom IPC Interface for graphical HMI

Results

  • Complete Simulation Interface: A fully interactive, multi-screen control panel successfully emulated the visual and functional interface of the Gaganyaan crew capsule.
  • Live Feed Monitoring: Enabled seamless switching between real-time camera feeds with crystal-clear visualization.
  • Health Telemetry Display: Simulated critical health parameters (pulse, temperature, oxygen, ECG, etc.) with dynamic indicators.
  • Emergency Handling Logic: Integrated visual and audible emergency alerts through LED indicators and siren system with manual override.
  • User-Friendly Operation: Push-button and toggle switch interface allowed intuitive control over all simulation aspects.6. Demo : Ideal for public demonstrations

This successful deployment supports India’s ambitious human spaceflight program by providing a realistic, scalable, and user-controlled simulation environment, enhancing preparedness, system verification, and operational training within the Space Applications Centre ecosystem.