What is the news-

• The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), an ISRO facility located at Thumba in Thiruvananthapuram, has developed a multi-purpose app ‘SAKHI’ to assist Gaganyaan Crew.

About SAKHI

• The Space-borne Assistant and Knowledge Hub for Crew Interaction (SAKHI) is equipped to monitor astronauts’ health, maintain communication with Earth, and manage dietary schedules.
• It serves as an essential tool for the crew, offering real-time assistance and access to necessary data.
• It would assist astronauts during the Gaganyaan space flight mission, facilitating tasks such as accessing vital technical information and communication.
• Strapped to astronauts’ space suits, it allows for easy access and facilitates the maintenance of mission logs in various formats.

Utility offered by SAKHI

• Health Monitoring: SAKHI provides comprehensive health monitoring, including parameters like blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. It also reminds astronauts about hydration, dietary schedules, and sleep patterns, enhancing their mission efficiency.
• Communication: SAKHI maintains communication between the crew, onboard computers, and ground-based stations, ensuring seamless connectivity.

Gaganyaan Mission Timeline:

• ISRO aims to launch the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission in 2025.
• The identities of the four astronaut-designates, all IAF test pilots, were revealed at a high-profile event attended by PM at the VSSC on February 27.
• The final crew for the mission will be selected from among the four astronaut-designates.

Also read:

4 IAF Gaganyaan Astronaut-designates named

PYQ:

Which of the following is/are cited by the scientists as evidence/evidences for the continued expansion of the universe? (2012)

1. Detection of microwaves in space
2. Observation of redshift phenomenon in space
3. Movement of asteroids in space
4. Occurrence of supernova explosions in space

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 only
3. 1, 3 and 4
4. None of the above can be cited as evidence

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