Gaganyaan’s Thermal Protection System

Background and key dimensions

• The decomposition releases gases that move outward and create a cooler boundary layer, reducing heat transfer to the spacecraft.
• The Gaganyaan uses an Ablative TPS.
• Examples: Carbon-phenolic, silica-phenolic and PICA (Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator).
• Radiative TPS: The material absorbs incoming heat and radiates it back into the surrounding environment, mainly as infrared radiation.

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.

Introduction

Begin with the immediate development and identify the central institution or policy issue.

Body

• Explain the relevant static concept.
• Present the principal source-backed facts.
• Analyse significance for India and the syllabus theme.
• Discuss supported challenges or implementation gaps.
• Use one named law, report, institution, date or example from the evidence box.

Conclusion

End with a balanced, institutionally feasible way forward without making claims beyond the available evidence.