ISRO prepares for India’s first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working swiftly towards the first uncrewed mission under India’s maiden human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan , ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said. He revealed that the Gaganyaan mission is planned for 2027 and that, as part of the programme, three uncrewed test flights will be conducted before the manned mission . Preparations for the first of these missions are currently underway.

“The mission aims to send three astronauts into space for three days and safely bring them back to Earth,” Narayanan explained. He emphasised that numerous critical tests are ongoing to ensure the mission’s success, with astronaut safety being the highest priority . “Every system must be tested and certified with 100% accuracy . We are proceeding with utmost caution to ensure there is no possibility of failure in the rocket system . Gaganyaan’s success is our goal, and we are working towards it meticulously,” he added.

Responding to the technical glitch encountered in the third stage of the PSLV-C62 mission launched on January 12 , he said that scientists are thoroughly analysing all aspects of the mission. “Once the analysis is complete, the necessary corrections will be implemented,” he stated.

Gaganyaan: India’s leap as a space power

The prestigious Gaganyaan mission marks a new chapter in India’s space journey . With the capability to send humans into space, India will join the select group of countries including the US, Russia, and China . If successful, India will become the fourth nation to achieve this milestone.

The mission will advance India’s cutting-edge space technology , including life support systems , human-rated rockets , re-entry heat shield technology , and emergency escape systems , all developed indigenously. These technologies will lay the foundation for future space stations and crewed lunar missions.

The programme is also boosting domestic industries , with over 500 Indian companies partnering in the Gaganyaan project. Small and medium enterprises and startups are gaining wide opportunities, accelerating the growth of India’s space manufacturing sector.

Experts note that Gaganyaan will inspire India’s youth , sparking interest in science, technology, aerospace, and robotics , and nurturing future scientists and engineers. It will contribute significantly to skill development in the country.

From a national security perspective, relying on indigenous technologies will reduce dependence on foreign assistance, strengthening India’s strategic position in space. Satellite surveillance and defence capabilities are expected to improve further. Economically, Gaganyaan will pave the way for commercial space flights and space tourism in the future, and enhance India’s role in international space missions. Research in microgravity conditions conducted during the mission will benefit medical science, aiding the development of new drugs and medical technologies.

Overall, the Gaganyaan mission represents a milestone for India in scientific progress, industrial growth, national security, youth inspiration, and international prestige.