ISRO’s mission delay underscores commitment to astronaut safety and rigorous testing.
India’s first astronaut mission, Gaganyaan, originally planned for 2025, has been rescheduled for 2026, as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) prioritizes rigorous safety and testing protocols.
The mission will be India’s debut in sending astronauts to space, a critical leap to join nations like the United States, Russia, and China. ISRO’s Chairman, S. Somanath, emphasized that the delay is necessary to ensure complete preparedness, citing recent aerospace industry challenges as a reminder of the importance of safety.
In a recent statement, Somanath detailed ISRO’s extended testing plans, which include a fourth uncrewed test flight to ensure safety.
The Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send astronauts to low Earth orbit, will be preceded by several uncrewed tests to validate all critical systems.
This cautious approach follows recent technical difficulties experienced by global aerospace agencies, reinforcing ISRO’s commitment to astronaut safety.
Preparing for the Final Crewed Launch
The first major test, scheduled for December 2023, will involve a humanoid robot named Vyomitra to simulate re-entry and assess safety systems.
This test, known as the G1 flight, will check the robustness of re-entry and parachute deployment, with additional flights planned to finalize all critical aspects.
Each phase is designed to confirm the spacecraft’s readiness for human presence, including emergency escape systems and recovery procedures.
Intensive Astronaut Training Underway
ISRO’s astronaut candidates, including Indian Air Force test pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, are undergoing intense training both in India and abroad.
Shukla will join an upcoming mission to the International Space Station, gaining skills critical for the Gaganyaan mission. His training, guided by veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, covers operations such as docking and navigation, which are essential for mission success.
Government Support Bolsters Gaganyaan Mission
The Indian government recently allocated an additional 111 billion rupees to Gaganyaan, enabling ISRO to complete its testing and crew training.
This boost reflects the nation’s commitment to expanding its space exploration capabilities.
The funds will support the final stages of development, with all modules being transferred to the Sriharikota spaceport for final preparations.
