Gaganyaan: India’s first human spaceflight mission in space
India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, has now been delayed to almost the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026. Union Science & Technology Minister Jitendra Singh told the press conference that ISRO is now focusing on ensuring the utmost safety of astronauts. This delay reflects a responsible and safe approach, which is very important for space missions.
Important Updates of Gaganyaan:
- Uncrewed Mission will be first:
ISRO will conduct an uncrewed test flight around March 2025, in which Vyommitra, a female humanoid robot, will be sent. Vyommitra will mimic every human response of space travel and test the safety of the mission. - Specialty of Vyommitra:
Its skull is made of high-strength aluminium alloy which can withstand the pressure and vibrations of space.
It will perfectly copy the movements and reactions of the human body and will play a critical role in the training of astronauts and mission planning.
- Preparation for Crewed Mission:
Four fighter pilots of Indian Air Force are currently training in different facilities. Out of these, three astronauts will be selected for the final mission.
ISRO’s human-rated LVM-3 rocket is currently in the assembly phase at Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
- Recent Achievements:
On December 18, ISRO conducted a recovery test in which the crew module was successfully recovered from the Bay of Bengal. The module was oriented for safe splashdown using parachutes and thrusters.
India’s Dream:
If Gaganyaan is successful, India will become the fourth country in the world to send its astronauts into space from its own launch pad. This will be a significant achievement after the Soviet Union, USA, and China. ISRO plans to take the astronauts to a 400-km low-Earth orbit for 3 days and bring them back safely.
Gaganyaan is not just a mission but India’s dream to start a new era in space exploration. This responsible and systematic approach of ISRO will include the country in a new space league.
EDITORIAL