Gaganyaan Manned Mission Likely by Early 2027

Gaganyaan Manned Mission Likely by Early 2027

Why in the News ?

ISRO has announced that the much-awaited Gaganyaan mission, India’s first manned spaceflight, is now expected in the first quarter of 2027. Delayed due to the pandemic and extended testing, it will follow three prior test launches.

Gaganyaan Manned Mission Likely by Early 2027

About the Timeline and Testing Plans:

  • The Gaganyaan manned mission is now scheduled for early 2027, says ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan.
  • It will be preceded by three test flights—two uncrewed and one with robot Vyommitra
  • Originally planned for 2022, the timeline was pushed due to COVID-19, extra safety tests, and a revamp of the mission structure.
  • A total of eight missions (crewed + uncrewed) are planned under the Gaganyaan programme till 2028.

Safety, Technology and Workforce

  • The mission requires over 10 lakh lines of code to ensure crew safety, emergency escape, and safe return.
  • About 10,000 personnel have worked over 4–5 years to enable mission progress.
  • 90% of infrastructure and propulsion systems for the human-rated launch vehicle are ready for the first uncrewed launch.

Global Collaboration and Experience

  • Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will join Axiom-4’s private mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2025.
  • India has paid ₹550 crore for this mission, which will offer vital experience ahead of Gaganyaan.
  • The launch is scheduled for May 29, as per Axiom Space.

About Gaganyaan:

● Gaganyaan is India’s first planned human spaceflight mission, led by ISRO.
● The mission aims to send 3 astronauts to low Earth orbit (LEO) for up to 7 days.
● It involves indigenous development of human-rated systems.
● Delayed by COVID-19, it’s now set for early 2027, after a series of test missions.

Key points:ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)

●ISRO is India’s national space agency, established in 1969 under the Department of Space.
●Headquartered in Bengaluru, it has achieved milestones like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and now Gaganyaan.
● ISRO is known for cost-effective missions and indigenous technology.
● It plays a key role in satellite launches, remote sensing, and space exploration.

About Vyommitra:

●Vyommitra is a female humanoid robot developed by ISRO.
●The name combines “Vyoma” (space) and “Mitra” (friend).
● It will be part of the first uncrewed Gaganyaan test flight.
●Designed to simulate human functions, it will monitor spacecraft parameters, speak in two languages, and aid emergency procedures.

Key points : Axiom-4

● Axiom-4 is a private space mission operated by Axiom Space, USA.
● It will transport a team, including Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, to the International Space Station (ISS).
● Scheduled for May 29, 2025, it marks India’s second astronaut in space.
●The mission helps India gain human spaceflight experience for Gaganyaan.

Key facts about Shubhanshu Shukla:

● Shubhanshu Shukla is a test pilot-turned-astronaut, selected for Axiom-4 mission.
●He will be the first Indian astronaut in space since Rakesh Sharma (1984).
● His mission to the ISS will aid ISRO in gathering technical and experiential knowledge.
● India paid ₹550 crore to include him in this mission for training and research.

What is Human Spaceflight ?

●Human spaceflight refers to sending astronauts beyond Earth’s atmosphere aboard a spacecraft.
● It requires life support systems, safety protocols, and escape mechanisms.
●Gaganyaan will be India’s debut human spaceflight mission, following global leaders like USA, Russia, and China.
●The mission demonstrates technological capability, boosts national prestige, and opens doors for space tourism and research.

About ISS (International Space Station):

●The International Space Station (ISS) is a joint space laboratory operated by NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA.
● It orbits Earth at 400 km altitude and serves as a hub for research and astronaut training.
●Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will visit ISS in Axiom-4 to gain experience relevant for Gaganyaan.

About the 2027 Mission:

●The 2027 mission refers to the final crewed launch of Gaganyaan, India’s human spaceflight venture.
●Scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, it follows multiple uncrewed and test flights.
●The mission will place Indian astronauts in orbit, showcasing India’s technological maturity.
●It’s a pivotal step toward long-term space goals, including space stations and deep space missions.