🚀 Gaganyaan: India’s Ambitious Human Spaceflight Program
Gaganyaan is India’s first human spaceflight mission, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The word “Gaganyaan” means “Sky Craft” in Sanskrit/Hindi. The mission will make India the fourth country to independently send humans to space.
🌟 What is Gaganyaan?
- First Indian human spaceflight mission (2025–2026 target).
- 2–3 Indian astronauts (“Vyomnauts”) in low Earth orbit (400 km) for up to 3 days.
- Safe splashdown in Indian waters.
🛰️ Main Components
- Crew Module: Astronaut habitat with life support, safety, controls.
- Service Module: Propulsion, power, thermal & support systems.
- Launch Vehicle: Human-rated LVM3 (formerly GSLV Mk III).
- Recovery Systems: Splashdown & sea retrieval by Indian Navy.
đź“… Recent Progress & Updates (May 2025)
- Crew Module Test Flights: TV-D1 & other abort/escape tests completed.
- First Uncrewed Flight: Planned in 2025 with humanoid robot Vyommitra.
- Manned Flight: Expected in late 2025 or 2026, with 2–3 Indian Air Force pilots.
- Astronaut Training: Survival, zero-G, and simulator sessions in India & Russia.
- Global Collaboration: Partners include Russia, France, US for tech/training.
✨ Why is Gaganyaan Important?
- Technological Leap: Showcases India’s space engineering, medicine & re-entry expertise.
- Inspiration: Ignites interest in STEM among India’s youth.
- Foundation for Future: Enables space stations, lunar & planetary crewed missions.
🤖 Fun Fact
Vyommitra, a female humanoid robot, will fly in an uncrewed test before Indian astronauts!
đź“Š Quick Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Gaganyaan announced by PM Modi |
| 2022 | Crew module abort test (TV-D1) |
| 2024 | More abort and system tests |
| 2025 | First uncrewed Gaganyaan flight |
| 2025/26 | First Indian crewed spaceflight |