📅 Gaganyaan Mission – Milestones & Updates

The Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human spaceflight program, has achieved several key milestones and is progressing towards its inaugural crewed launch. Below is an overview of significant developments:

🚀 Mission Timeline

  • October 21, 2023: Successful completion of the first Test Vehicle Abort Mission (TV-D1), demonstrating the Crew Escape System’s capability. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
  • Late 2025: Planned second Test Vehicle mission (TV-D2) to further validate abort scenarios. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
  • 2026: Two uncrewed orbital test flights, one featuring the Vyommitra humanoid robot to assess life support and crew interfaces. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  • First Quarter 2027: Targeted launch window for the first crewed Gaganyaan mission, carrying Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

🔧 Technological Advancements

  • CE-20 Cryogenic Engine: Achieved human-rating certification after rigorous testing, ensuring reliability for crewed missions. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  • Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS): Development nearing completion, providing necessary life support for astronauts. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
  • Human-Rated LVM3: Modifications and testing underway to meet safety standards required for human spaceflight. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

👨‍🚀 Astronaut Training

  • Training Completion: Four Indian Air Force pilots have completed training in Russia and are undergoing mission-specific training in India. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
  • International Collaboration: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is scheduled to participate in a mission to the International Space Station in May 2025, gaining valuable spaceflight experience. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

💰 Budget and Future Plans

  • Budget Increase: India’s government has raised the Gaganyaan mission budget to $2.32 billion, supporting expanded objectives including a national space station by 2035 and a crewed Moon mission by 2040. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
  • Bharatiya Antariksh Station: Development of India’s own space station is underway, with the first module’s launch planned as part of the Gaganyaan program. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

These milestones reflect India’s commitment to advancing its human spaceflight capabilities, positioning the nation among the select few with independent access to space.