Gaganyaan Mission Achieves Major Milestones, First Uncrewed Flight Targeted for Q4 2026

Key facts

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed development and ground testing of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3) propulsion stages and structural components.
• The propulsion systems for the Crew Module and Service Module have been tested and qualified.
• Critical technologies including the Environmental Control and Life Support System, Thermal Protection System, Deceleration System, Crew Module Up-righting System, and end-to-end avionics have been validated.
• All five motors of the Crew Escape System have been developed and static tested, and associated structures qualified.
• The first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission, carrying the Vyommitra half-humanoid, is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.
• Two additional uncrewed missions are planned for 2027 before the crewed flight.
• The Orbital Module Preparation Facility, Gaganyaan Control Centre, and Crew Training Facility have been established, and the Second Launch Pad upgraded.
• The TV-D1 Test Vehicle Mission validated the Crew Escape System in flight, and Integrated Air Drop Tests confirmed the deceleration system performance.
• India plans to operationalise the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035, with the first module approved for development and launch.
• The Human Spaceflight Programme has a budget allocation of ₹20,193 crore to support eight missions.
• International collaborations include the European Space Agency, Australian Space Agency, France's CNES, and Russia's Roscosmos for astronaut training, mission support, recovery operations, and technical assistance.