Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) targets first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission with Vyommitra in late 2026

Key facts

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed development and ground testing of all propulsion stages and structures for the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3).
• The propulsion systems of the Crew Module and Service Module have been developed, tested, and qualified.
• Key technologies including the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Engineering Model, Thermal Protection System, Deceleration System, and Crew Module Up-righting System have been successfully developed and tested.
• All five types of motors for the Crew Escape System (CES) have been developed and successfully undergone static testing.
• The TV-D1 Test Vehicle Mission for in-flight validation of the Crew Escape System was successfully completed.
• Integrated Air Drop Test-01 and 02 validated the deceleration system using a simulated Crew Module.
• The first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission carrying the Vyommitra half-humanoid is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026.
• Two additional uncrewed missions are targeted by 2027 before the maiden human orbital mission.
• The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is planned to become operational by 2035, with the first module BAS-01 approved.
• The Union Cabinet approved a budgetary allocation of ₹20,193 crore in September 2024 for eight missions under the Human Spaceflight Programme.