By R Anil Kumar
Bengaluru. India’s space agency ISRO is preparing for the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission. This is a vital step towards sending astronauts into space by 2027. Three uncrewed flights are planned before the human spaceflight. ISRO is rigorously testing all systems to ensure astronaut safety. Lessons from recent mission setbacks are being incorporated to enhance reliability.
The Indian Space Research Organisation is working full steam ahead for the first uncrewed mission of the Gaganyaan programme, a crucial step in the country’s ambitious plan to send astronauts to space by 2027.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan Speaking to R. Anil Kumar, said the agency is currently focused on completing this initial uncrewed flight, which will lay the foundation for the country’s maiden human spaceflight.
Narayanan said the Gaganyaan mission has been carefully structured, with three uncrewed launches planned before astronauts are sent to orbit. These missions are designed to validate critical systems and ensure mission readiness.
“Gaganyaan programme is planned in 2027. Before that, three uncrewed missions are planned. We are working towards the first uncrewed mission,” he said.
Gaganyaan aims to place a three-member crew in low-Earth orbit for a mission lasting about three days, followed by a safe return to Earth. According to the ISRO chief, scientists are currently engaged in a wide range of tests covering launch vehicle performance, crew module systems and life-support mechanisms.
Narayanan underlined that safety remains non-negotiable in the programme
“There are lots of tests happening. You know safety of the Gaganyatri is very, very important. So, we have to be very careful. We have to qualify every system. In the rocket system, we have to score one hundred out of one hundred,” he added.
Lessons from PSLV-C62 Under Review:
The ISRO chairman also referred to the recent anomaly encountered during the PSLV-C62/EOS N1 mission, which faced a setback after an issue was detected in the third stage of the rocket shortly after lift-off on January 12. He said a detailed analysis of the mission is underway to identify the cause and put corrective measures in place.
“Our aim is that (success of Gaganyaan). We have to do a perfect job. We are working towards that,” Narayanan said, adding that such reviews are part of ISRO’s iterative approach to improving mission reliability.
Despite the setback, ISRO remains confident about its long-term roadmap. Officials said the insights gained from ongoing tests and mission reviews will strengthen India’s preparedness as it moves closer to achieving human spaceflight, a landmark milestone in the country’s space journey.
