India’s Gaganyaan Mission Delayed to 2026 as ISRO Prioritizes Safety, Testing, and Astronaut Training

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Gaganyaan Mission Delayed

Gaganyaan Mission Delayed

Gaganyaan Mission Delayed. India has postponed its first astronaut mission under the Gaganyaan program to 2026, extending the schedule by a year. This announcement was made by S. Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), highlighting the organization’s dedication to safety following recent setbacks in the aerospace sector. Somanath indicated that India’s inaugural crewed mission will be preceded by several uncrewed test flights, with the initial trial slated for launch in December 2023. These tests are essential for validating important systems necessary for a successful human mission, allowing India to enter the ranks of the United States, Russia, and China in independently sending astronauts into space.

Safety First: ISRO’s Cautious Approach

During a recent address in New Delhi, Somanath elaborated on ISRO’s comprehensive testing protocols and the inclusion of a fourth uncrewed test flight. He referred to the technical challenges faced by the Boeing Starliner as a reminder of the critical need for thorough safety assessments. The Gaganyaan mission, also known as H1, aims to transport one or two astronauts to low Earth orbit, approximately 400 kilometers above the Earth. To prevent similar issues, ISRO has adopted a methodical strategy, rigorously testing complex technologies developed entirely in-house.

Preparing for the Final Crewed Launch

In preparation for the mission, ISRO has conducted various tests, including the assessment of emergency escape mechanisms and recovery systems. The G1 flight, anticipated later this year, will feature a humanoid robot named Vyomitra on board to test re-entry, parachute deployment, and a controlled splashdown in the Bay of Bengal. After G1, three additional uncrewed flights will complete the testing phase.

An Ambitious Training Regime for Astronauts

The crew involved in the programme has been undergoing vigorous training both in India and abroad. Shubhanshu Shukla, a test pilot from the Indian Air Force and one of the astronauts in training, is set to participate in a mission to the International Space Station, collaborating with Axiom Space in Houston. With former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson as the mission commander, Shukla’s experience will encompass essential operations such as navigation and docking, which are vital for the success of the Gaganyaan mission.

Government Funding Boosts ISRO’s Gaganyaan Efforts

The Indian government has recently augmented the Gaganyaan budget by an additional 111 billion rupees to enhance the final testing and crew training phases. With all modules now transitioning to ISRO’s Sriharikota spaceport, India’s first crewed spaceflight is inching closer to realization. This initiative underlines the government’s commitment to enhancing India’s space capabilities and ensuring the mission adheres to the highest safety standards.


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Amy Johnson
Amy Johnson
Articles: 157

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