ISRO's Upcoming Mission: Gaganyaan

The Gaganyaan mission represents a significant milestone in India's space exploration efforts and is being spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This ambitious mission is designed to demonstrate India's capability for human spaceflight, a feature that not only showcases technological prowess but also enhances national prestige in the global arena of space exploration.

What is Gaganyaan

The mission plans to launch a crew of 3 skilled astronauts into a low Earth orbit at an altitude of approximately 400 km. This orbital altitude is strategically chosen to allow the crew to experience microgravity conditions and conduct various scientific experiments that can contribute to our understanding of space and its effects on the human body.

Source: www.space.com

More about the Mission

The duration of the mission is planned to be a 3-day mission, during which the astronauts will carry out a series of experiments that will help in gathering data on human adaptability to space travel. The mission is an opportunity to evaluate the performance of life support systems, navigation, and communication technologies in a space environment.

Following the completion of the mission, the primary objective will be to safely bring the crew back to Earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.

Source: www.britannica.com

Estimated Launch Date

ISRO chairman S. Somanath highlighted the mission's role in advancing India's space exploration. He announced the launch of the first Technology Demonstrator Satellite, TDS-01, in 2026, featuring indigenously developed electric propulsion systems. This satellite will validate crucial technologies for the Gaganyaan mission, including propulsion, navigation, and communication. Electric propulsion enhances space travel efficiency and effectiveness, offering better maneuverability and reduced fuel consumption.

Test vehicle for characterization of Crew Escape System ready at SDSC

Source: www.isro.gov.in

Budget and Funding

The Gaganyaan programme has received a funding boost of Rs 11,170 crore, bringing the total budget to Rs 20,193 crore. This will support eight missions by 2028, including manned space missions and the BAS-1 launch.

What does this mean?

ISRO is still very young, and the Gaganyaan mission is poised to be a landmark event for ISRO and the nation, which is a very proud moment for India, as it not only aims to achieve human spaceflight but also seeks to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers in India.. The successful execution of this mission will pave the way for more complex missions in the future, including potential explorations beyond low Earth orbit, which could further establish India as a formidable player in the international space community.

Collaborators and organisation of :

Sanchit Kamat and Shlok Wala