Gaganyaan-1

Gaganyaan-1
NamesG1
Mission typeUncrewed flight test
OperatorISRO
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftGaganyaan
Spacecraft typeCrewed orbital spacecraft (uncrewed test)
ManufacturerHindustan Aeronautics Limited (crew module), ISRO (service module)
Start of mission
Launch dateH2 2026 (planned)
RocketHLVM3
Launch siteSatish Dhawan Space Centre
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeLow Earth orbit

Gaganyaan-1 (from Sanskrit: gagana, "celestial" and yāna, "craft, vehicle") is the first planned uncrewed test flight of the Gaganyaan programme. ISRO has officially scheduled the mission for March 2026, though a delay into the second half of 2026 has been acknowledged.[1]

The spacecraft will carry Vyommitra, a half-humanoid robot, to simulate astronaut conditions and provide critical data on life-support and environmental systems. The mission will demonstrate the performance of the crew module and service module in low Earth orbit, serving as a precursor to future human spaceflight under the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme.

Background

The launch was originally scheduled for December 2020,[2] then in December 2021,[3] but it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] The flight plan was finally ready by April 2022[4] and the launch is expected to take place in early 2025,[5] after the TV-D1, TV-D2, TV-D3 and TV-D4.[6] It was proposed in April 2022 that the crew module should be depressurized,[7] something kept in the final planning.[8]

The first orbiter module adaptor assembly (OMA) was supplied by Kineco Kaman Composites on 23 December 2023. The OMA is a conical structure with a diameter of 4 meters, composed of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers. It is combined with the equipment bay shroud and crew escape module.[9] With the successful qualification of the rocket's engines in February 2024,[10] the mission was scheduled for December 2024, following which it was rescheduled to February 2025, then to Q4 of 2025. The flight is now expected in the second half of 2026.[1]

Mission objectives

The Gaganyaan spacecraft will be launched, with the humanoid robot Vyommitra, by a Human-rated LVM 3 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre and inserted into a 170 x 408 km orbit.[11][12] The circularisation maneuver will be performed at the third orbit. The landing should follow the same pattern as the TV-D1.[4][13] The mission will also validate the life-support system, crew escape mechanism, and re-entry technologies.[14]

After this mission, ISRO will perform four more abort tests before launching Gaganyaan-2,[6] carrying the humanoid robot Vyommitra,[15] which was later decided that it will also fly on G-1.[16]

Mission history

Pre-launch processing

The L110 stage for the upgraded LVM3 vehicle arrived at Satish Dhawan Space Center in July 2024, followed by the S200 boosters. A Different Upper stage, the C-32, will be used in lieu of the C-25 for this mission. The C-32 underwent heavy tests for the flight.[17]

The Crew module was tested and checked out from its propulsion and mechanical systems testing phase at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and the service module was tested at U R Rao Satellite Center. G1 will carry Vyomitra, and also an unpressurized engineering model of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) system.[17]

ISRO is planning to place chartered ships carrying a group of eight scientists to be stationed at observation points in the Pacific Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, to monitor the unmanned mission.A consignment with a shipborne terminal (SBT), electronic equipment, MV-SAT antennas and its associated subsystems will be sent abroad from ISTRAC for deployment on these chartered ships. This is similar to what was done for the launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission.[18][19][20] By December 2024, all components of the first HLVM3 has reached SDSC. The spacecraft was also reported as in its final stages of integration.The ground station and associated infrastructure was also built before launch.[21]

The first segment of solid motor was transferred from the production factory to the launch complex on December 13, 2024.[22] At SDSC, ISRO started assembling the HLVM3 on 18 December 2024. At the launch complex, the HLVM3's L110 and C32 stages are prepared. SDSC also received the components for the crew escape system. The crew module is being integrated at the VSSC, while the service module is being integrated at the URSC. It will also be the site of orbital module level integration and testing.[23]

The Crew Module Propulsion System (CMPS), a bi-propellant Reaction Control System (RCS) enabling three-axis control, has been successfully incorporated into the crew module by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) on 21 January 2025. The crew module for Gaganyaan-1 has been shipped out.[24] LPSC has also integrated the Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) supplied by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.[25] CMPS is vital for descent and atmospheric entry. The CMPS has a propellant feed system with accompanying fluid control components, a pressurization system with high-pressure gas bottles, and 12 thrusters, each of which can produce 100N of force. Additional integration activities, such as avionics package assembly and electrical harnessing inspections, will be performed on the Gaganyaan-1 crew module at VSSC. For the last stage of Orbital Module integration, the crew module will be delivered to URSC.[26]

On 5 May 2025, a set of parachutes designed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment was shipped out. These parachutes are necessary for the safe return of the crew module. At the ISRO Satellite Integration and Testing Establishment, the ADRDE team will put the parachutes together with the crew module. Ten parachutes are included in the parachute setup, which is intended for consecutive deployment. The deployment of two apex cover separation parachutes initiates the recovery phase during flight. Followed by two drogue parachutes for stabilization, and to lower the crew module's velocity. When the drogue parachutes are released, three pilot chutes will be sent out to separate the three main parachutes. The purpose of the primary parachutes is to lower the crew module's speed to a safe landing level.[27] The vehicle and the HLVM-3 was completely integrated and tested by mid-December 2025.[28]

Payloads

As the Mission serves as a precursor, no astronaut will launch aboard the flight. Instead, scientific instruments and the Vyommitra humanoid robot will launch aboard the flight.[29]

Scientists from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and researchers from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad in collaboration with IIST are planning to launch Fruit Flies (Drosophila melanogaster) on board the mission.[30][31]

References

  1. ^ a b "Dr Jitendra Singh interacts with journalists at Media Round Table | Gaganyaan Uncrewed Mission to Precede Human Spaceflight, Likely in Second Half of 2026". Press Information Bureau (Press release). 21 January 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  2. ^ a b Jones, Andrew (23 February 2021). "India revises Gaganyaan human spaceflight plan, delays Chandrayaan-3". SpaceNews. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  3. ^ "First uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan in December: It's race against time for ISRO now". The Hindu. 28 June 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  4. ^ a b Kumar, Chethan (28 April 2022). "First Gaganyaan uncrewed module to be injected in 170x408km orbit; indicates human spaceflight profile". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  5. ^ "Why were the names of Gaganyaan passengers revealed a year before its launch?". janamtv.com. 28 February 2024. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  6. ^ a b "Chennai: Indian Space Research Organisation to carry out series of tests before launch of Gaganyaan". The Times of India. 1 July 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  7. ^ Kumar, Chethan (29 April 2022). "Gaganyaan: First uncrewed mission to have unpressurised crew module". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  8. ^ Marar, Anjali; Dutt, Anonna (27 February 2024). "PM Modi announces 4 astronauts for Gaganyaan: Current status of the mission". The Indian Express. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
  9. ^ "Pilerne-based Kineco Kaman delivers key component for Isro's human space mission". The Times of India. 23 December 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  10. ^ Kumar, Chetan (21 February 2024). "Gaganyaan: Cryo engine qualification for human-rated LVM-3 completed". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
  11. ^ Kumar, Chethan (15 July 2023). "Chandrayaan-3 a shot in the arm for Gaganyaan-1". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  12. ^ Jones, Andrew (27 August 2024). "India to launch Gaganyaan crew capsule test flight by end of 2024". Space.com. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  13. ^ "Mission Gaganyaan: Better safe than starry". The Economic Times. 18 May 2022. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  14. ^ "Gaganyaan launch, Skyroot debut: Isro chief reveals big missions for 2026". India Today. 24 December 2025. Retrieved 24 December 2025.
  15. ^ "First trial for Gaganyaan to be done by end of 2023, or beginning of 2024: Jitendra Singh". The Times of India. 13 September 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  16. ^ Kuthunur, Sharmila (27 February 2024). "India completes critical test for Gaganyaan flight crewed by humanoid robot later this year". space.com. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  17. ^ a b "Docking test likely before Dec 15; Gaganyaan G1: Vyomitra on 1 seat, ECLSS on 2nd, rocket gets new cryo stage". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  18. ^ "Gaganyaan's Unmanned Mission May Go To Space Next March, ISRO Ships To Track From Pacific, Atlantic Oceans". News18. Retrieved 25 November 2024.
  19. ^ Livemint, Livemint (25 November 2024). "Gaganyaan's unmanned mission likely in March next year; ISRO to track from Pacific, Atlantic oceans". Livemint. Retrieved 25 November 2024.
  20. ^ "Gaganyaan mission: ISRO gives good news, mission to be launched in..., plan includes..." India.com. 25 November 2024. Retrieved 25 November 2024.
  21. ^ "Countdown begins: India's Gaganyaan space mission enters final preparation phase". The Indian Express. 10 December 2024. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
  22. ^ "ISRO Achieves Significant Milestone For Gaganyaan Mission". NDTV.com. 14 December 2024. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  23. ^ "ISRO begins assembly of HLVM3 for Gaganyaan's first uncrewed flight". The Hindu. 18 December 2024. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  24. ^ "ISRO dispatches crew module for first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan". The Hindu. 22 January 2025. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
  25. ^ "ISRO dispatches crew module for first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan". ThePrint. 22 January 2025. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
  26. ^ Kumar, Chethan (22 January 2025). "Gaganyaan: Crew module ready with Liquid Propulsion Systems for first uncrewed mission". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
  27. ^ "Parachutes for uncrewed spaceflight of Gaganyaan mission flagged off". The Hindu. 5 May 2025. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  28. ^ "Gaganyaan launch update: Vehicle assembly, integration nearing completion". India Today. 18 December 2025. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
  29. ^ Andrew Jones (29 February 2024). "India targets uncrewed Gaganyaan orbital test mission in July, crewed flight in 2025". Space News. Retrieved 2 March 2025.
  30. ^ "India to launch fruit flies to space aboard Gaganyaan's first flight. Here's why". India Today. 11 February 2025. Retrieved 18 February 2025.
  31. ^ "Gaganyaan Mission: Why 20 Fruit Flies Will Travel To Space In 2025". Times Now. 19 February 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2025.

Bibliography

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