India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme has made significant progress, with the first uncrewed experimental mission targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026 and the first crewed mission planned for 2027, the government informed Parliament.
- First uncrewed experimental mission: Q4 2026, including Vyommitra, a half-humanoid robot.
- First crewed Gaganyaan mission: Targeted for 2027.
- Two additional uncrewed missions are planned before the maiden crewed flight.
- The Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3) propulsion stages and structures have completed development and ground testing.
- The Crew Escape System has undergone major successful tests, while Test Vehicle Mission TV-D1 successfully validated crew-escape technology.
- Selected Gaganyatris have completed generic spaceflight training in Russia and are undergoing mission-specific training in Bengaluru.
- The Union Cabinet approved ₹20,193 crore for eight Gaganyaan missions in September 2024.
- Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is targeted to become operational by 2035 and will comprise five modules.
- India is collaborating with ESA, Australia, France and Russia for various aspects of the programme.
Key Facts:
🚀 Gaganyaan first uncrewed mission → Q4 2026
👨🚀 First crewed mission → 2027
🛰️ Bharatiya Antariksh Station → 2035
💰 Gaganyaan allocation → ₹20,193 crore
