India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, aiming to send humans into space, is now scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2027, confirmed Union Minister of State for Space, Jitendra Singh. The mission will mark India’s official entry into the elite club of human spacefaring nations — currently limited to the US, Russia, and China.
Why the Delay and What’s Next?
The revised timeline follows the successful completion of critical test missions, including the TV-D1 crew escape test. The next test flight, TV-D2, is expected in 2025, followed by multiple uncrewed orbital missions featuring the female humanoid robot, Vyommitra. These efforts will culminate in the first crewed mission in 2027.
Budget Doubled, Scope Expanded
Initially allocated ₹10,000 crore, the Gaganyaan budget has now been increased to ₹20,193 crore. The revised scope includes eight missions:
- Two crewed spaceflights
- Six uncrewed test missions
This reflects the rising complexity, rigorous safety protocols, and the scale of preparation involved.
National Collaboration Beyond ISRO
Described as a “national mission” by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, Gaganyaan involves:
- ISRO scientists and engineers
- The Indian Navy and other armed forces
- Premier research institutes like IITs, IISc, and TIFR
Over 7,000 tests have already been completed to human-rate the LVM3 launch vehicle, crew module, and escape system.
Astronaut Training in Final Stages
India’s astronaut-designates have completed extensive training — including physical, psychological, and spaceflight simulations — and are now preparing for the mission-specific phase. This final training will ensure that the crew is ready for India’s maiden voyage into space.
India’s Dual Frontier: Space and Deep Sea
Minister Singh also hinted at India’s twin pursuits — the Gaganyaan mission and the Deep Ocean Mission — both scheduled for significant progress by 2026, highlighting the nation’s growing capabilities in frontier science and exploration.
