India's Astronauts Ready for Space, ISRO Chief Weighs In On Gaganyaan's Progress, First Un-Crewed Flight
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India's Astronauts Ready for Space, ISRO Chief Weighs In On Gaganyaan's Progress, First Un-Crewed Flight
com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: May 08, 2025, 09:24 IST The human-rating of rocket LVM Mk3 and all propulsion systems is almost 95% done, while the crew module is undergoing final stages of testing and qualification, said Dr Narayanan reset Follow us on Flipboard Follow us on Google News Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Dr। India's Astronauts Ready for Space, ISRO Chief Weighs In On Gaganyaan's Progress, First Un-Crewed Flight Reported By : Srishti Choudhary News18। V Narayanan। (PTI) After over five decades of space exploration, India is raring to make history with its first-ever human spaceflight—Gaganyaan—set to take off by 2027। After thousands of tests across multiple centers, the space agency announced on Tuesday that it is ready to launch the first of its three un-crewed orbital flights for Gaganyaan later this year। As the mission groundwork accelerates, CNN-News18 spoke to ISRO chairman Dr V Narayanan, also a rocket and spacecraft propulsion expert at the helm of the agency’s most ambitious space mission yet, about Gaganyaan, India’s first astronaut aboard ISS, and more। Recommended Stories Excerpts: How mission-ready is Gaganyaan at this stage? Gaganyaan aims to launch Indian astronauts using an Indian launch vehicle and bring them back safely। The human-rating of the launcher LVM Mk3 and all propulsion systems is almost 95 per cent complete and all structural tests are done। But development and testing of the crew module is really complex and it is in the final stages of realisation। In space, it is critical to maintain the required pressure, temperature, relative humidity, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels। While it may seem easy, in engineering terms it is a complex task, requiring thousands of control components। The development of the environmental control and life support system is in the final phase, and currently undergoing testing and qualification। When it comes to human spaceflight, if something goes wrong, then the top priority is to save the crew। So, a crew escape system powered by high-thrust solid motors is important, considering the rocket reaches velocities up to 25,000km/hour। The module will also face intense heat reflux and temperature rise during re-entry, so that requires a robust thermal protection system। Its development is also complete, and requires further qualification। Meanwhile, several human-centric activities are also progressing, including space food development, medical kits, and other life support essentials। Then, we need nine parachutes for their safe splash down in the sea। We have decided that before sending our astronauts to space, we will launch three un-crewed flights to ensure end-to-end demonstration। These will have a robotic payload—Vyomitra—and we are targeting a year-end launch। Once that takes place, we will have next missions every six months। What does ISRO aim to gain from the upcoming Axiom Mission-4? There is a lot of experience to be gained। When Rakesh Sharma went to space for the first time in 1984, that experience is still useful for us even today। So, two of our Gaganyatris were shortlisted for Axiom Mission-4, and finally Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will now fly to the ISS for the first time, most likely in the first week of June। The mission will bring lots of data for us and be advantageous for Gaganyaan because everything is now geared towards achieving our own human spaceflight capability। We will gain confidence having undergone training, and will carry out experiments and learn how to work in a hostile space environment। Is ISRO planning more space-docking mission in the future? If so, why? In Chandrayaan-3, the mass of the satellite was 4,000kg, but Chandrayaan-4 is a sample return mission, which will carry a 9,600kg mass satellite। So, we will have to launch two separate modules which will dock in space and function as one unit, then separate and land on the moon, collect samples and return them back to Earth। The entire mission will involve at least two space-docking and three undocking tasks। We also have to build Bhartiya Antriksh Station which requires putting a 52-tonne mass into orbit। It will need five modules to dock in space। So, need to gain experience with space docking, which is very crucial for these missions। It is not an easy task—imagine two cars moving at 100km/hour trying to join without colliding। Now in space, it is two satellites hurtling at 28,000km/hour velocity, which have to dock, which require tough cameras, precise algorithms, advanced propulsion and inertial systems, all working with micro-level accuracy। We faced little problems with SpaDeX but successfully did it on January 16, then made a second attempt in April with energy transfer which was like child’s play for our scientists। It was possible after four years of hard work and sleepless nights when the teams carried out analysis, experiments and simulations। The good news is that we still have 50 per cent fuel left, and we can use it to conduct more experiments in space। In addition, we are also planning a second SpaDeX Mission, which will have the actual configuration required for our future missions। top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all What’s next for ISRO? We started in the era of bullock carts and bicycles, using them to transport rocket parts। From that period to now, over the past 60 years, ISRO has made exponential growth and accomplished many missions। We currently have 55 satellites operating in space serving people, and we need to increase it to 155। With human spaceflight, Venus Orbiter Mission, and Chandrayaan-4, we have many more missions lined up। It is an exciting time। Indians are second to none। Get breaking news , in-depth analysis , and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society। Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18। Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Gaganyaan Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) ISRO Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 08, 2025, 09:24 IST News india India's Astronauts Ready for Space, ISRO Chief Weighs In On Gaganyaan's Progress, First Un-Crewed Flight Read More।
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