New Delhi: Preparations for India’s maiden human spaceflight mission, ‘Gaganyaan’, have reached a decisive stage. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan stated that several critical tests related to the mission have been successfully completed, and the agency is now gearing up for engine tests. He indicated that the date for the first uncrewed flight would also be announced soon.
V. Narayanan mentioned that a significant test was conducted recently, achieving approximately 90 percent of the thrust load (excluding the thrust chamber). He described this as a major achievement and a crucial milestone. He noted that the next step involves engine tests, for which preparations are proceeding rapidly. He also stated that the satellites for the mission are fully ready and work on them is ongoing, although the launch date will be revealed soon.
Human-Rating Prior to Manned Mission?
The ISRO chief explained that Gaganyaan is a highly technology-intensive mission; therefore, the launch vehicle to be used must undergo a ‘human-rating’ process. This process ensures that astronauts can be safely transported to space and brought back.
Manned Flight to Follow Three Uncrewed Missions?
He clarified that ISRO would conduct three uncrewed missions before sending actual astronauts. Currently, the agency is working rapidly towards the first uncrewed mission. V. Narayanan stated that the dates for these missions would also be made public very soon.
