Himanshuucharan at 04:57, 3 May 2026

2026-05-03T04:57:18Z

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{{Short description|Indian spaceflight, planned H2 2026}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}}
{{Infobox spaceflight
| name = Gaganyaan-1
| names_list = G1
| mission_type = Uncrewed [[flight test]]
| operator = [[ISRO]]
| mission_duration =
| orbits_completed =
| spacecraft = [[Gaganyaan]]
| spacecraft_type = Crewed orbital spacecraft (uncrewed test)
| manufacturer = [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (crew module), [[ISRO]] (service module)
| launch_date = H2 2026 (planned)
| launch_rocket = [[LVM3|HLVM3]]
| launch_site = [[Satish Dhawan Space Centre]]
| orbit_reference = [[Geocentric orbit]]
| orbit_regime = [[Low Earth orbit]]
| programme = [[Indian Human Spaceflight Programme]]
| next_mission = [[Gaganyaan-2]]
}}

'''Gaganyaan-1''' (from [[Sanskrit]]: {{lang|sa|gagana}}, "celestial" and {{lang|sa|yāna}}, "craft, vehicle") is the first planned uncrewed test flight of the [[Gaganyaan]] programme. [[ISRO]] has officially scheduled the mission for H2 2026.<ref name="pib-20260121" />

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,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Andrew |date=2021-02-23 |title=India revises Gaganyaan human spaceflight plan, delays Chandrayaan-3 |url=https://spacenews.com/india-revises-gaganyaan-human-spaceflight-plan-delays-chandrayaan-3/ |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref> then in December 2021,<ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=2021-06-28 |title=First uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan in December: It's race against time for ISRO now |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/first-uncrewed-mission-of-gaganyaan-in-december-its-race-against-time-for-isro-now/article35013256.ece |access-date=2024-01-06 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> but it was delayed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name=":1" /> The flight plan was finally ready by April 2022<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Chethan |date=2022-04-28 |title=First Gaganyaan uncrewed module to be injected in 170x408km orbit; indicates human spaceflight profile |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/first-gaganyaan-uncrewed-module-to-be-injected-in-170x408km-orbit-indicates-human-spaceflight-profile/articleshow/91159842.cms |access-date=2024-01-06 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> and the launch is expected to take place in early 2025,<ref name="janam2024-02-28">{{cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-02-28 |title=Why were the names of Gaganyaan passengers revealed a year before its launch? |url=https://english.janamtv.com/news/kerala/96898/why-were-the-names-of-gaganyaan-passengers-revealed-a-year-before-its-launch/ |accessdate=2024-02-28 |website=janamtv.com}}</ref> after the [[TV-D1]], TV-D2, TV-D3 and TV-D4.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=2022-07-01 |title=Chennai: Indian Space Research Organisation to carry out series of tests before launch of Gaganyaan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/isro-to-carry-out-series-of-tests-before-launch-of-gaganyaan/articleshow/92585971.cms |access-date=2024-01-06 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> It was proposed in April 2022 that the crew module should be depressurized,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Chethan |date=2022-04-29 |title=Gaganyaan: First uncrewed mission to have unpressurised crew module |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/gaganyaan-first-uncrewed-mission-to-have-unpressurised-crew-module/articleshow/91188895.cms |access-date=2024-01-06 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> something kept in the final planning.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Marar|first1=Anjali|last2=Dutt|first2=Anonna|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/astronauts-gaganyaan-mission-status-9184079/|title=PM Modi announces 4 astronauts for Gaganyaan: Current status of the mission|date=2024-02-27|accessdate=2024-02-29|website=The Indian Express}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-23 |title=Pilerne-based Kineco Kaman delivers key component for Isro's human space mission |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/pilerne-based-kineco-kaman-delivers-key-component-for-isros-human-space-mission/articleshow/106220954.cms |access-date=2024-02-13 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> With the successful qualification of the rocket's engines in February 2024,<ref name="TOI20240221">{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/gaganyaan-cryo-engine-qualification-for-human-rated-lvm-3-completed/articleshow/107874564.cms |title=Gaganyaan: Cryo engine qualification for human-rated LVM-3 completed |date=2024-02-21 |accessdate=2024-02-21 |newspaper=The Times of India |last=Kumar |first=Chetan |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> 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 H2 2026.<ref name="pib-20260121">{{cite press release |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2217027&reg=3&lang=1 |title=Dr Jitendra Singh interacts with journalists at Media Round Table {{!}} Gaganyaan Uncrewed Mission to Precede Human Spaceflight, Likely in Second Half of 2026 |work=[[Press Information Bureau]] |date=21 January 2026 |access-date=18 March 2026}}</ref>

==Mission objectives==
The [[Gaganyaan]] spacecraft will be launched, with the humanoid robot [[Vyommitra]], by a [[LVM3|Human-rated LVM 3]] from [[Satish Dhawan Space Centre]] and inserted into a 170 x 408 km orbit.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Chethan |date=2023-07-15 |title=Chandrayaan-3 a shot in the arm for Gaganyaan-1 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chandrayaan-3-a-shot-in-the-arm-for-gaganyaan-1/articleshow/101769970.cms |access-date=2024-01-06 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Andrew |date=2024-08-27 |title=India to launch Gaganyaan crew capsule test flight by end of 2024 |url=https://www.space.com/india-gaganyaan-astronaut-capsule-test-flight-december-2024 |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref> The circularisation maneuver will be performed at the third orbit. The landing should follow the same pattern as the [[TV-D1]].<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-05-18 |title=Mission Gaganyaan: Better safe than starry |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/et-commentary/mission-gaganyaan-better-safe-than-starry/articleshow/91648613.cms |access-date=2024-01-06 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> The mission will also validate the life-support system, crew escape mechanism, and re-entry technologies.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-12-24 |title=Gaganyaan launch, Skyroot debut: Isro chief reveals big missions for 2026 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/isro-2026-missions-gaganyaan-launch-skyroot-aerospace-vikram-sslv-india-lvm3-launch-space-news-science-news-2840958-2025-12-24 |access-date=2025-12-24 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

After this mission, [[ISRO]] will perform four more abort tests before launching [[Gaganyaan-2]],<ref name=":3" /> carrying the [[humanoid robot]] [[Vyommitra]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-09-13 |title=First trial for Gaganyaan to be done by end of 2023, or beginning of 2024: Jitendra Singh |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/first-trial-for-gaganyaan-to-be-done-by-end-of-2023-or-beginning-of-2024-jitendra-singh/articleshow/94184621.cms |access-date=2024-01-06 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> which was later decided that it will also fly on G-1.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.space.com/india-isro-gaganyaan-flight-testing-humanoid-robot|title=India completes critical test for Gaganyaan flight crewed by humanoid robot later this year|date=2024-02-27|accessdate=2024-02-28|website=space.com|first=Sharmila|last=Kuthunur}}</ref>

== Mission history ==

=== Pre-launch processing ===
The L110 stage for the upgraded [[LVM3]] vehicle arrived at [[Satish Dhawan Space Centre|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.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |title=Docking test likely before Dec 15; Gaganyaan G1: Vyomitra on 1 seat, ECLSS on 2nd, rocket gets new cryo stage |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/docking-test-likely-before-dec-15-gaganyaan-g1-vyomitra-on-1-seat-eclss-on-2nd-rocket-gets-new-cryo-stage/articleshow/114205782.cms |access-date=2024-10-14 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

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 Centre|U R Rao Satellite Center]]. G1 will carry [[Vyommitra|Vyomitra]], and also an unpressurized engineering model of the [[Life-support system|Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS)]] system.<ref name=":0" />

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 [[ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network|ISTRAC]] for deployment on these chartered ships. This is similar to what was done for the launch of the [[Mars Orbiter Mission]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gaganyaan's Unmanned Mission May Go To Space Next March, ISRO Ships To Track From Pacific, Atlantic Oceans |url=https://www.news18.com/india/gaganyaans-unmanned-mission-may-go-to-space-next-march-isro-ships-to-track-from-pacific-atlantic-oceans-9132834.html |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Livemint |first=Livemint |date=25 November 2024 |title=Gaganyaan's unmanned mission likely in March next year; ISRO to track from Pacific, Atlantic oceans |url=https://www.livemint.com/science/news/gaganyaans-unmanned-mission-likely-in-march-next-year-isro-to-track-from-pacific-atlantic-oceans-11732513720158.html |access-date=25 November 2024 |website=Livemint}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-25 |title=Gaganyaan mission: ISRO gives good news, mission to be launched in..., plan includes... |url=https://www.india.com/science/gaganyaan-mission-isro-gives-good-news-mission-to-be-launched-in-plan-includes-7419682/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=India.com |language=en}}</ref> By December 2024, all components of the first [[HLVM3]] has reached [[Satish Dhawan Space Centre|SDSC]]. The spacecraft was also reported as in its final stages of integration.The ground station and associated infrastructure was also built before launch.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-10 |title=Countdown begins: India's Gaganyaan space mission enters final preparation phase |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gaganyaan-mission-preparations-first-uncrewed-space-flight-year-end-9716448/ |access-date=2024-12-10 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

The first segment of solid motor was transferred from the production factory to the launch complex on December 13, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 December 2024 |title=ISRO Achieves Significant Milestone For Gaganyaan Mission |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/isro-achieves-significant-milestone-for-gaganyaan-mission-7244131 |access-date=2024-12-16 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-12-18 |title=ISRO begins assembly of HLVM3 for Gaganyaan’s first uncrewed flight |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-begins-assembly-of-hlvm3-for-gaganyaans-first-uncrewed-flight/article69000707.ece |access-date=2025-07-11 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

The Crew Module Propulsion System (CMPS), a bi-propellant [[Reaction control system|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.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=2025-01-22 |title=ISRO dispatches crew module for first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/isro-dispatches-crew-module-for-first-uncrewed-mission-of-gaganyaan/article69127379.ece |access-date=2025-01-22 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> LPSC has also integrated the Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) supplied by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2025-01-22 |title=ISRO dispatches crew module for first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan |url=https://theprint.in/india/isro-dispatches-crew-module-for-first-uncrewed-mission-of-gaganyaan/2457109/ |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> 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 100[[Newton (unit)|N]] 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Chethan |date=2025-01-22 |title=Gaganyaan: Crew module ready with Liquid Propulsion Systems for first uncrewed mission |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/gaganyaan-crew-module-ready-with-liquid-propulsion-systems-for-first-uncrewed-mission/articleshow/117451162.cms |access-date=2025-01-22 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The Crew escape system was also integrated at SDSC and commenced vibration tests at the facility.<ref>[https://www.isro.gov.in/media_isro/pdf/AnnualReport/Annual_Report_2025_26_Eng_29042026_Rev.pdf Annual_Report_2025_26_Eng_29042026_Rev.pdf]</ref>

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 [[Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment|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 parachute|drogue parachutes]] for stabilization, and to lower the crew module's velocity. When the drogue parachutes are released, three [[Pilot chute|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.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-05-05 |title=Parachutes for uncrewed spaceflight of Gaganyaan mission flagged off |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/parachutes-for-uncrewed-spaceflight-of-gaganyaan-mission-flagged-off/article69542035.ece |access-date=2025-07-11 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The vehicle and the HLVM-3 was completely integrated and tested by mid-December 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-18 |title=Gaganyaan launch update: Vehicle assembly, integration nearing completion |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/gaganyaan-mission/story/gaganyaan-launch-update-vehicle-assembly-integration-nearing-completion-2837864-2025-12-18 |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

== 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.<ref>{{cite news|title=India targets uncrewed Gaganyaan orbital test mission in July, crewed flight in 2025|author=Andrew Jones|date=February 29, 2024 |url=https://spacenews.com/india-targets-uncrewed-gaganyaan-orbital-test-mission-in-july-crewed-flight-in-2025/ |publisher=Space News |access-date=March 2, 2025}}</ref> Integration of ''Vyomitra'' on the spacecraft began on 28th April 2026 with critical systems tests and installation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Science Desk |first=India Today |date=2026-04-28 |title=Gaganyaan: Isro integrating Vyommitra in crew module, key safety tests underway |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/gaganyaan-isro-integrating-vyommitra-in-crew-module-key-safety-tests-underway-2902675-2026-04-28 |access-date=2026-04-28 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

Scientists from the [[Tata Institute of Fundamental Research]] and researchers from the [[University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad]] in collaboration with [[Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology|IIST]] are planning to launch [[Fruit flies in space|Fruit Flies]] ''([[Drosophila melanogaster]])'' on board the mission.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-11 |title=India to launch fruit flies to space aboard Gaganyaan's first flight. Here's why |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/gaganyaan-mission/story/india-to-launch-fruit-flies-to-space-aboard-gaganyaans-first-flight-heres-why-2677770-2025-02-11 |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-19 |title=Gaganyaan Mission: Why 20 Fruit Flies Will Travel To Space In 2025 |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/gaganyaan-mission-why-20-fruit-flies-will-travel-to-space-in-2025-article-118380867/amp |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=Times Now |language=en}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
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{{refend}}

{{Indian space programme}}
{{Future spaceflights}}
{{2026 in space}}

[[Category:Gaganyaan]]
[[Category:Test spaceflights]]
[[Category:Spacecraft launched by LVM3 rockets]]
[[Category:2026 in spaceflight]]
[[Category:2026 in India]]

Gaganyaan-1 - Revision history

Himanshuucharan at 04:57, 3 May 2026