India, Jan 31 : The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is intensifying efforts for the first uncrewed mission under the Gaganyaan programme, a pivotal step in India’s plan to send astronauts to space by 2027.
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said the agency is prioritising the completion of this initial test flight, which will validate critical systems and pave the way for the country’s first manned mission. Speaking to reporters, he outlined that three uncrewed missions are scheduled before astronauts are sent into orbit to ensure full mission readiness.
“The Gaganyaan programme is slated for 2027. Ahead of that, three uncrewed launches are planned. We are focused on the first mission,” Narayanan said.
The Gaganyaan mission will carry a three-member crew in low-Earth orbit for about three days, followed by a safe return. Scientists are conducting extensive tests on the launch vehicle, crew module, and life-support systems. Emphasising safety, the ISRO chief added, “The safety of the astronauts is paramount. Every system must be fully qualified. In the rocket system, we aim for perfection.”
Lessons from the recent PSLV-C62/EOS N1 mission, which experienced an anomaly in its third stage shortly after launch on January 12, are being analysed. “We are reviewing the incident thoroughly and implementing corrective measures. Such assessments strengthen our mission reliability,” Narayanan noted.
Despite challenges, ISRO remains confident in its long-term roadmap, asserting that insights from ongoing tests and reviews will bolster India’s readiness for its landmark human spaceflight.