India’s first astronaut mission advanced to 2026 for safety checks
India has postponed its first astronaut mission under the Gaganyaan program to 2026, pushing the timeline a year ahead of the original schedule. The decision, announced by S. Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), reflects a commitment to safety in light of the recent setbacks in the aerospace industry. According to Somanath, India’s first manned mission will be preceded by multiple unmanned test flights, with the first trial scheduled for December 2023. The series of tests will validate critical systems required for a successful manned mission, making way for India to to join the ranks of the United States, Russia and China in independently sending astronauts into space.
Safety first: ISRO’s cautious approach
ISRO has expanded testing procedures and the addition of a fourth unmanned test flight were outlined by Somanath at a recent lecture in New Delhi. He cited the Boeing Starliner’s technical problems as a reminder of the importance of strict safety checks. ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, also known as H1, aims to take one or two astronauts to low Earth orbit, about 400 kilometers above the planet. Somanath said that to prevent similar accidents, ISRO has adopted a systematic approach, testing complex technologies developed entirely in-house.
Preparing for the final manned launch
In support of the mission, ISRO has conducted a number of preliminary tests including evaluation of emergency escape mechanisms and recorie systems. The G1 flight, expected later this year, will carry a humanoid robot called Vyomitra to test reentry, parachute deployment and a controlled landing in the Bay of Bengal. After G1, three more unmanned flights will complete the testing phase.
An ambitious training regimen for astronauts
The program crew has undergone intensive training both in India and abroad. Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force test pilot and one of the astronauts in training, will participate in a mission to the International Space Station in collaboration with Axiom Space in Houston. With former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson as mission commander, Shukla’s experience includes operations such as navigation and docking – critical skills to the success of the Gaganyaan mission.
Government funding is fueling ISRO’s Gaganyaan efforts
The Indian government recently increased Gaganyaan’s budget and added 111 billion rupees to the project to support the final phases of testing and crew training. With all the modules moved to ISRO’s Sriharikota spaceport, India’s first human space flight is moving closer to realization. This development reflects the government’s commitment to advancing India’s space capabilities and ensuring that the mission is carried out with the highest safety standards.
