After missing multiple deadlines, Gaganyaan's first uncrewed mission likely to lift-off by March (AS PER CURRENT TIMELINE, FIRST CREWED MISSION LIKELY BY LATE 2027 OR EARLY 2028), Pg9

Key Highlights:

• ISRO's Gaganyaan mission, announced in 2018, aims to send humans into space.
• The first uncrewed mission, HLV M3 G1/GM1, is now expected to launch before March 2026.
• The initial target of launching by 2021 was missed due to pandemic-related disruptions.
• The Gaganyaan program now includes eight missions: six uncrewed and two crewed.
• The first crewed mission is projected for late 2027 or early 2028.

Detailed Insights:

• The HLV M3 G1/GM1 mission will demonstrate launch, re-entry, splashdown, and recovery using an unpressurized crew module.
• ISRO commenced its "official launch campaign" for Gaganyaan in December 2024, initiating intense pre-launch activities.
• Various tests have been conducted, including those for the Crew Escape System, Thermal Protection System, and a 10-parachute system.
• The Human Rated Certification Board (HRCB) has certified items for astronaut use, such as the emergency survival kit and food containers.
• Gaganyaan Analog (Gyanex) missions are being conducted to simulate spaceflight conditions.
• Tests have been completed on the half-humanoid robot, communication systems, and onboard computer.
• The revised Gaganyaan program includes the establishment of the first module of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
• ISRO plans at least six missions this year, including the first uncrewed flight, a PSLV launch by the industry, and other satellite launches.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Gaganyaan: India's human spaceflight program to send astronauts into space.
• Human Rated Launch Vehicle: A launch vehicle designed to safely carry humans.
• Crew Module: The section of a spacecraft that carries the astronauts.
• Low Earth Orbit (LEO): An orbit around Earth at a relatively low altitude, typically below 1,000 km.