Bengaluru, May 23, 2025 — The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially declared 2025 as the “Gaganyaan Year,” marking, therefore, a significant milestone in India’s ambitious human spaceflight program. Moreover, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced that the agency has completed over 7,200 tests related to the Gaganyaan mission; consequently, approximately 3,000 more tests are planned. Furthermore, preparations are ongoing around the clock to ensure the mission’s success.
Mission Timeline and Objectives
The Gaganyaan mission aims to send a three-member Indian crew into low-Earth orbit at an altitude of 400 km for a three-day mission. Originally slated for 2022, the mission has faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the complexity of developing new technologies. Space agencies have now scheduled the first uncrewed test flight for late 2025, featuring a half-humanoid robot named Vyommitra. They plan two additional uncrewed missions for 2026, with the first crewed mission expected in the first quarter of 2027.
Technological Developments
ISRO has made significant progress in developing critical technologies for the mission, including the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), which is essential for maintaining a habitable environment for astronauts. Additionally, the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) has delivered a set of indigenously developed parachutes to ISRO. Engineers design these parachutes for sequential deployment to ensure the safe return of the crew module.
Global Significance
With the successful execution of the Gaganyaan mission, India will become the fourth country, after the United States, Russia, and China, to send humans into space using indigenous technology. This achievement will not only bolster India’s position in the global space community but also pave the way for future endeavors in space exploration and technology development.
Summary
ISRO’s declaration of 2025 as the “Gaganyaan Year” underscores the agency’s commitment to advancing India’s human spaceflight capabilities. After completing extensive testing and developing critical technologies, the Gaganyaan mission positions India as a significant player in human space exploration.
