ISRO Accelerates Preparations for First Uncrewed Gaganyaan Mission, Launch Targeted Ahead of 2027

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has stepped up preparations for the first uncrewed mission of its ambitious Gaganyaan programme, India’s maiden human spaceflight initiative. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan has confirmed that the agency is firmly on track to begin the Gaganyaan programme in 2027, with multiple uncrewed missions planned before astronauts are sent into space.

Speaking to journalists on Friday night, Narayanan said ISRO is currently focusing on the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission, which will serve as a crucial milestone ahead of the human spaceflight. “The Gaganyaan programme is planned to begin in 2027. Before that, we have planned three uncrewed missions. At present, we are working towards the first uncrewed mission,” he said.

Extensive Testing Underway

Highlighting the complexity and sensitivity of human spaceflight, the ISRO chief stressed that safety remains the top priority. “Several tests are ongoing. Human spaceflight demands the highest level of safety, so we must proceed with extreme caution. Every system has to be thoroughly tested and validated,” Narayanan said.

He added that the launch vehicle and associated systems must perform flawlessly. “In the rocket system, we need nothing short of a perfect score. Our goal is very clear—we want to execute the Gaganyaan mission in the best possible manner, and all our efforts are aligned in that direction,” he noted.

Lessons from Recent Missions

Commenting on the PSLV-C62 mission, Narayanan said scientists are closely analysing every aspect of the launch to ensure future missions benefit from detailed learnings. Following a technical issue observed in the third stage of the rocket after its launch on January 12, ISRO teams have initiated a comprehensive review and analysis.

“The scientific teams are studying every detail so that all systems perform optimally in upcoming missions,” he said, underlining ISRO’s methodical approach to risk mitigation and mission assurance.

India’s First Human Spaceflight Programme

The Gaganyaan mission aims to send a three-member crew into low Earth orbit for a three-day mission and bring them back safely to Earth. Once successful, it will place India among a select group of nations capable of independent human spaceflight.

With preparations gaining momentum and critical tests underway, ISRO’s renewed push towards the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission marks a significant step forward in India’s space ambitions.