ISRO Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Programme Progress Update
The Department of Space provided a comprehensive update on the development status of India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme through a parliamentary question response. The programme has achieved significant milestones across multiple technical domains.
Launch Vehicle and Orbital Systems: Development and ground testing of all propulsion stages and structures for the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3) have been completed. The Orbital Module's propulsion systems for both Crew Module and Service Module have been developed, tested, and qualified. The engineering model for the critical Environmental Control & Life Support System (ECLSS) has been realized, which maintains habitable environment conditions including temperature, humidity, pressure, and carbon dioxide levels. Additional systems including the deceleration system, Crew Module Up-righting System, Thermal Protection System, and end-to-end avionics have been developed and tested.
Crew Safety and Infrastructure: The Crew Escape System (CES) has seen development and static testing of five types of motors, with all CES structures realized and qualified. Significant infrastructure has been established including the Orbital Module Preparation Facility, Gaganyaan Control Centre, Gaganyaan Control facility, crew training facility, and modifications to the Second Launch Pad at SDSC SHAR.
Test Mission Progress: The first Test Vehicle mission (TV-D1) successfully completed in-flight validation of the Crew Escape System. Two Integrated Air Drop Tests (IADT-01 and IADT-02) with simulated Crew Module have validated the deceleration system. The TV-D2 mission accomplishment is in advanced stages. Flight operations and communication network configuration has been finalized with IDRSS-1 feeder stations and terrestrial links established, including MOUs signed with other space agencies for cross supports.
Crew Training and Recovery: Gaganyaan astronauts have completed generic training at Glavkosmos in Russia and are currently undergoing mission-specific training at the Astronaut Training facility in Bengaluru. Recovery assets have been finalized and recovery plans worked out.
Current Status and Next Steps: Activities are progressing toward the first uncrewed mission (G1), with all stages of HLVM3 (HS200, L110, and C32) and CES motors ready. Crew Module and Service Module systems have been realized, with assembly, integration, and testing nearing completion. Integrated simulations are being conducted. The ECLSS system, described as a "system of systems" and critical technology for human spaceflight, is undergoing development tests with plans for flight demonstration of a reduced version in uncrewed Gaganyaan missions.
Launch Infrastructure: Missions will be launched from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) of SDSC SHAR, which has been modified with augmented checkout systems for sub-assembly/stage preparation facilities (HS200, L110-G, C25-G and EB). Additional crew-specific infrastructure including Crew Access Arm, bubble lift, and zip line system have been augmented at the Umbilical Tower of Second Launch Pad.