India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme has made major progress. The government shared an update in Parliament on 5 August 2026. Notably, ISRO plans the first uncrewed experimental mission for the fourth quarter of 2026. Moreover, it targets India’s first crewed mission for 2027.
Key Milestones Achieved
Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh gave the details in a written Lok Sabha reply. In brief, the key milestones are:
- Ground testing of all propulsion stages of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3) is complete.
- ISRO has developed and qualified the Crew Module and Service Module propulsion systems.
- ISRO has built the engineering model of the life support system (ECLSS).
- Five types of Crew Escape System motors have passed static tests.
- The TV-D1 test flight and two Integrated Air Drop Tests were successful.
Ground Infrastructure Ready
ISRO has also set up the key facilities for the mission. For example, these include the Gaganyaan Control Centre and a crew training facility. Similarly, ISRO has modified the second launch pad at Sriharikota. Also, recovery assets and plans are final.
Mission Plan Ahead
The first uncrewed mission will carry Vyommitra, a half-humanoid robot. After that, two more uncrewed missions will follow. Finally, India will launch its first crewed flight in 2027. Meanwhile, the selected Gaganyatris have finished generic training in Russia. Now, they are doing mission training in Bengaluru.
International Partners
ISRO is working with several space agencies. For instance, ESA supports network operations. Similarly, Australia helps with crew recovery. Also, France’s CNES trained ISRO’s flight surgeons. Russia’s Roscosmos supplied crew seats, viewports and flight suits.
Bharatiya Antariksh Station
India plans its own space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). It will have five modules. Notably, the government has approved the first module, BAS-01. The station should become operational by 2035. In September 2024, the Cabinet approved ₹20,193 crore for eight missions under Gaganyaan.
Why Gaganyaan Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, space missions are a favourite science and technology topic. So, remember the timelines, Vyommitra and the BAS target. Also, revise the TV-D1 test. For official updates, also visit ISRO. Next, for a related story, read about Skyroot’s Vikram-1 orbital launch.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.