India’s Gaganyaan Program Enters Final Phase, Human Spaceflight Scheduled for 2027

New Delhi: India’s ambitious Gaganyaan program, aimed at sending Indian astronauts to space, has entered its final phase, with the first human spaceflight now scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced this milestone at a media interaction, highlighting the program’s progress and economic benefits.

The successful completion of the TV-D1 mission and the first uncrewed Test Vehicle Abort Mission earlier this year have paved the way for the upcoming test schedule. The second Test Vehicle mission (TV-D2) is slated for later in 2025, followed by uncrewed orbital flights of Gaganyaan.

Dr. Singh described Gaganyaan as a “historic mission” that represents India’s rise as a global space power built on indigenous technology, fiscal prudence, and visionary leadership. He emphasized the program’s cost-efficiency, stating that the expenditure is minimal compared to similar missions conducted by other countries.

The minister highlighted the program’s technological advancements, including the development of a human-rated LVM3 vehicle, Crew Escape System, and Crew Module and Service Module. Training of astronauts is also progressing steadily, with four Indian Air Force pilots selected as astronaut-designates completing training in Russia and undergoing further mission-specific training in India.

Dr. Singh noted that the Gaganyaan program is not just ISRO’s mission but India’s mission, with the private sector and startups playing a vital role following policy reforms. The program is expected to catalyze India’s emergence as a self-reliant space power, inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.

With the crewed mission expected in 2027, India is poised to join an elite group of nations that have independently developed the capability for human spaceflight. The Gaganyaan program serves as a powerful symbol of India’s long-term economic and strategic aspirations in space.