Gaganyaan Mission Update: ISRO Plans Half-Humanoid Vyommitra Launch Before Astronauts

ISRO is finally moving closer to its ambitious human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. But before sending astronauts, the first ride to space will not have humans on board. Instead, a humanoid called Vyommitra will be part of the mission this December. Also Read: ISRO to launch INSAT-3DS satellite today: Top things to know

The first uncrewed mission under Gaganyaan will see Vyommitra taking the seat instead of astronauts. According to ISRO Chief V. Narayanan, this test is an important step to check the safety and working of the systems. Once this is completed, ISRO will launch two more uncrewed missions next year. Also Read: India to use SpaceX rocket to launch communications satellite

When Will Humans Fly?

The actual human spaceflight is still a little away. ISRO has confirmed that the first crewed Gaganyaan flight will be ready by the first quarter of 2027. The astronaut crew has already been selected and trained, and they will be India’s first “Gaganyatris.”

Ahead of December’s flight, ISRO has been testing different systems. Recently, it successfully carried out the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01), which demonstrated the parachute-based deceleration system for bringing the crew module back to Earth. This was a joint effort with the Indian Air Force, DRDO, Navy, and Coast Guard.

At the same time, the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3) has already gone through development and ground tests. ISRO has also completed work on the propulsion systems for both crew and service modules and set up facilities like the Gaganyaan Control Centre and astronaut training modules.

What To Expect?

While the current focus is on sending Vyommitra and later, the astronauts, ISRO has long-term goals too. Plans include building the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035 and attempting an Indian Moon Landing by 2040.

For now, though, Vyommitra will play the key role this December, marking the first step in India’s human space journey.