India is making exciting strides in its space program with the development of a crew capsule called Gaganyaan. This capsule is set to carry Indian astronauts to space and safely bring them back to Earth. Recently, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced that they have equipped the crew module with a crucial liquid propulsion system. This technology is essential for controlling the capsule’s flight path, especially during its return to Earth.
The liquid propulsion system allows the capsule to steer itself during descent until it can deploy its parachute for a safe landing. Currently, the crew module is on its way to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Kerala. There, technicians will install important electronics for communication, navigation, and power management—systems that enable smooth flight operations.
After these installations, the crew module will be sent to ISRO’s spaceport in Sriharikota for further integration with the orbital module. Before launching actual astronauts, India plans to conduct at least four uncrewed test flights to perfect its technology. The first test, known as G1, will focus on key aspects like reentry procedures and parachute deployment, culminating in a splashdown in the Bay of Bengal.
A humanoid robot named Vyomitra will also be part of the G1 mission. Designed to help test various technologies, Vyomitra will join the crew module for this flight. While ISRO has not confirmed an exact date for the launch, reports suggest it may happen as soon as February.
In total, India is looking to carry out ten orbital launches this year, although these will not include the G2 and G3 test missions. Among the astronauts chosen for the crewed Gaganyaan mission is Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force test pilot. He is currently training with Axiom Space for a two-week mission to the International Space Station this April.
ISRO has also been working on engine tests for the rocket that will launch Gaganyaan. They are currently running critical tests, including an emergency-escape system, to ensure safety during the missions.
India’s ambition doesn’t stop there. The nation aims to conduct its initial uncrewed Gaganyaan flight by the end of this year. If successful, India will join the ranks of the United States, Russia, and China as one of the few countries capable of independently sending humans into space.
India’s recent achievements include the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 mission on the moon and the launch of the Aditya-1 solar probe to a stable point between the Earth and the sun. Encouraged by these successes, India is also planning to build an orbiting space station by 2035 and send astronauts to the moon by 2040.
