Bengaluru: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for its first unmanned mission under the Gaganyaan program, as confirmed by Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. Speaking at the eighth Bengaluru Space Expo, Dr. Unnikrishnan announced that the orbital module for the upcoming mission is nearing completion and will soon be transported to Sriharikota for launch preparations.
Scheduled for later this year, the first unmanned mission represents a significant step in ISRO’s ambitious Gaganyaan program, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space. Dr. Unnikrishnan noted that this mission follows the recent successful testing of the reusable launch vehicle, RLV LEX 02, named Pushpak, in Chitradurga. The organization is also preparing to test the parachute system for the reusable space vehicle.
Additionally, Dr. Unnikrishnan highlighted the successful testing of a highly reliable crew escape system, which is crucial for astronaut safety during missions. Under the Gaganyaan program, ISRO plans to conduct three unmanned test flights prior to the final manned mission.
Looking ahead, Dr. Unnikrishnan shared ISRO’s aspirations for future projects, including the development of a space station expected to be realized by 2035, as well as Chandrayaan 4, which aims to land on the Moon, collect samples, and return them to Earth.
