Human Spaceflight

Gaganyaan Separation Test: ISRO’s Bold 2026 Milestone

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ISRO's Gaganyaan Crew Module, seen here during a 2023 propulsion hot-fire test, just cleared a new separation test ahead of the uncrewed G1 mission

Milestone File Test Crew Module–Service Module Separation Test Programme Gaganyaan (uncrewed G1 mission) Location Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram Announced October 16, 2026 (ISRO) Systems Validated Avionics, inertial navigation, thermal protection, deployable umbilical shield, pyrotechnic devices Result Successfully completed G1 Target Window Q4 2026, per ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan Next Milestone TV-D2 abort test, … Read more

IDRSS Explained: India’s Data Relay Satellite System, And Why Gaganyaan Needs It

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IDRSS is set to launch on a GSLV Mk II rocket like this one, seen here lifting off carrying the NISAR satellite

Mission File Satellites IDRSS-1 and IDRSS-2 Operator ISRO Mission Type Geostationary data-relay satellite system Mass ~2,000 kg class each (I-2K extended bus) Launch Vehicle GSLV Mk II Launch Site Second Launch Pad, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota Target Window 2027, TBD – per public mission trackers Status Approved and funded since the 2019–20 budget; still … Read more

Vyommitra: ISRO’s Robotic Astronaut Explained

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Editorial illustration of Vyommitra, ISRO’s robotic astronaut, inside an uncrewed Gaganyaan spacecraft

Robot File Developed by ISRO Programme Gaganyaan Type Semi-humanoid robot Name meaning Vyoma (space) + Mitra (friend) Build Head, torso, two arms Role Cabin & life-support test passenger Coordinating body Human Space Flight Centre Precursor flight announced 2024 In This Article What Is Vyommitra? Why Did ISRO Develop a Robotic Astronaut? How Does Vyommitra Work? … Read more