India targets first manned space mission by 2027
India is aiming to join an elite group of nations
with its inaugural crewed space mission by 2027, marking a significant milestone
in the country's space ambitions, despite ongoing tensions with its neighboring
rival, Pakistan.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
confirmed on May 6 that it plans to launch its Gaganyaan spacecraft—currently
unmanned—by the end of 2025. The first manned mission is scheduled for the
first quarter of 2027. Jitendra Singh, India's Minister of Science and
Technology, expressed that the mission underscores India's growing status as a
global space power.
India Joins an Exclusive Club
With the upcoming mission, India will become the
fourth country—after Russia, the United States, and China—to independently send
astronauts into space. Currently, only the U.S., Russia, and China have
successfully launched crewed missions using domestically developed vehicles.
While several other nations, including South Korea and the European Union, have
independent launch vehicles, they have not yet launched astronauts aboard their
own spacecraft.
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India’s space program has evolved rapidly over the past decade, with major achievements in both launch technology and interplanetary exploration. In 2023, India became the first country to successfully land a probe near the Moon's south pole with its Chandrayaan-3 mission.
Gaganyaan Mission Details
The Gaganyaan spacecraft will be equipped to
carry astronauts on a seven-day journey in low Earth orbit. The unmanned test
flight, which will include a humanoid robot named Vyommitra, is set for the
fourth quarter of 2025. Two additional unmanned missions are planned for 2026,
as ISRO works toward the goal of crewed spaceflight.
The spacecraft will be launched aboard the LVM3
rocket, previously used for communication satellite missions. Final tests on
the launch vehicle, as well as safety systems such as the emergency escape and
crew modules, are currently underway. The environmental control and life
support systems are 90% complete, and the development of spacesuits, space
food, and crew seats is nearing completion.
Training and International Cooperation
Four Indian Air Force pilots have been selected
as astronaut candidates. They have completed initial training in Russia and are
currently undergoing additional mission training in India. The mission is set
to launch from Indian soil in 2027, marking India’s debut in crewed
spaceflight.
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India’s manned space program has a relatively low budget compared to major space powers, which officials say demonstrates the nation's efficiency. Minister Singh highlighted that India's space missions cost approximately one-fourth of those of other countries, thanks in part to private sector participation.
India's
space program has already seen success with the launch of multiple satellites,
as well as its
Source: Chosun Biz