If all goes per plan, Indian Air Force fighter pilot and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will fly to the International Space Station between May and June this year on an American commercial mission Axiom-4, which will be launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, WION has learned. This comes 41 years after India&rsquo;s first and only astronaut, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, flew on a Soviet mission to the then Salyut-7 space station. Interestingly, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is now known by the Axiom-4 callsign &lsquo;Shuks&rsquo;, was born in 1985, a year after Rakesh Sharma&rsquo;s spaceflight.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6jmi7sl-2uqrh0n1-nkn9css5">
&ldquo;Collaboration on Human Spaceflight, including sending an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> astronaut to the International <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> station in 2024&rdquo; says <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> as he lists out areas of bilateral cooperation between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USA</a> Travel to <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> &amp; working there will prep astronauts for Gaganyaan <a href="https://t.co/mJfcX4sKdP">pic.twitter.com/mJfcX4sKdP</a>
&mdash; Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1672074359031361537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
The Axiom-4 mission is a result of deepening Indo-US Space cooperation, which came to the fore during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s state visit to the United States in June 2023. Back then, President Biden had announced Indo-US collaboration on human spaceflight and the mission to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station, marking the highest point in India-US space ties.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-coming-out-sunita-williams-conducts-spacewalk-after-being-stuck-in-orbit-for-seven-months-8628341" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'I'm coming out': Sunita Williams conducts spacewalk after being stuck in orbit for seven months</a>
Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the two-week-long Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project aastronauts Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/maha-kumbh-mela-2025-nasa-astronaut-shares-breathtaking-pics-of-well-lit-kumbh-from-space-station-8656967" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: NASA astronaut shares breathtaking PICS of 'well lit' Kumbh from space station</a>
In July 2024, WION exclusively reported that Indian astronauts would commence their training at NASA&rsquo;s Johnson Space Center, Texas, from early August. NASA&rsquo;s Johnson Center is known as the Hub of Human Spaceflight in the US. Established in 1961, this facility in Houston, Texas, started off as the Manned Spacecraft Centre, the home and Mission Control Center for the US Human Spaceflight programme. In 1973, the facility was renamed in honour of the late President and Texas native Lyndon B Johnson.
<h2>How will Axiom-4 help India&rsquo;s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme?</h2>
Gaganyaan is India&rsquo;s attempt at launching its astronauts to space and returning them safely, using an indigenously developed rocket, spacecraft, and supporting technologies. Gaganyaan was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, and it is the first step in a series of sustained human spaceflight missions that the Indian Space agency ISRO wants to carry out in a phased manner. By the end of this decade, India hopes to put an uncrewed space station in Earth&rsquo;s orbit. By 2035, it would be used as a crewed Indian outpost circling the earth. By 2040, India is targeting a crewed moon landing, a feat that only America has accomplished in 1969, and China hopes to accomplish by the end of this decade.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/watch-live-nasa-astronauts-sunita-williams-butch-wilmore-step-of-international-space-station-for-first-spacewalk-together-8675770">Watch Live | NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore step out for first spacewalk together</a>
The Gaganyaan mission would be carried out by the Indian Space Agency ISRO, with test pilots of the Indian Air Force, serving as the crew members. The four candidates&mdash;Group Captains Prashant Balakrishnan Nair, Shubhanshu Shukla, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap&mdash;had completed their training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Moscow, in 2021. Since then, they have also undergone several theoretical and practical sessions at ISRO's Human Spaceflight Centre and the Indian Air Force&rsquo;s Institute of Aerospace Medicine. They have also been visiting various ISRO centres, such as ISRO&rsquo;s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, and Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. For the Axiom-4 mission, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prashant Balakrishnan Nair have been training in the US, with the former as the primary candidate and the latter as the backup candidate.
 The Axiom-4 mission is meant to serve as a precursor to India&rsquo;s Gaganyaan, as Shukla&rsquo;s spaceflight would help India gain contemporary spaceflight experience, as well as valuable technological and experiential insights. While serving as ISRO Chief, Dr. S. Somanath had explained to WION that human spaceflight is a highly challenging endeavour and that India only had the limited experience of Rakesh Sharma&rsquo;s flight in 1984.
 He had added that the Indian astronaut (Shukla) flying to the International Space Station would immensely benefit the Gaganyaan programme. Notably, the maiden spaceflight by an Indian was on a Soviet-era Soyuz T-11 spacecraft, and since then the technologies have changed drastically. Presently, in America, SpaceX is the lone entity that has a track record of reliably ferrying astronauts to the space station on their Crew Dragon craft, while Boeing has faced technical troubles with its Starliner craft.
In 2025, India is expected to execute the first of the three uncrewed Gaganyaan missions. After these uncrewed missions and related testing processes are flawlessly accomplished, India hopes to embark on the astronaut-carrying mission, perhaps by 2027.

SCIENCE & TECH | World | India News: Interestingly, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is now known by the Axiom-4 callsign ‘Shuks’, was born in 1985, a year after Rakesh Sharma’s spaceflight.

If all goes per plan, Indian Air Force fighter pilot and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will fly to the International Space Station between May and June this year on an American commercial mission Axiom-4, which will be launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, WION has learned. This comes 41 years after India’s first and only astronaut, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, flew on a Soviet mission to the then Salyut-7 space station. Interestingly, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is now known by the Axiom-4 callsign ‘Shuks’, was born in 1985, a year after Rakesh Sharma’s spaceflight. “Collaboration on Human Spaceflight, including sending an #Indian astronaut to the International #space station in 2024” says @POTUS as he lists out areas of bilateral cooperation between #india & #USA Travel to @Space_Station & working there will prep astronauts for Gaganyaan pic.twitter.com/mJfcX4sKdP — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) June 23, 2023 The Axiom-4 mission is a result of deepening Indo-US Space cooperation, which came to the fore during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the United States in June 2023. Back then, President Biden had announced Indo-US collaboration on human spaceflight and the mission to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station, marking the highest point in India-US space ties. Also read: 'I'm coming out': Sunita Williams conducts spacewalk after being stuck in orbit for seven months Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the two-week-long Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project aastronauts Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Also read: Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: NASA astronaut shares breathtaking PICS of 'well lit' Kumbh from space station In July 2024, WION exclusively reported that Indian astronauts would commence their training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Texas, from early August. NASA’s Johnson Center is known as the Hub of Human Spaceflight in the US. Established in 1961, this facility in Houston, Texas, started off as the Manned Spacecraft Centre, the home and Mission Control Center for the US Human Spaceflight programme. In 1973, the facility was renamed in honour of the late President and Texas native Lyndon B Johnson. How will Axiom-4 help India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme? Gaganyaan is India’s attempt at launching its astronauts to space and returning them safely, using an indigenously developed rocket, spacecraft, and supporting technologies. Gaganyaan was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, and it is the first step in a series of sustained human spaceflight missions that the Indian Space agency ISRO wants to carry out in a phased manner. By the end of this decade, India hopes to put an uncrewed space station in Earth’s orbit. By 2035, it would be used as a crewed Indian outpost circling the earth. By 2040, India is targeting a crewed moon landing, a feat that only America has accomplished in 1969, and China hopes to accomplish by the end of this decade. Also Read | Watch Live | NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore step out for first spacewalk together The Gaganyaan mission would be carried out by the Indian Space Agency ISRO, with test pilots of the Indian Air Force, serving as the crew members. The four candidates—Group Captains Prashant Balakrishnan Nair, Shubhanshu Shukla, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap—had completed their training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Moscow, in 2021. Since then, they have also undergone several theoretical and practical sessions at ISRO's Human Spaceflight Centre and the Indian Air Force’s Institute of Aerospace Medicine. They have also been visiting various ISRO centres, such as ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, and Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. For the Axiom-4 mission, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prashant Balakrishnan Nair have been training in the US, with the former as the primary candidate and the latter as the backup candidate. The Axiom-4 mission is meant to serve as a precursor to India’s Gaganyaan, as Shukla’s spaceflight would help India gain contemporary spaceflight experience, as well as valuable technological and experiential insights. While serving as ISRO Chief, Dr. S. Somanath had explained to WION that human spaceflight is a highly challenging endeavour and that India only had the limited experience of Rakesh Sharma’s flight in 1984. He had added that the Indian astronaut (Shukla) flying to the International Space Station would immensely benefit the Gaganyaan programme. Notably, the maiden spaceflight by an Indian was on a Soviet-era Soyuz T-11 spacecraft, and since then the technologies have changed drastically. Presently, in America, SpaceX is the lone entity that has a track record of reliably ferrying astronauts to the space station on their Crew Dragon craft, while Boeing has faced technical troubles with its Starliner craft. In 2025, India is expected to execute the first of the three uncrewed Gaganyaan missions. After these uncrewed missions and related testing processes are flawlessly accomplished, India hopes to embark on the astronaut-carrying mission, perhaps by 2027.

Exclusive: Indian astronaut ‘Shuks’ to fly to space in May 2025

India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on Wednesday (Jan 29) achieved the historic milestone of 100 launches from its Sriharikota spaceport after successfully firing the GSLV-F15 rocket carrying the NVS-02 satellite.
The launch happened at 6:23 am (12:53 am GMT) from Sriharikota in the Southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/isrp-rocket-launch-countdown-underway-satish-dhawan-space-centre-in-sriharikota-gslv-8660599">Countdown underway for ISRO's 100th rocket launch</a>
<h2>ISRO celebrates lift-off</h2>
Taking to social media platform X, ISRO lauded the "mission success" and announced that the "GSLV-F15/NVS-02 mission has been successfully accomplished."
"India reaches new heights in space navigation!" noted the space agency.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
✅ Mission Success! The GSLV-F15/NVS-02 mission has been successfully accomplished. India reaches new heights in space navigation! 🌟 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSLV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSLV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NAVIC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NAVIC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a>
&mdash; ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1884410373631271020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>A series of achievements</h2>
With this launch, the GSLV-F15, India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, completed its 17th flight. This also marks the 11th mission which used India's Indigenous Cryo stage. Additionally, this flight marked the 8th operational flight of GSLV with an indigenous Cryogenic stage.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-captures-before-and-after-satellite-images-of-maha-kumbh-mela-2025-site-8644606">ISRO captures before-and-after satellite images of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 site</a>
The GSLV-F15 payload fairing is a metallic version with a 3.4-metre diameter, reports ANI. &nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
📸 Relive the moment! Here are stunning visuals from the GSLV-F15/NVS-02 launch. A proud milestone for India&rsquo;s space journey! 🌌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSLV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSLV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NAVIC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NAVIC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://t.co/RK4hXuBZNN">pic.twitter.com/RK4hXuBZNN</a>
&mdash; ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1884415110900588667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Enhancing India's navigation capabilities</h2>
The GSLV-F15 will place the NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, said ISRO. NVS-02 is part of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also called NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), which aims to provide accurate Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services across India and areas extending up to 1,500 km beyond its landmass.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/crew-module-dispatched-for-isros-first-uncrewed-mission-of-gaganyaan-8645407">Crew module dispatched for ISRO&rsquo;s first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan</a>
"It (NVS-02) will be put in the geostationary orbit at 36,000 kilometres and it will increase the number of satellites of our navigation constellation from 4 to 5 and that will improve the overall accuracy of the positioning which we get from this navigation satellite," Director of Space Applications Centre (SAC)/ISRO Nilesh Desai said before the launch.
With this launch, India now has five out of the seven satellites planned for the NavIC constellation in orbit.&nbsp;
Watch | ISRO accomplishes milestone 100th rocket launch
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"This is the 5th in the series of operational NavIC satellites. NavIC satellite is our earlier named IRNSS satellite configuration which is called the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, it is a part of this satellite constellation where we will put seven satellites. Older satellites are getting replaced with a new series of satellites," added Desai.
The updated system, designed to offer Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Restricted Service (RS), boasts a position accuracy of better than 20 metres and a timing accuracy of better than 40 nanoseconds.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

India News | This launch adds to India's NavIC constellation, increasing operational satellites to 5 out of 7 planned, enhancing regional navigation and positioning accuracy.

India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on Wednesday (Jan 29) achieved the historic milestone of 100 launches from its Sriharikota spaceport after successfully firing the GSLV-F15 rocket carrying the NVS-02 satellite. The launch happened at 6:23 am (12:53 am GMT) from Sriharikota in the Southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh. Also read | Countdown underway for ISRO's 100th rocket launch ISRO celebrates lift-off Taking to social media platform X, ISRO lauded the "mission success" and announced that the "GSLV-F15/NVS-02 mission has been successfully accomplished." "India reaches new heights in space navigation!" noted the space agency. ✅ Mission Success! The GSLV-F15/NVS-02 mission has been successfully accomplished. India reaches new heights in space navigation! 🌟 #GSLV #NAVIC #ISRO — ISRO (@isro) January 29, 2025 A series of achievements With this launch, the GSLV-F15, India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, completed its 17th flight. This also marks the 11th mission which used India's Indigenous Cryo stage. Additionally, this flight marked the 8th operational flight of GSLV with an indigenous Cryogenic stage. Also read | ISRO captures before-and-after satellite images of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 site The GSLV-F15 payload fairing is a metallic version with a 3.4-metre diameter, reports ANI. 📸 Relive the moment! Here are stunning visuals from the GSLV-F15/NVS-02 launch. A proud milestone for India’s space journey! 🌌 #GSLV #NAVIC #ISRO pic.twitter.com/RK4hXuBZNN — ISRO (@isro) January 29, 2025 Enhancing India's navigation capabilities The GSLV-F15 will place the NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, said ISRO. NVS-02 is part of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also called NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), which aims to provide accurate Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services across India and areas extending up to 1,500 km beyond its landmass. Also read | Crew module dispatched for ISRO’s first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan "It (NVS-02) will be put in the geostationary orbit at 36,000 kilometres and it will increase the number of satellites of our navigation constellation from 4 to 5 and that will improve the overall accuracy of the positioning which we get from this navigation satellite," Director of Space Applications Centre (SAC)/ISRO Nilesh Desai said before the launch. With this launch, India now has five out of the seven satellites planned for the NavIC constellation in orbit. Watch | ISRO accomplishes milestone 100th rocket launch "This is the 5th in the series of operational NavIC satellites. NavIC satellite is our earlier named IRNSS satellite configuration which is called the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, it is a part of this satellite constellation where we will put seven satellites. Older satellites are getting replaced with a new series of satellites," added Desai. The updated system, designed to offer Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Restricted Service (RS), boasts a position accuracy of better than 20 metres and a timing accuracy of better than 40 nanoseconds. (With inputs from agencies)

ISRO marks 'mission success' with historic 100th rocket launch from Sriharikota

India’s female robot astronaut Vyommitra will fly into space ahead of Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) ambitious Gaganyaan mission – the country’s manned space flight carrying Indian astronauts into space – said the Union minister of science and technology, on Sunday (Feb 4).&nbsp;

<h2>About Vyommitra</h2>

The Indian Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said the uncrewed Vyommitra Mission is scheduled to take place ahead of the manned mission Gaganyaan.&nbsp;

The name Vyommitra is derived from two Sanskrit words ‘Vyoma’ which means Space and ‘Mitra’ (meaning friend), said the Indian minister.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Who is ISRO's Vyommitra? | 'Republic of Bharat': Chorus grows to rename India

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-is-isros-vyommitra-republic-of-bharat-chorus-grows-to-rename-india-632644/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He also spoke about how the female robot astronaut is equipped with the capability to monitor module parameters, issue alerts and execute life support operations. “It can perform tasks such as operating six panels and responding to the queries,” Dr Singh added.&nbsp;

He further elaborated that the Vyommitra astronaut “is designed in such a manner so as to simulate human functions in the Space environment and interact with the Life Support System.”

According to the Indian minister, the ‘Vyommitra’ Mission is scheduled for the third quarter of this year, while a manned mission ‘Gaganyaan’ is scheduled to be launched in 2025.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-gaganyaan-tv-d1-launch-kept-on-hold-649468">After initial hiccup, ISRO successfully launches Gaganyaan TV-D1 test vehicle</a>

Speaking about the Chandrayaan 3 mission – which made its historic landing on the South Pole of the moon in August last year – Dr Singh said that it is following its normal expected course of action and vital inputs sent by it will be shared soon. However, he did not mention any specific timeline.&nbsp;

<h2>About Gaganyaan mission</h2>

In October last year, ISRO announced that they had successfully launched the Gaganyaan Test Vehicle Development Flight Mission-1 test vehicle (TV-D1 Flight Test), in the run up to the launch of India’s first-ever manned space flight.&nbsp;

This was meant to qualify the crew escape system and parachute system, said India’s Department of Space, in a statement, adding that the “human rating” of the launch vehicle is complete, all the propulsion stages are qualified and all the preparations are in place.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-indian-astronauts-to-soon-train-at-nasas-johnson-space-center-676105">Exclusive: Indian astronauts to soon train at NASA's Johnson Space Center</a>

TV-D1 is a liquid-propelled single-state test vehicle. The Crew Escape System, which the test vehicle carried with it, is India’s homegrown system which will be crucial for the safety of Indian astronauts.

The crew escape system safeguards the astronauts in case a catastrophic error occurs during their spaceflight endangering the spacecraft they are travelling in.

The Gaganyaan project aims to send three astronauts into a 400-kilometre orbit around the Earth for three days and bring them back safely.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

India’s female robot astronaut Vyommitra will fly into space ahead of Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) ambitious Gaganyaan mission – the country’s manned space flight carrying Indian astronauts into space – said the Union minister of science and technology, on Sunday (Feb 4).

India’s female robot astronaut Vyommitra will fly into space ahead of Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) ambitious Gaganyaan mission – the country’s manned space flight carrying Indian astronauts into space – said the Union minister of science and technology, on Sunday (Feb 4). About Vyommitra The Indian Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said the uncrewed Vyommitra Mission is scheduled to take place ahead of the manned mission Gaganyaan. The name Vyommitra is derived from two Sanskrit words ‘Vyoma’ which means Space and ‘Mitra’ (meaning friend), said the Indian minister. WATCH | Who is ISRO's Vyommitra? | 'Republic of Bharat': Chorus grows to rename India He also spoke about how the female robot astronaut is equipped with the capability to monitor module parameters, issue alerts and execute life support operations. “It can perform tasks such as operating six panels and responding to the queries,” Dr Singh added. He further elaborated that the Vyommitra astronaut “is designed in such a manner so as to simulate human functions in the Space environment and interact with the Life Support System.” According to the Indian minister, the ‘Vyommitra’ Mission is scheduled for the third quarter of this year, while a manned mission ‘Gaganyaan’ is scheduled to be launched in 2025. ALSO READ | After initial hiccup, ISRO successfully launches Gaganyaan TV-D1 test vehicle Speaking about the Chandrayaan 3 mission – which made its historic landing on the South Pole of the moon in August last year – Dr Singh said that it is following its normal expected course of action and vital inputs sent by it will be shared soon. However, he did not mention any specific timeline. About Gaganyaan mission In October last year, ISRO announced that they had successfully launched the Gaganyaan Test Vehicle Development Flight Mission-1 test vehicle (TV-D1 Flight Test), in the run up to the launch of India’s first-ever manned space flight. This was meant to qualify the crew escape system and parachute system, said India’s Department of Space, in a statement, adding that the “human rating” of the launch vehicle is complete, all the propulsion stages are qualified and all the preparations are in place. ALSO READ | Exclusive: Indian astronauts to soon train at NASA's Johnson Space Center TV-D1 is a liquid-propelled single-state test vehicle. The Crew Escape System, which the test vehicle carried with it, is India’s homegrown system which will be crucial for the safety of Indian astronauts. The crew escape system safeguards the astronauts in case a catastrophic error occurs during their spaceflight endangering the spacecraft they are travelling in. The Gaganyaan project aims to send three astronauts into a 400-kilometre orbit around the Earth for three days and bring them back safely. (With inputs from agencies)

Vyommitra: ISRO to launch India’s female robot astronaut into space ahead of Gaganyaan mission

ISRO Chief Dr S.Somanath confirmed that the 'TV-D1'(Test Vehicle Development Flight 1) maiden test flight, as part of the Indian astronaut programme Gaganyaan, will take place on Saturday, October 21. He said that D1 would be followed up with at least three more tests of the same nature. WION has learnt that the launch has been scheduled around 7 am on Saturday (Oct 21). Dr Somanath was speaking to reporters at the Madurai airport, Tamil Nadu.

While developing a fighter plane, it is crucial to prove the mechanism to eject the pilot(s) safely, mid-flight. Likewise, while working towards an astronaut mission, it is of utmost importance to prove the mechanism to eject the crew module(astronaut-carrying shell) to safety, when the rocket is mid-flight.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Mission Gaganyaan: 
ISRO to commence unmanned flight tests for the Gaganyaan mission. 
 
Preparations for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), which demonstrates the performance of the Crew Escape System, are underway.<a href="https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH">https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannavy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a> <a href="https://t.co/XszSDEqs7w">pic.twitter.com/XszSDEqs7w</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1710506719124570606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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During the TV-D1 mission, the crew module(within which astronauts would be nestled, in future) and associated systems will be mounted atop a mini-rocket known as the Test vehicle. This is a liquid-fuelled mini rocket based on the L40 stage booster of the GSLV(erstwhile GSLV Mk2) rocket. Mid-flight, as the required conditions(Mach 1.2 or 1.2 times the speed of sound) are achieved, the Crew escape system and crew module would eject from the rocket, when the vehicle is at an altitude of 17 km.

Thereafter, the crew module will be carried to a higher altitude(nearly 2kms away from the rocket) and then it would use onboard parachutes to decelerate and gradually splash down in the sea, about 10kms from the coast of the spaceport in Sriharikota. After splashdown, the Crew Module will be recovered, using a dedicated vessel and diving team from the Indian Navy.

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"1st test vehicle mission 🔥🚀🇮🇳TV-D1 will be on Oct 21st..after this, there will be D2, D3, D4 missions also" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> chief Somanath in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> 
 
As I'd shared earlier, Next Satday will be the maiden <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gaganyaan</a> test flight with crew module<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Science</a> <a href="https://t.co/qslM3Ycbxa">pic.twitter.com/qslM3Ycbxa</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1713192352884678735?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Before trucking the crew module to the spaceport in Andhra Pradesh, the Crew Module underwent electrical and acoustic testing at ISRO’s facility in Bengaluru. WION has learnt that the Test Vehicle stands ready and the final steps in preparation for Saturday's mission are being carried out. Notably, this is the maiden flight test for both the Test Vehicle and also for the Crew module.

This Test Vehicle mission with the Crew Module mounted atop, is a significant milestone for the overall Gaganyaan program. It marks the milestone of a near-complete system getting ready for a flight test. The success of this test flight will set the stage for the remaining qualification tests and multiple unmanned missions, leading to the first Gaganyaan mission with Indian Astronauts, ISRO said.&nbsp;

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'TV-D1' barely 10days away! 
 
My info: The first-ever flight test as part of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/astronaut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#astronaut</a> mission <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a> to be on Oct 21st, after sunrise hour 
 
It is a crucial test to eject&amp; save crew module, in case rocket malfunctions mid-flight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Science</a> <a href="https://t.co/gorp374dpN">pic.twitter.com/gorp374dpN</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1711953721515798548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The Crew Module is the structure where the astronauts are meant to be nestled in. It is maintained in a pressurized earth-like atmospheric condition during the Gaganyaan mission, for the safe sustenance of the astronauts. The Crew module for the Gaganyaan mission is in different stages of development.

For the Test Vehicle Abort mission-1 (TV-D1), the Crew Module is an unpressurised version. This unpressurised structure has the overall size and mass of the actual Gaganyaan Crew Module. It houses all the systems for deceleration and recovery, which includes multiple parachutes and associated systems.

The avionics systems in CM are in a dual redundant mode(even if one fails, the backup systems takeover) configuration for navigation, sequencing, telemetry, instrumentation and power. The CM in this mission is designed to capture the flight data for evaluation of the performance of various systems.&nbsp;

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ISRO Chief Dr S.Somanath confirmed that the 'TV-D1'(Test Vehicle Development Flight 1) maiden test flight, as part of the Indian astronaut programme Gaganyaan, will take place on Saturday, October 21.

ISRO Chief Dr S.Somanath confirmed that the 'TV-D1'(Test Vehicle Development Flight 1) maiden test flight, as part of the Indian astronaut programme Gaganyaan, will take place on Saturday, October 21. He said that D1 would be followed up with at least three more tests of the same nature. WION has learnt that the launch has been scheduled around 7 am on Saturday (Oct 21). Dr Somanath was speaking to reporters at the Madurai airport, Tamil Nadu. While developing a fighter plane, it is crucial to prove the mechanism to eject the pilot(s) safely, mid-flight. Likewise, while working towards an astronaut mission, it is of utmost importance to prove the mechanism to eject the crew module(astronaut-carrying shell) to safety, when the rocket is mid-flight. Mission Gaganyaan: ISRO to commence unmanned flight tests for the Gaganyaan mission. Preparations for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), which demonstrates the performance of the Crew Escape System, are underway.https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH @indiannavy #Gaganyaan pic.twitter.com/XszSDEqs7w — ISRO (@isro) October 7, 2023 × During the TV-D1 mission, the crew module(within which astronauts would be nestled, in future) and associated systems will be mounted atop a mini-rocket known as the Test vehicle. This is a liquid-fuelled mini rocket based on the L40 stage booster of the GSLV(erstwhile GSLV Mk2) rocket. Mid-flight, as the required conditions(Mach 1.2 or 1.2 times the speed of sound) are achieved, the Crew escape system and crew module would eject from the rocket, when the vehicle is at an altitude of 17 km. Thereafter, the crew module will be carried to a higher altitude(nearly 2kms away from the rocket) and then it would use onboard parachutes to decelerate and gradually splash down in the sea, about 10kms from the coast of the spaceport in Sriharikota. After splashdown, the Crew Module will be recovered, using a dedicated vessel and diving team from the Indian Navy. "1st test vehicle mission 🔥🚀🇮🇳TV-D1 will be on Oct 21st..after this, there will be D2, D3, D4 missions also" #isro chief Somanath in #TamilNadu As I'd shared earlier, Next Satday will be the maiden #isro #gaganyaan test flight with crew module#india #space #tech #Science pic.twitter.com/qslM3Ycbxa — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 14, 2023 × Before trucking the crew module to the spaceport in Andhra Pradesh, the Crew Module underwent electrical and acoustic testing at ISRO’s facility in Bengaluru. WION has learnt that the Test Vehicle stands ready and the final steps in preparation for Saturday's mission are being carried out. Notably, this is the maiden flight test for both the Test Vehicle and also for the Crew module. This Test Vehicle mission with the Crew Module mounted atop, is a significant milestone for the overall Gaganyaan program. It marks the milestone of a near-complete system getting ready for a flight test. The success of this test flight will set the stage for the remaining qualification tests and multiple unmanned missions, leading to the first Gaganyaan mission with Indian Astronauts, ISRO said. 'TV-D1' barely 10days away! My info: The first-ever flight test as part of #indian #astronaut mission #Gaganyaan to be on Oct 21st, after sunrise hour It is a crucial test to eject& save crew module, in case rocket malfunctions mid-flight #india #space #tech #isro #Science pic.twitter.com/gorp374dpN — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 11, 2023 × The Crew Module is the structure where the astronauts are meant to be nestled in. It is maintained in a pressurized earth-like atmospheric condition during the Gaganyaan mission, for the safe sustenance of the astronauts. The Crew module for the Gaganyaan mission is in different stages of development. For the Test Vehicle Abort mission-1 (TV-D1), the Crew Module is an unpressurised version. This unpressurised structure has the overall size and mass of the actual Gaganyaan Crew Module. It houses all the systems for deceleration and recovery, which includes multiple parachutes and associated systems. The avionics systems in CM are in a dual redundant mode(even if one fails, the backup systems takeover) configuration for navigation, sequencing, telemetry, instrumentation and power. The CM in this mission is designed to capture the flight data for evaluation of the performance of various systems. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gaganyaan's maiden test flight 'TV-D1' on Oct 21: ISRO Chief

While developing a fighter plane, it is crucial to prove the mechanism to eject the pilot(s) safely, mid-flight. Likewise, while working towards an astronaut mission, it is of utmost importance to prove the mechanism to eject the crew module (astronaut-carrying shell) to safety, when the rocket is mid-flight. The Indian Space agency ISRO is now gearing up for the maiden mid-flight eject test, in preparation for its human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan. By the end of this month, ISRO is expected to perform the mission known as TV-D1 or Test Vehicle Development Flight 1. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-seeks-designs-for-lunar-freezer-to-safeguard-moon-mission-samples-643591">NASA seeks designs for 'lunar freezer' to safeguard moon mission samples</a>

The Crew Module (CM) is where the astronauts are nestled in. It is maintained in a pressurized earth-like atmospheric condition during the Gaganyaan mission, for the safe sustenance of the astronauts. The CM for the Gaganyaan mission is in different stages of development. For the Test Vehicle Abort mission-1 (TV-D1), the CM is an unpressurised version that has completed its integration and testing and is ready to be shipped to the launch complex. This unpressurised CM has the overall size and mass of the actual Gaganyaan CM. It houses all the systems for the deceleration and recovery, which includes multiple parachutes and associated systems.

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Mission Gaganyaan: 
ISRO to commence unmanned flight tests for the Gaganyaan mission. 
 
Preparations for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), which demonstrates the performance of the Crew Escape System, are underway.<a href="https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH">https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannavy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a> <a href="https://t.co/XszSDEqs7w">pic.twitter.com/XszSDEqs7w</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1710506719124570606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The avionics systems in CM are in a dual redundant mode (even if one fails, the backup systems takeover) configuration for navigation, sequencing, telemetry, instrumentation and power. The CM in this mission is designed to capture the flight data for evaluation of the performance of various systems.&nbsp;

During the TV-D1 mission, the crew module and associated systems will be mounted atop a mini-rocket known as Test vehicle. This is a liquid-fuelled mini rocket based on the L40 stage booster of the GSLV (erstwhile GSLV Mk2) rocket. Mid-flight, as the required conditions(Mach 1.2 or 1.2 times the speed of sound) are achieved, the Crew escape system and crew module would eject from the rocket, when the vehicle is at an altitude of 17km. thereafter, the crew module will be carried to a higher altitude(away from the rocket) and then it would use onboard parachutes to decelerate and gradually splash down in the sea, about 10kms from the coast of the spaceport in Sriharikota. After splashdown, the Crew Module will be recovered, using a dedicated vessel and diving team from the Indian Navy.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-launches-barrage-of-rockets-at-israel-terrorists-infiltrate-border-towns-643577">Gaza launches barrage of rockets at Israel; 'terrorists' infiltrate border towns</a>

ISRO said that the Crew Module underwent electrical testing, at ISRO’s facility in Bengaluru, including an acoustic test and was dispatched to the spaceport on 13th August. At the spaceport, it will undergo vibration tests and pre-integration with the Crew Escape System, before final integration to the Test Vehicle at the Launch Pad.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/moodys-downgrades-egypt-643589">Moody's downgrades Egypt</a>

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This Test Vehicle mission with this CM is a significant milestone for the overall Gaganyaan program as a near-complete system is getting ready for a flight test. The success of this test flight will set the stage for the remaining qualification tests and multiple unmanned missions, leading to the first Gaganyaan mission with Indian Astronauts, ISRO said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, ISRO has also taken possession of a crew module shell. This shell is meant to be used for air-drop tests of the same. Air drop tests are another means of testing the parachute systems of the crew module, by dropping it from a flying helicopter. WION had reported on the delivery of the new crew module shell.

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&nbsp;

While developing a fighter plane, it is crucial to prove the mechanism to eject the pilot(s) safely, mid-flight. Likewise, while working towards an astronaut mission, it is of utmost importance to prove the mechanism to eject the crew module (astronaut-carrying shell) to safety, when the rocket is mid-flight.

While developing a fighter plane, it is crucial to prove the mechanism to eject the pilot(s) safely, mid-flight. Likewise, while working towards an astronaut mission, it is of utmost importance to prove the mechanism to eject the crew module (astronaut-carrying shell) to safety, when the rocket is mid-flight. The Indian Space agency ISRO is now gearing up for the maiden mid-flight eject test, in preparation for its human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan. By the end of this month, ISRO is expected to perform the mission known as TV-D1 or Test Vehicle Development Flight 1. Also Read | NASA seeks designs for 'lunar freezer' to safeguard moon mission samples The Crew Module (CM) is where the astronauts are nestled in. It is maintained in a pressurized earth-like atmospheric condition during the Gaganyaan mission, for the safe sustenance of the astronauts. The CM for the Gaganyaan mission is in different stages of development. For the Test Vehicle Abort mission-1 (TV-D1), the CM is an unpressurised version that has completed its integration and testing and is ready to be shipped to the launch complex. This unpressurised CM has the overall size and mass of the actual Gaganyaan CM. It houses all the systems for the deceleration and recovery, which includes multiple parachutes and associated systems. Mission Gaganyaan: ISRO to commence unmanned flight tests for the Gaganyaan mission. Preparations for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), which demonstrates the performance of the Crew Escape System, are underway.https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH @indiannavy #Gaganyaan pic.twitter.com/XszSDEqs7w — ISRO (@isro) October 7, 2023 × The avionics systems in CM are in a dual redundant mode (even if one fails, the backup systems takeover) configuration for navigation, sequencing, telemetry, instrumentation and power. The CM in this mission is designed to capture the flight data for evaluation of the performance of various systems. During the TV-D1 mission, the crew module and associated systems will be mounted atop a mini-rocket known as Test vehicle. This is a liquid-fuelled mini rocket based on the L40 stage booster of the GSLV (erstwhile GSLV Mk2) rocket. Mid-flight, as the required conditions(Mach 1.2 or 1.2 times the speed of sound) are achieved, the Crew escape system and crew module would eject from the rocket, when the vehicle is at an altitude of 17km. thereafter, the crew module will be carried to a higher altitude(away from the rocket) and then it would use onboard parachutes to decelerate and gradually splash down in the sea, about 10kms from the coast of the spaceport in Sriharikota. After splashdown, the Crew Module will be recovered, using a dedicated vessel and diving team from the Indian Navy. Also Read | Gaza launches barrage of rockets at Israel; 'terrorists' infiltrate border towns ISRO said that the Crew Module underwent electrical testing, at ISRO’s facility in Bengaluru, including an acoustic test and was dispatched to the spaceport on 13th August. At the spaceport, it will undergo vibration tests and pre-integration with the Crew Escape System, before final integration to the Test Vehicle at the Launch Pad. Watch | Moody's downgrades Egypt × This Test Vehicle mission with this CM is a significant milestone for the overall Gaganyaan program as a near-complete system is getting ready for a flight test. The success of this test flight will set the stage for the remaining qualification tests and multiple unmanned missions, leading to the first Gaganyaan mission with Indian Astronauts, ISRO said. Meanwhile, ISRO has also taken possession of a crew module shell. This shell is meant to be used for air-drop tests of the same. Air drop tests are another means of testing the parachute systems of the crew module, by dropping it from a flying helicopter. WION had reported on the delivery of the new crew module shell. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

ISRO gearing up for mid-flight ejection test, in prep for Gaganyaan

Top officials of the Australian and Dutch Space agencies expressed interest in collaborating and working closely with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-private-sector-ready-to-support-country-in-achieving-space-goals-isro-chief-dr-k-sivan-412807">Indian Space Research Organization</a> (ISRO).&nbsp;

While the two countries have had several decades of experience in the field of space technology, it was only over the last decade that they formally established their respective Space Agencies. It is noteworthy that, unlike India, Australia and Netherlands don’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme and that they work with other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions.&nbsp;

The representatives of the foreign space agencies spoke at the inaugural session on "Building NewSpace in India" at the international space conference.

According to Mr. Anthony Murfett, deputy head, Australian Space Agency(ASA), space would be a key part of Australia’s focus areas in the years to come. The plan involves startups and businesses and their solutions to transform agriculture, disaster management among other areas. The ASA, which was established nearly three years ago is looking for domestic and international collaborations for the same.&nbsp;

“The Australian government is proud to be supporting the Gaganyaan mission, by tracking through Australia’s territory on the Coco’s (Keeling) islands. It shows that Australia can be a trusted partner - we were a partner to NASA during the Apollo missions, we were a partner to Japan during Hayabusa 1&amp;2 and now we’re working with India on Gaganyaan mission” said Murfett.&nbsp;

ISRO would also be launching two satellites that are meant to provide communications, tracking support for its human-carrying spacecraft known as IDRSS(Indian Data Relay System Satellites).

The satellites would be placed nearly 36,000km above the equator(where it would remain in sync with Earth’s rotation or geostationary orbit) and will offer near-total tracking and communication with India’s space assets.

In addition to space-based tracking, there would be ground-based and floating platforms(ships) that would be used to track Gaganyaan as it orbits the Earth.

Citing immense opportunities for industries to collaborate, the Australian Space official said that ASA and ISRO had recently updated their Memorandum of Understanding to underscore the stronger bilateral relationship.

“Australia is looking to invest and also be a partner and facilitator of business to transform the economy and also through regulation. We are establishing facilities to test space hardware in Australia, the&nbsp;official added.&nbsp;

The Netherlands Space Office(NSO), the Dutch Space agency also expressed interest in greater collaboration with ISRO.

Representing the agency, Deputy Director, Mr Nico van Putten said that though NSO was formally established in 2009, it was among the founding members of the European Space Agency, over four decades ago.

“Between the Netherlands and India air quality monitoring is an area of cooperation and there is massive data collection by the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the Sentinel-5P mission, that was launched in 2017. More than 50% of the Netherlands is below sea-level&nbsp;so we are interested in water and agriculture and it is one of our specifics” Van Putten said.

Putten also&nbsp;shared images of NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) monitoring over India that showcased the difference&nbsp;in pollution levels between pre-pandemic and pandemic lockdown last year.

Top officials of the Australian and Dutch Space agencies expressed interest in collaborating and working closely with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

Top officials of the Australian and Dutch Space agencies expressed interest in collaborating and working closely with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). While the two countries have had several decades of experience in the field of space technology, it was only over the last decade that they formally established their respective Space Agencies. It is noteworthy that, unlike India, Australia and Netherlands don’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme and that they work with other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions. The representatives of the foreign space agencies spoke at the inaugural session on "Building NewSpace in India" at the international space conference. According to Mr. Anthony Murfett, deputy head, Australian Space Agency(ASA), space would be a key part of Australia’s focus areas in the years to come. The plan involves startups and businesses and their solutions to transform agriculture, disaster management among other areas. The ASA, which was established nearly three years ago is looking for domestic and international collaborations for the same. “The Australian government is proud to be supporting the Gaganyaan mission, by tracking through Australia’s territory on the Coco’s (Keeling) islands. It shows that Australia can be a trusted partner - we were a partner to NASA during the Apollo missions, we were a partner to Japan during Hayabusa 1&2 and now we’re working with India on Gaganyaan mission” said Murfett. ISRO would also be launching two satellites that are meant to provide communications, tracking support for its human-carrying spacecraft known as IDRSS(Indian Data Relay System Satellites). The satellites would be placed nearly 36,000km above the equator(where it would remain in sync with Earth’s rotation or geostationary orbit) and will offer near-total tracking and communication with India’s space assets. In addition to space-based tracking, there would be ground-based and floating platforms(ships) that would be used to track Gaganyaan as it orbits the Earth. Citing immense opportunities for industries to collaborate, the Australian Space official said that ASA and ISRO had recently updated their Memorandum of Understanding to underscore the stronger bilateral relationship. “Australia is looking to invest and also be a partner and facilitator of business to transform the economy and also through regulation. We are establishing facilities to test space hardware in Australia, the official added. The Netherlands Space Office(NSO), the Dutch Space agency also expressed interest in greater collaboration with ISRO. Representing the agency, Deputy Director, Mr Nico van Putten said that though NSO was formally established in 2009, it was among the founding members of the European Space Agency, over four decades ago. “Between the Netherlands and India air quality monitoring is an area of cooperation and there is massive data collection by the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the Sentinel-5P mission, that was launched in 2017. More than 50% of the Netherlands is below sea-level so we are interested in water and agriculture and it is one of our specifics” Van Putten said. Putten also shared images of NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) monitoring over India that showcased the difference in pollution levels between pre-pandemic and pandemic lockdown last year.

Australia, Netherlands keen to collaborate with ISRO

The whole nation felt the pain when Chandrayaan-2's lander crashed&nbsp;on the lunar surface just moments before it was about to create history. This New Year, however, ISRO chief K Sivan once again gave Indians a reason to rejoice when he announced that four astronauts have been shortlisted for India's first manned space mission Gaganyaan. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his Independence Day Speech last year said that by 2022 India would send its astronauts to space.

So what is Gaganyaan? What is the&nbsp;significance&nbsp;of the mission? This article attempts to answer all key questions related to India's ambitious new programme.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gaganyaan-mission-four-astronauts-selected-to-undergo-training-in-russia-says-isro-chief-k-sivan-271425">Gaganyaan mission: Four astronauts selected to undergo training in Russia, says ISRO chief K Sivan</a>

What is Gaganyaan?&nbsp;

Gaganyaan is a crewed orbital spacecraft that is expected to take three astronauts to space for a period of seven days. For the mission, India's space agency is planning to carry out two unmanned missions in December 2020 and July 2021, followed by the manned mission by December 2021. ISRO's Geo-Synchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) will be used for the manned space mission.

"The total fund requirement for the Gaganyaan Programme is within Rs.10,000 crore," as per a government statement. The spacecraft will be placed in a low earth orbit of 300-400 km. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Why is it significant?

If India successfully sends four astronauts to space, it will be only the fourth nation to do so after the United States, China and Russia. It will re-establish India's space research position amongst giants such as the US, China and Russia, which spends way more money than India on space programmes.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-to-train-four-indian-astronauts-for-gaganyaan-mission-245890">Gaganyaan mission: Russia to train 4 Indian astronauts; special ISRO unit at Moscow</a>

What is the Russian connection?

The all-weather friendship of India and Russia has also been reflected in the field of space. India's only astronaut to travel space Rakesh Sharma, also undertook his journey in Russia's Interkosmos programme. For Gaganyaan, ISRO signed an agreement with Russia's Glavkosmos to select and train Indian astronauts for the space mission. Earlier ISRO chief had said that 12 astronauts from India would go to Russia for training and four would be shortlisted. The selected astronauts will now undergo rigorous training for 15 months In India and abroad.&nbsp;

What will be the challenges encountered by astronauts to get mission ready?

The Gaganyaan crew will first undergo medical examination followed by rigorous physical training even for military personnel. The idea behind this tough training programme is to get astronauts accustomed to gravitational changes which will cause physiological alterations.

Often, astronauts face motion sickness when they experience weightlessness in the space. The changing gravity also results in fluctuations in blood circulation especially during re-entry to earth or landing which also makes astronauts unconscious due to lack of internal pressure. For the mission preparation, astronauts will be put under a centrifuge which will spin rapidly in order to adapt them for gravitational acceleration. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The astronauts will also be acquainted with life support systems, navigation and thermal controls, astronomy, and other necessary sciences if a need arose of manual intervention or emergency.

Generally, astronauts are trained for four years, but Indian space explorers would only get only two years for meeting the launch deadline.&nbsp;

What can be the impact of Gagnayaan?

The success of Gaganyaan would unlock many doors to experiment with more spaceflight missions. It will also give boost to India's ambition of setting up its own space station.&nbsp;

The whole nation felt the pain when Chandrayaan-2's lander crashed on the lunar surface just moments before it was about to create history. This New Year, however, ISRO chief K Sivan once again gave Indians a reason to rejoice when he announced that four astronauts have been shortlisted for India's first manned space mission Gaganyaan.

The whole nation felt the pain when Chandrayaan-2's lander crashed on the lunar surface just moments before it was about to create history. This New Year, however, ISRO chief K Sivan once again gave Indians a reason to rejoice when he announced that four astronauts have been shortlisted for India's first manned space mission Gaganyaan. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his Independence Day Speech last year said that by 2022 India would send its astronauts to space. So what is Gaganyaan? What is the significance of the mission? This article attempts to answer all key questions related to India's ambitious new programme. Also read: Gaganyaan mission: Four astronauts selected to undergo training in Russia, says ISRO chief K Sivan What is Gaganyaan? Gaganyaan is a crewed orbital spacecraft that is expected to take three astronauts to space for a period of seven days. For the mission, India's space agency is planning to carry out two unmanned missions in December 2020 and July 2021, followed by the manned mission by December 2021. ISRO's Geo-Synchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) will be used for the manned space mission. "The total fund requirement for the Gaganyaan Programme is within Rs.10,000 crore," as per a government statement. The spacecraft will be placed in a low earth orbit of 300-400 km. Why is it significant? If India successfully sends four astronauts to space, it will be only the fourth nation to do so after the United States, China and Russia. It will re-establish India's space research position amongst giants such as the US, China and Russia, which spends way more money than India on space programmes. Also read: Gaganyaan mission: Russia to train 4 Indian astronauts; special ISRO unit at Moscow What is the Russian connection? The all-weather friendship of India and Russia has also been reflected in the field of space. India's only astronaut to travel space Rakesh Sharma, also undertook his journey in Russia's Interkosmos programme. For Gaganyaan, ISRO signed an agreement with Russia's Glavkosmos to select and train Indian astronauts for the space mission. Earlier ISRO chief had said that 12 astronauts from India would go to Russia for training and four would be shortlisted. The selected astronauts will now undergo rigorous training for 15 months In India and abroad. What will be the challenges encountered by astronauts to get mission ready? The Gaganyaan crew will first undergo medical examination followed by rigorous physical training even for military personnel. The idea behind this tough training programme is to get astronauts accustomed to gravitational changes which will cause physiological alterations. Often, astronauts face motion sickness when they experience weightlessness in the space. The changing gravity also results in fluctuations in blood circulation especially during re-entry to earth or landing which also makes astronauts unconscious due to lack of internal pressure. For the mission preparation, astronauts will be put under a centrifuge which will spin rapidly in order to adapt them for gravitational acceleration. The astronauts will also be acquainted with life support systems, navigation and thermal controls, astronomy, and other necessary sciences if a need arose of manual intervention or emergency. Generally, astronauts are trained for four years, but Indian space explorers would only get only two years for meeting the launch deadline. What can be the impact of Gagnayaan? The success of Gaganyaan would unlock many doors to experiment with more spaceflight missions. It will also give boost to India's ambition of setting up its own space station.

EXPLAINED: Gaganyaan- All you need to know about India's first manned space mission