Indian candidates start training for Gaganyaan in Russia

The four astronauts shortlisted for India’s first manned space mission, Gaganyaan, have commenced their full-fledged training at Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City.

India gears up for Mission Gaganyaan

Here is all that you need to know about ISRO’s first half-humanoid, Vyommitra. She will be sent to unmanned space mission in December 2020 on Gaganyaan. Watch to know more.

Meet Vyommitra, India's first female humanoid robot

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other&nbsp;United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally.

Thirteen other members voted in favour of the draft resolution moved by the United Arab Emirates, while the United Kingdom abstained.&nbsp;

The voting came after United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a rare move, formally warned the 15-member council of a global threat from the war, which has now been going on for over two months.

"What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?," Deputy UAE U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab asked the council. 
 
"Indeed, what is the message we are sending civilians across the world who may find themselves in similar situations?"

"The United Arab Emirates is deeply disappointed," said the representative of the UAE. "Regrettably... this council is unable to demand a humanitarian ceasefire."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-will-run-again-in-russian-presidential-elections-next-march-667595">Putin will run again in Russian presidential elections next March</a>

<h2>US defends veto</h2>

The United States, defending its veto, said that the resolution still held a call for an unconditional ceasefire.

"This resolution still contains a call for an unconditional ceasefire... it would leave Hamas in place able to repeat what it did on October 7," said US deputy UN representative Robert Wood.

Wood further denounced the UAE stating that the draft resolution was a rushed, imbalanced text "that was divorced from reality, that would not move the needle forward on the ground in any concrete way."

"We do not support this resolution's call for an unsustainable ceasefire that will only plant the seeds for the next war," said Wood.

UK's UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said that her country abstained because there was no denunciation of Hamas.

"Israel needs to be able to address the threat posed by Hamas and it needs to do so in a manner that abides by international humanitarian law so that such an attack can never be carried out again," she told the council.

Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan did not address the Security Council after the vote, but in a statement said: "A ceasefire will be possible only with the return of all the hostages and the destruction of Hamas."

Washington, being the permanent member of the Security Council, can veto any resolution.

Ahead of the vote, Guterres had said that "the brutality perpetrated by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally.

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally. Thirteen other members voted in favour of the draft resolution moved by the United Arab Emirates, while the United Kingdom abstained. The voting came after United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a rare move, formally warned the 15-member council of a global threat from the war, which has now been going on for over two months. "What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?," Deputy UAE U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab asked the council. "Indeed, what is the message we are sending civilians across the world who may find themselves in similar situations?" "The United Arab Emirates is deeply disappointed," said the representative of the UAE. "Regrettably... this council is unable to demand a humanitarian ceasefire." Also read: Putin will run again in Russian presidential elections next March US defends veto The United States, defending its veto, said that the resolution still held a call for an unconditional ceasefire. "This resolution still contains a call for an unconditional ceasefire... it would leave Hamas in place able to repeat what it did on October 7," said US deputy UN representative Robert Wood. Wood further denounced the UAE stating that the draft resolution was a rushed, imbalanced text "that was divorced from reality, that would not move the needle forward on the ground in any concrete way." "We do not support this resolution's call for an unsustainable ceasefire that will only plant the seeds for the next war," said Wood. UK's UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said that her country abstained because there was no denunciation of Hamas. "Israel needs to be able to address the threat posed by Hamas and it needs to do so in a manner that abides by international humanitarian law so that such an attack can never be carried out again," she told the council. Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan did not address the Security Council after the vote, but in a statement said: "A ceasefire will be possible only with the return of all the hostages and the destruction of Hamas." Washington, being the permanent member of the Security Council, can veto any resolution. Ahead of the vote, Guterres had said that "the brutality perpetrated by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people." (With inputs from agencies)

Meet Vyommitra, ISRO's humanoid that will go to space on Gaganyaan

The space programme is to send human beings to space and will be called Gaganyaan. However, before India actually sends humans to venture out into space, the Indian Space Research Agency is sending out a humanoid robot by the end of this year.

Your Story: Meet ISRO'S half-Humanoid Vyommitra

Indian Space Research Organisation is all set to launch two back to back dedicated missions that will expand the horizon of nation's space outlook. ISRO launched Chandrayaan-2 in July 2019 but the mission remains unsuccessful. Now the organisation is again geared up to launch Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan. #ISRO #WION #KSivan #Chandrayaan-3

WION Exclusive: ISRO Chairman K Sivan briefs over Chandrayaan 3, Gaganyaan

With the dawn of the New Year, ISRO announced its ambitious new project Chandrayaan 3 and Gaganyaan. With Chandrayaan 3 the Indian Space Research Organisation is making its second attempt to soft-landing on the surface of the Moon. Gaganyaan is India's first manned mission and is expected to take off by 2022. WION caught up with ISRO Chief Kailasavadivoo Sivan on the latest updates. Watch this exclusive report: #WION #WIONNews #ISRO #Gaganyaan #Chandrayaan3

WION Exclusive conversation with ISRO Chief Kailasavadivoo Sivan

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

This year is going to be an eventful year for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan on Wednesday, adding that four astronauts have been selected to undergo training in Russia for the Gaganyaan mission.&nbsp;

"We had good progress on Gaganyaan in 2019, many of the designs were completed. Four astronauts have been identified for the training purpose. The training for the astronauts who are from the Indian Air Force will be planned in the third week of January which will take place in Russia," said Sivan.

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Watch | India's ISRO unveils 2020 space programme<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan3</a> to be launched in 2020<a href="https://twitter.com/alysonle?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alysonle</a> elucidates <a href="https://t.co/pQXe2nKphb">pic.twitter.com/pQXe2nKphb</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1212330123975962626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He also stated that Chandrayaan-3`s configuration will be almost similar to Chandrayaan-2 but will have a rover with a propulsion module.

"In Chandrayaan-2 we had orbiter, lander and rover configuration but the Chandrayaan-3 will be having a lander and rover with a propulsion module. The work is being carried out very smoothly," he said.

Sivan further added that Chandrayaan-3's lander and craft cost is approximately Rs 250 crore, whereas the launch cost will be around Rs 350 crore. So, the total cost will be around Rs 600 crore.ISRO has asked the government for Rs 14,000 crore budget for the 2020 projects.&nbsp;

"Just like last year, this year is also going to be an eventful year for ISRO. This year is going to the year of Chandrayan-3 and Gaganyaan. We have planned another satellite for this year i.e. GSAT 20. Many targets have been planned for 2020. For Gaganyan many systems need to be tested before flight. Crew training is another major activity that is going to happen this year," said Sivan.&nbsp;

Sivan further added that ISRO is planning to undertake many major projects, new developments and at the same time launch the satellites required for societal purpose as well.

This year is going to be an eventful year for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan on Wednesday, adding that four astronauts have been selected to undergo training in Russia for the Gaganyaan mission.

This year is going to be an eventful year for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan on Wednesday, adding that four astronauts have been selected to undergo training in Russia for the Gaganyaan mission. "We had good progress on Gaganyaan in 2019, many of the designs were completed. Four astronauts have been identified for the training purpose. The training for the astronauts who are from the Indian Air Force will be planned in the third week of January which will take place in Russia," said Sivan. Watch | India's ISRO unveils 2020 space programme#Gaganyaan and #Chandrayaan3 to be launched in 2020@alysonle elucidates pic.twitter.com/pQXe2nKphb — WION (@WIONews) January 1, 2020 × He also stated that Chandrayaan-3`s configuration will be almost similar to Chandrayaan-2 but will have a rover with a propulsion module. "In Chandrayaan-2 we had orbiter, lander and rover configuration but the Chandrayaan-3 will be having a lander and rover with a propulsion module. The work is being carried out very smoothly," he said. Sivan further added that Chandrayaan-3's lander and craft cost is approximately Rs 250 crore, whereas the launch cost will be around Rs 350 crore. So, the total cost will be around Rs 600 crore.ISRO has asked the government for Rs 14,000 crore budget for the 2020 projects. "Just like last year, this year is also going to be an eventful year for ISRO. This year is going to the year of Chandrayan-3 and Gaganyaan. We have planned another satellite for this year i.e. GSAT 20. Many targets have been planned for 2020. For Gaganyan many systems need to be tested before flight. Crew training is another major activity that is going to happen this year," said Sivan. Sivan further added that ISRO is planning to undertake many major projects, new developments and at the same time launch the satellites required for societal purpose as well.

Gaganyaan mission: Four astronauts selected to undergo training in Russia, says ISRO chief K Sivan

Indian Air force (IAF) was on Friday announced the completion of the Level-1 selection of Indian astronauts for mission Gaganyaan, country`s first human mission to space.

Taking to Twitter, the IAF said, "Completed Level-1 of Indian Astronaut selection at Institute of Aerospace Medicine. Selected Test Pilots underwent extensive physical exercise tests, lab investigations, radiological tests, clinical tests and evaluation on various facets of psychology. #MissionGaganyaan."

In May this year, the IAF signed an agreement with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for crew selection and training for the Gaganyaan mission.

Under the programme, aimed to be launched by 2021, a three-member crew will spend a minimum of seven days in the space.&nbsp;

A human-rated GSLV Mk-lll will be used to carry the orbital module, which will have necessary provisions for sustaining a three-member crew for the duration of the mission.

Gaganyaan was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year during his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of Red Fort in New Delhi.&nbsp;

The mission worth Rs. 10,000 crore is expected to be launched in December 2021 and was approved by the Union Cabinet last year.&nbsp;

Indian Air force (IAF) was on Friday announced the completion of the Level-1 selection of Indian astronauts for mission Gaganyaan, country`s first human mission to space.

Indian Air force (IAF) was on Friday announced the completion of the Level-1 selection of Indian astronauts for mission Gaganyaan, country`s first human mission to space. Taking to Twitter, the IAF said, "Completed Level-1 of Indian Astronaut selection at Institute of Aerospace Medicine. Selected Test Pilots underwent extensive physical exercise tests, lab investigations, radiological tests, clinical tests and evaluation on various facets of psychology. #MissionGaganyaan." In May this year, the IAF signed an agreement with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for crew selection and training for the Gaganyaan mission. Under the programme, aimed to be launched by 2021, a three-member crew will spend a minimum of seven days in the space. A human-rated GSLV Mk-lll will be used to carry the orbital module, which will have necessary provisions for sustaining a three-member crew for the duration of the mission. Gaganyaan was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year during his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of Red Fort in New Delhi. The mission worth Rs. 10,000 crore is expected to be launched in December 2021 and was approved by the Union Cabinet last year.

IAF completes Level-1 selection of Indian astronauts for Gaganyaan mission

Russia and France will help&nbsp;India in its manned space mission Gaganyaan that will be sent in the year 2022.&nbsp;

While the Russian space agency Roscosmos will train four Indian astronauts of which three will be selected to go onboard India's human spaceflight programme, France will train their medical support personnel. Training of medical support personnel will be carried out in France and India.

Glavkosmos, which is a subsidiary of Roscosmos and manages of the international space project has signed a contract with India's Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO for the training of Indian astronauts at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.

The development comes in the backdrop of India's Nation Security Advisor Ajit Doval's Moscow visit during which he met Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin.

A release from Roscosmos said, "The sides discussed possible Indian crewed flight carrier rocket aerodynamic tests, as well as piloted vehicle and crew rescue system. It is planned to reach an agreement until the end of August 2019."&nbsp;

Adding, "Russia and India are expecting to negotiate the contracts to supply windows, crew seats and spacesuits for the Indian crewed mission."

France and India meanwhile announced to further their space cooperation during PM Modi's state visit to the country that is underway.

"France and India desire to deepen their space cooperation so as to meet new challenges together, whether it concerns planetary exploration or human spaceflight", India France joint statement released on Thursday said.

The Rs 10,000 crore Gaganyaan project was announced by PM Modi during his Independence day speech on August 15, 2018 and involves three members Indian crew being sent to space for seven days. After this manned mission, India will become the fourth country after Russia, US and China to send humans in space.

Russia and France will help India in its manned space mission Gaganyaan that will be sent in the year 2022. While the Russian space agency Roscosmos will train four Indian astronauts of which three will be selected to go onboard India's human spaceflight programme, France will train their medical support personnel.

Russia and France will help India in its manned space mission Gaganyaan that will be sent in the year 2022. While the Russian space agency Roscosmos will train four Indian astronauts of which three will be selected to go onboard India's human spaceflight programme, France will train their medical support personnel. Training of medical support personnel will be carried out in France and India. Glavkosmos, which is a subsidiary of Roscosmos and manages of the international space project has signed a contract with India's Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO for the training of Indian astronauts at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. The development comes in the backdrop of India's Nation Security Advisor Ajit Doval's Moscow visit during which he met Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin. A release from Roscosmos said, "The sides discussed possible Indian crewed flight carrier rocket aerodynamic tests, as well as piloted vehicle and crew rescue system. It is planned to reach an agreement until the end of August 2019." Adding, "Russia and India are expecting to negotiate the contracts to supply windows, crew seats and spacesuits for the Indian crewed mission." France and India meanwhile announced to further their space cooperation during PM Modi's state visit to the country that is underway. "France and India desire to deepen their space cooperation so as to meet new challenges together, whether it concerns planetary exploration or human spaceflight", India France joint statement released on Thursday said. The Rs 10,000 crore Gaganyaan project was announced by PM Modi during his Independence day speech on August 15, 2018 and involves three members Indian crew being sent to space for seven days. After this manned mission, India will become the fourth country after Russia, US and China to send humans in space.

Russia, France to assist India in its manned space mission Gaganyaan

&nbsp;

Russia has promised assistance to India for its ambitious Human Space Flight Programme 'Gaganyaan' aimed at sending Indian astronauts to space by 2022.

An official statement by New Delhi on Friday cited a meeting held between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Director General of Russia's ROSCOSMOS and former Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin in Hyderabad House here on Thursday, where all aspects of space cooperation between the two countries were discussed.

"Senior representatives of ROSCOSMOS, GLAVCOSMOS, Energia, and Energomash were present from the Russian side, whereas Secretary, Space, Dr Sivan and the Director of the Human Space Flight Programme were present from the Indian side, besides other senior officials," the statement read.

The two sides discussed cooperation in futuristic technologies including new space systems, rocket engines, propellants and propulsion systems, spacecraft and launch vehicle technology.

In addition, the Russian side stated that they would like to see India participate in the International Space Station, and offered its full support for this purpose.

In consideration to New Delhi's priorities to the Make in India programme, the possibilities for the production of space systems in India were also discussed.

"Cooperation in space has emerged as a key area of cooperation in the high technology sector between India and Russia," the statement read.

"Today, there is a new respect for India's rapidly growing capabilities in outer space, and Russia sees India as a key partner for promoting peaceful uses of outer space."

&nbsp;

Russia has promised assistance to India for its ambitious Human Space Flight Programme 'Gaganyaan' aimed at sending Indian astronauts to space by 2022. An official statement by New Delhi on Friday cited a meeting held between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Director General of Russia's ROSCOSMOS and former Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin in Hyderabad House here on Thursday, where all aspects of space cooperation between the two countries were discussed.

Russia has promised assistance to India for its ambitious Human Space Flight Programme 'Gaganyaan' aimed at sending Indian astronauts to space by 2022. An official statement by New Delhi on Friday cited a meeting held between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Director General of Russia's ROSCOSMOS and former Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin in Hyderabad House here on Thursday, where all aspects of space cooperation between the two countries were discussed. "Senior representatives of ROSCOSMOS, GLAVCOSMOS, Energia, and Energomash were present from the Russian side, whereas Secretary, Space, Dr Sivan and the Director of the Human Space Flight Programme were present from the Indian side, besides other senior officials," the statement read. The two sides discussed cooperation in futuristic technologies including new space systems, rocket engines, propellants and propulsion systems, spacecraft and launch vehicle technology. In addition, the Russian side stated that they would like to see India participate in the International Space Station, and offered its full support for this purpose. In consideration to New Delhi's priorities to the Make in India programme, the possibilities for the production of space systems in India were also discussed. "Cooperation in space has emerged as a key area of cooperation in the high technology sector between India and Russia," the statement read. "Today, there is a new respect for India's rapidly growing capabilities in outer space, and Russia sees India as a key partner for promoting peaceful uses of outer space."

Russia promises assistance to India for its 'Gaganyaan' mission

India is now planning to set up a space station. ISRO said that it will focus on Gaganyaan Mission. Gaganyaan is India's first human space mission. Dr. K. Sivan has announced that there will be a separate space station of India.

India Watch: India Plans Its Own Space Station

ISRO Announces Plan For Space Station

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has begun the year 2019 with a bang. Not only has the space agency announced a slew of missions, including the much-awaited lunar lander, Chandrayaan-2, slated for 2019, but has set its sight high with its most ambitious project — the human space mission, Gaganyaan.&nbsp;

While announcing the timeline for the human flight targeted at the end of 2021, ISRO chief K Sivan made two important comments. In the context of setting up a new vertical within the agency — the Human Space Flight Centre — he said the agency was looking beyond the first human flight. He said, “We are going to continue this programme in terms of a space station and human to the moon.” The second noteworthy comment from the space agency head was that India would be on a par with China with the human space flight.&nbsp;

Taken together, the comments amount to a marked strategic shift in India’s approach to space and point to the process of maturing of ISRO as a global player in the space arena. Clearly, the agency has recognised the need for human missions as a worthwhile goal to pursue over the long-term as a logical extension of its activities till now. It has also made it apparent that it is joining the undeclared space race with China.&nbsp;

When India took baby steps to become a space-faring nation, Yuri Gagarin had already become the first human to have travelled to space in April 1961, and by the time ISRO took birth, the first human had landed on the moon. Since India’s forays into space began against the backdrop of a bitter space race between America and the Soviet Union, the founding father of the space programme, Vikram Sarabhai, had to declare that “we do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned spaceflight”. Instead, he wanted India to use space technology to solve “real problems of man and society”.

After having followed Sarabhai’s vision for four decades during which ISRO contributed immensely to nation’s development, the agency has finally decided to turn the “fantasy” of a manned space flight into reality. This is definitely a shift because after the first Indian, Rakesh Sharma, was propelled into space aboard Soyuz T-11 in April 1984, participation in international manned missions or planning its own human flights were not on ISRO’s agenda. In fact, human flight was first discussed in India in 2004 — a year after China had sent its first human spaceflight. In 2006, ISRO formally discussed the idea with a group of external experts and began working on some building block technologies needed for the mission as pre-project activity with seed money allocated in subsequent budgets.

India has been building its space capabilities in a step by step manner, working simultaneously on making rockets, fabricating satellites and developing applications. In parallel, it has a very strong presence in space science, having delivered successful missions to the moon, Mars and a space telescope AstroSat. The lunar orbiter, Chandrayaan, and the astronomy satellite have led to some spectacular scientific discoveries using home-made instruments. The Mars Orbiter Mission was a technology demonstrator. On the other hand, China, which began its space programme much later, went ahead more aggressively. It focused on military applications, human flight and building a space station, with an eye on projecting itself as a competitor to NASA. It has a few space science achievements worth mentioning. Clearly, the Indian and Chinese programmes have grown so far with different goals and philosophies. In space applications and space science, India is ahead of China. But in human flights, China has taken a lead having demonstrated its prowess with as many as six successful missions, including operations like spacewalk and docking with its under-construction space station.

ISRO and its leadership are well justified in projecting their ambitions with regard to human flights vis-à-vis China, but these ambitions will need political backing beyond the first human flight planned for December 2021. Though a late entrant in human flights, ISRO may be up to some surprises up its sleeves, as it did with Chandrayaan-1 and the Mars mission. Sniffing signatures of water molecule on the moon by Chandrayaan-1 four decades after man landed there and stringing a spacecraft straight to the Red planet in the first attempt are no mean achievements. For ISRO, the race may have has just begun.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-with-gaganyaan-isro-s-race-to-the-top-gains-velocity-2713926">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has begun the year 2019 with a bang. Not only has the space agency announced a slew of missions, including the much-awaited lunar lander, Chandrayaan-2, slated for 2019, but has set its sight high with its most ambitious project — the human space mission, Gaganyaan.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has begun the year 2019 with a bang. Not only has the space agency announced a slew of missions, including the much-awaited lunar lander, Chandrayaan-2, slated for 2019, but has set its sight high with its most ambitious project — the human space mission, Gaganyaan. While announcing the timeline for the human flight targeted at the end of 2021, ISRO chief K Sivan made two important comments. In the context of setting up a new vertical within the agency — the Human Space Flight Centre — he said the agency was looking beyond the first human flight. He said, “We are going to continue this programme in terms of a space station and human to the moon.” The second noteworthy comment from the space agency head was that India would be on a par with China with the human space flight. Taken together, the comments amount to a marked strategic shift in India’s approach to space and point to the process of maturing of ISRO as a global player in the space arena. Clearly, the agency has recognised the need for human missions as a worthwhile goal to pursue over the long-term as a logical extension of its activities till now. It has also made it apparent that it is joining the undeclared space race with China. When India took baby steps to become a space-faring nation, Yuri Gagarin had already become the first human to have travelled to space in April 1961, and by the time ISRO took birth, the first human had landed on the moon. Since India’s forays into space began against the backdrop of a bitter space race between America and the Soviet Union, the founding father of the space programme, Vikram Sarabhai, had to declare that “we do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned spaceflight”. Instead, he wanted India to use space technology to solve “real problems of man and society”. After having followed Sarabhai’s vision for four decades during which ISRO contributed immensely to nation’s development, the agency has finally decided to turn the “fantasy” of a manned space flight into reality. This is definitely a shift because after the first Indian, Rakesh Sharma, was propelled into space aboard Soyuz T-11 in April 1984, participation in international manned missions or planning its own human flights were not on ISRO’s agenda. In fact, human flight was first discussed in India in 2004 — a year after China had sent its first human spaceflight. In 2006, ISRO formally discussed the idea with a group of external experts and began working on some building block technologies needed for the mission as pre-project activity with seed money allocated in subsequent budgets. India has been building its space capabilities in a step by step manner, working simultaneously on making rockets, fabricating satellites and developing applications. In parallel, it has a very strong presence in space science, having delivered successful missions to the moon, Mars and a space telescope AstroSat. The lunar orbiter, Chandrayaan, and the astronomy satellite have led to some spectacular scientific discoveries using home-made instruments. The Mars Orbiter Mission was a technology demonstrator. On the other hand, China, which began its space programme much later, went ahead more aggressively. It focused on military applications, human flight and building a space station, with an eye on projecting itself as a competitor to NASA. It has a few space science achievements worth mentioning. Clearly, the Indian and Chinese programmes have grown so far with different goals and philosophies. In space applications and space science, India is ahead of China. But in human flights, China has taken a lead having demonstrated its prowess with as many as six successful missions, including operations like spacewalk and docking with its under-construction space station. ISRO and its leadership are well justified in projecting their ambitions with regard to human flights vis-à-vis China, but these ambitions will need political backing beyond the first human flight planned for December 2021. Though a late entrant in human flights, ISRO may be up to some surprises up its sleeves, as it did with Chandrayaan-1 and the Mars mission. Sniffing signatures of water molecule on the moon by Chandrayaan-1 four decades after man landed there and stringing a spacecraft straight to the Red planet in the first attempt are no mean achievements. For ISRO, the race may have has just begun. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

With Gaganyaan, ISRO’s race to the top gains velocity

The astronauts on the human space mission 'Gaganyaan' will mostly be pilots, hinted <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-landed-on-moons-far-side-we-will-aim-for-lunar-south-pole-isro-chief-191189">Indian Space Research Organisation</a> scientists Friday.

"We are looking for people with sufficient flying experience," said an ISRO scientist requesting anonymity.

ISRO Chairman K Sivan said the Indian Air Force and other agencies will play a major role during the selection of astronauts for the human space mission project.

Another scientist said the Defence Research and Development Organisation too will play a major role in this endeavour.

Addressing a press conference here, Sivan said the first unmanned mission for 'Gaganyaan' has been planned for December 2020, the second unmanned mission for July 2021 and the final manned mission by December 2021.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the 'Gaganyaan' project envisaging sending three humans to space by 2022.&nbsp;

Earlier, K Sivan on Friday shared that the national space research body is soon to come out with a television channel.&nbsp;

The ISRO chief reacted to the Chinese rover's landing on the far side of the moon claiming that the Indian mission will aim to land on the south pole of the moon.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The astronauts on the human space mission 'Gaganyaan' will mostly be pilots, hinted Indian Space Research Organisation scientists Friday. "We are looking for people with sufficient flying experience," said an ISRO scientist requesting anonymity.

The astronauts on the human space mission 'Gaganyaan' will mostly be pilots, hinted Indian Space Research Organisation scientists Friday. "We are looking for people with sufficient flying experience," said an ISRO scientist requesting anonymity. ISRO Chairman K Sivan said the Indian Air Force and other agencies will play a major role during the selection of astronauts for the human space mission project. Another scientist said the Defence Research and Development Organisation too will play a major role in this endeavour. Addressing a press conference here, Sivan said the first unmanned mission for 'Gaganyaan' has been planned for December 2020, the second unmanned mission for July 2021 and the final manned mission by December 2021. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the 'Gaganyaan' project envisaging sending three humans to space by 2022. Earlier, K Sivan on Friday shared that the national space research body is soon to come out with a television channel. The ISRO chief reacted to the Chinese rover's landing on the far side of the moon claiming that the Indian mission will aim to land on the south pole of the moon. (With inputs from PTI)

Astronauts on human space mission 'Gaganyaan' mostly to be pilots, hints ISRO

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan held a media briefing on Friday and shared some of the key missions of the year.&nbsp;

Sivan started off by stating that Gaganyaan will be the top focus of the year. ISRO has planned a manned mission wherein a humanoid will be sent for the Gaganyaan space project, he added.&nbsp;

Sivan added that first flight will take off in July this year with a payload up to 500 kilograms.&nbsp;

Besides this satellite, GSAT-6A will be launched from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

Sivan also noted that ISRO wants the private sector to step in. To begin with, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will be taken to the private sector.&nbsp;

The design for the crew module and crew service module for Gaganyaan - India's first manned space mission set to launch in 2022 - is nearing finalisation, he said.

Meanwhile, as per reports, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ministry-of-home-affairs-to-get-satellite-from-isro-to-strengthen-border-security-191102">a satellite for exclusive use by the Ministry of Home Affairs</a> (MHA) will be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The satellite will be used for the purpose of utilising space resources for security, operational planning and border infrastructure development, new agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The project is slated to strengthen island and border security and facilitate the development of infrastructure in border and island areas.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan held a media briefing on Friday and shared some of the key missions of the year. Sivan started off by stating that Gaganyaan will be the top focus of the year.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan held a media briefing on Friday and shared some of the key missions of the year. Sivan started off by stating that Gaganyaan will be the top focus of the year. ISRO has planned a manned mission wherein a humanoid will be sent for the Gaganyaan space project, he added. Sivan added that first flight will take off in July this year with a payload up to 500 kilograms. Besides this satellite, GSAT-6A will be launched from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Sivan also noted that ISRO wants the private sector to step in. To begin with, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will be taken to the private sector. The design for the crew module and crew service module for Gaganyaan - India's first manned space mission set to launch in 2022 - is nearing finalisation, he said. Meanwhile, as per reports, a satellite for exclusive use by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The satellite will be used for the purpose of utilising space resources for security, operational planning and border infrastructure development, new agency ANI reported. The project is slated to strengthen island and border security and facilitate the development of infrastructure in border and island areas.

Ready to send humanoid for Gaganyaan mission: ISRO chief 

ISRO chief K&nbsp;Sivan on Friday briefed media about the upcoming missions and projects of the year. He shared that the national space research body is soon to come out with a television channel.&nbsp;

"Our PM said we should call it innovation TV," Sivan said.&nbsp;

The ISRO chief reacted to the Chinese rover's landing on the far side of the moon claiming that the Indian mission will aim to land on the south pole of the moon.&nbsp;

"We are going to land on the south pole of the moon, unlike the Chinese who landed on the dark side," he stated.&nbsp;

Giving details about various ISRO missions planned this year, Sivan noted that Chandrayaan-2 launch window is set between March 25 and April 30.

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ISRO Chief K Sivan: We have developed an incubation centre at Tripura and four more will be created at Trichy, Nagpur, Rourkela and Indore
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"ISRO will launch 32 planned missions this year. 14 launch vehicles and 18 satellites including Chandrayaan 2 mission. 1st student satellite to be launched and will be called Kalam 1," Sivan told media.&nbsp;

"We have developed an incubation centre at Tripura and four more will be created at Trichy, Nagpur, Rourkela and Indore," he said.&nbsp;

Sivan further noted that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ready-to-send-humanoid-for-gaganyaan-mission-isro-chief-191176">Gaganyaan will be the top focus of the year</a>. ISRO has planned a manned mission wherein a humanoid will be sent for the Gaganyaan space project, he added.&nbsp;

Sivan added that first flight will take off in July this year with a payload up to 500 kilograms.&nbsp;Besides this satellite, GSAT-6A will be launched from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

Sivan also noted that ISRO wants the private sector to step in. To begin with, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will be taken to the private sector.&nbsp;

The design for the crew module and crew service module for Gaganyaan - India's first manned space mission set to launch in 2022 - is nearing finalisation, he said.

ISRO chief K Sivan on Friday briefed media about the upcoming missions and projects of the year. He shared that the national space research body is soon to come out with a television channel.

ISRO chief K Sivan on Friday briefed media about the upcoming missions and projects of the year. He shared that the national space research body is soon to come out with a television channel. "Our PM said we should call it innovation TV," Sivan said. The ISRO chief reacted to the Chinese rover's landing on the far side of the moon claiming that the Indian mission will aim to land on the south pole of the moon. "We are going to land on the south pole of the moon, unlike the Chinese who landed on the dark side," he stated. Giving details about various ISRO missions planned this year, Sivan noted that Chandrayaan-2 launch window is set between March 25 and April 30. ISRO Chief K Sivan: We have developed an incubation centre at Tripura and four more will be created at Trichy, Nagpur, Rourkela and Indore — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2019 × "ISRO will launch 32 planned missions this year. 14 launch vehicles and 18 satellites including Chandrayaan 2 mission. 1st student satellite to be launched and will be called Kalam 1," Sivan told media. "We have developed an incubation centre at Tripura and four more will be created at Trichy, Nagpur, Rourkela and Indore," he said. Sivan further noted that Gaganyaan will be the top focus of the year. ISRO has planned a manned mission wherein a humanoid will be sent for the Gaganyaan space project, he added. Sivan added that first flight will take off in July this year with a payload up to 500 kilograms. Besides this satellite, GSAT-6A will be launched from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Sivan also noted that ISRO wants the private sector to step in. To begin with, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will be taken to the private sector. The design for the crew module and crew service module for Gaganyaan - India's first manned space mission set to launch in 2022 - is nearing finalisation, he said.

Chinese landed on moon's far side, we will aim for lunar south pole: ISRO chief

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan has said when it comes to India versus China debate in the space sector, India is at par with China. His comments have come&nbsp;days after China's launch of Chang'e 4 lunar probe on the dark side of the moon and ahead of India's Chandrayaan-2 mission which will be launched later this year.&nbsp;

Speaking to our correspondent Siddhant Sibal, the chairman also spoke on Gaganyaan and ISRO's focus for 2019.

WION: What will be your focus this year?

K Sivan: This year we mainly want to make use of the children, students and we want them to be more and more aware of ISRO's programmes. We want to bring students for the&nbsp;young scientist programme. Student satellite Kalam SAT is being launched. Along with this outreach programme, we have incubation centres. These are for spreading the wings of ISRO. Along with this, we have priority for Gaganyaan. We have 32 missions to be completed this year.&nbsp;

WION: We are going to launch Chandrayaan-2 this year. Weeks ago <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-landed-on-moons-far-side-we-will-aim-for-lunar-south-pole-isro-chief-191189">China landed Rover</a> on the dark side of the moon. What is the difference?

K Sivan: The Chinese have landed on the <a href="http://wionews.com/world/china-launches-rover-for-first-far-side-of-the-moon-landing-182334">dark side of the moon</a>. We are going to land on the light side of the moon. Only thing is where we are landing, nobody else has gone. Going closer to the South pole, which nobody has gone. We expect a lot of science available for that.

WION: Your reaction to China versus India space debate?

K Sivan: Regarding the tech part. We are at par with them.

WION: How are we helping the South Asian region?

K Sivan: South Asia, we have one South Asia satellite. We are giving one transponder free of cost to each country. Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives&nbsp;are making use of this. Happy to note they are using satellite for the benefit of their country

WION: On Gaganyaan, are we taking help of countries?&nbsp;

K Sivan: Gaganyaan, many countries are ready to help us. France and Russia are ready to help. We will make use of everybody's expertise to our benefit. NASA is also ready to help us. We want to make use of everyone's help for maximum benefit

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan has said when it comes to India versus China debate in the space sector, India is at par with China.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan has said when it comes to India versus China debate in the space sector, India is at par with China. His comments have come days after China's launch of Chang'e 4 lunar probe on the dark side of the moon and ahead of India's Chandrayaan-2 mission which will be launched later this year. Speaking to our correspondent Siddhant Sibal, the chairman also spoke on Gaganyaan and ISRO's focus for 2019. WION: What will be your focus this year? K Sivan: This year we mainly want to make use of the children, students and we want them to be more and more aware of ISRO's programmes. We want to bring students for the young scientist programme. Student satellite Kalam SAT is being launched. Along with this outreach programme, we have incubation centres. These are for spreading the wings of ISRO. Along with this, we have priority for Gaganyaan. We have 32 missions to be completed this year. WION: We are going to launch Chandrayaan-2 this year. Weeks ago China landed Rover on the dark side of the moon. What is the difference? K Sivan: The Chinese have landed on the dark side of the moon. We are going to land on the light side of the moon. Only thing is where we are landing, nobody else has gone. Going closer to the South pole, which nobody has gone. We expect a lot of science available for that. WION: Your reaction to China versus India space debate? K Sivan: Regarding the tech part. We are at par with them. WION: How are we helping the South Asian region? K Sivan: South Asia, we have one South Asia satellite. We are giving one transponder free of cost to each country. Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives are making use of this. Happy to note they are using satellite for the benefit of their country WION: On Gaganyaan, are we taking help of countries? K Sivan: Gaganyaan, many countries are ready to help us. France and Russia are ready to help. We will make use of everybody's expertise to our benefit. NASA is also ready to help us. We want to make use of everyone's help for maximum benefit

We are at par with China: ISRO chairman on space race

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