View source for Indian Human Spaceflight Programme

{{Short description|ISRO's human spaceflight program}}
{{copy edit|date=March 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox space programme
| name            = Indian Human Spaceflight program
| image           = Indian Astronaut Logo.png
| image_size      = 300px
| alt             = 
| caption         = Gaganyaan Astronaut Insignia
| country         = India
| organization    = [[Human Space Flight Centre]] ([[ISRO]])
| purpose         = [[Human spaceflight]]
| programme       = y
| cost            = {{INRConvert|20193|c}} 
| status          = Active
| duration        = 2006–present<ref>{{cite web |title=Scientists Discuss Indian Manned Space Mission |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/update/07-nov-2006/scientists-discuss-indian-manned-space-mission |access-date=13 January 2020 |archive-date=13 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413203522/https://www.isro.gov.in/update/07-nov-2006/scientists-discuss-indian-manned-space-mission |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| firstflight     = [[Gaganyaan-1]] (Q4 2025)<ref name="ti-20221221">{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/gaganyaan-launch-delayed-manned-mission-now-in-fourth-quarter-of-2024/articleshow/96406198.cms |title=Gaganyaan launch delayed: Manned mission now in 'fourth quarter of 2024' |work=Times of India |date=21 December 2022 |access-date=15 February 2023}}</ref>
| firstcrewed     = [[Gaganyaan|Gaganyaan-4]] (NET Q1 2027)<ref name="pib.gov.in"/>
| lastflight      = 
| successes       = 
| failures        = 
| partialfailures = 
| launchsite      = [[Satish Dhawan Space Centre]]
| launcher        = {{Hlist|[[LVM3]] (Planned)}}
| native_name_a   = 
| native_name_r   = 
}}
The '''Indian Human Spaceflight programme'''  (or the ''[[Gaganyaan]] programme'') is an ongoing programme by the [[ISRO|Indian Space Research Organisation]] (ISRO) to develop the technology needed to launch [[Human spaceflight|crewed orbital spacecraft]] into [[low Earth orbit]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/simply-put-how-to-send-an-indian-into-space-isro-maned-mission-5308964/|title=Gaganyan: How to send an Indian into space|date=16 August 2018 }}</ref> Three [[Spaceflight|uncrewed flights]], named [[Gaganyaan-1]], [[Gaganyaan-2]] and [[Gaganyaan-3]] are scheduled to launch in 2025 and 2026, followed by crewed flight in 2026 on an [[LVM3|HLVM3]] rocket.<ref name="pib.gov.in">{{Cite web |title=Prime Minister reviews readiness of Gaganyaan Mission |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1968368}}</ref><ref name="ti-20221221"/><ref name="tp-20221204">{{cite web |last=Ramesh |first=Sandhya |url=https://theprint.in/science/indias-first-human-spaceflight-gaganyan-in-limbo-astronauts-partially-trained-isro-silent/1245696/ |title=India's first human spaceflight Gaganyan in limbo, astronauts partially trained, ISRO silent |work=[[ThePrint]] |date=4 December 2022 |access-date=6 December 2022}}</ref><ref name="toi-20210722">{{cite web |last=Kumar |first=Chethan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/gaganyaan-1st-uncrewed-mission-unlikely-before-june-2022-no-life-support-systems-testing/articleshow/84655380.cms |title=Gaganyaan 1st uncrewed mission unlikely before June 2022; no life support systems testing |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=22 July 2021 |access-date=23 July 2021}}</ref><ref name="tribune-20210701">{{cite web |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/schools/first-human-rated-test-flight-for-indias-gaganyaan-not-likely-in-2021-276721 |title=First human-rated test flight for India's Gaganyaan not likely in 2021 |work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |date=1 July 2021 |access-date=1 July 2021 |archive-date=29 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029175052/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/schools/first-human-rated-test-flight-for-indias-gaganyaan-not-likely-in-2021-276721 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Before the ''[[Gaganyaan]]'' mission announcement in August 2018, human spaceflight was not a priority for ISRO, but it had been working on related technologies since 2007,<ref name="pl" /> and it performed a [[Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment]]<ref name=":3">{{cite web | url=https://www.isro.gov.in/Spacecraft/crew-module-atmospheric-re-entry-experiment-care | title=Crew module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE) - ISRO | access-date=19 September 2022 | archive-date=16 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816084003/https://www.isro.gov.in/Spacecraft/crew-module-atmospheric-re-entry-experiment-care | url-status=dead }}</ref> and a [[ISRO Pad Abort Test|Pad Abort Test]] for the mission.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/satellites-are-our-priority-now-not-human-space-flight/299103|title=Satellites Are Our Priority Now, Not Human Space Flight|work=Outlook|access-date=2017-07-21}}</ref><ref name="thehindu.com1">{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/isros-first-pad-abort-test-successful/article24336860.ece|title=ISRO's first 'pad abort' test, critical for future human space mission, successful|date=5 July 2018|work=The Hindu}}</ref> In December 2018, the Indian government approved a further {{Indian Rupee}}100&nbsp;billion crore (US$1.5 billion) for a 7-day crewed flight of 2–3 astronauts.<ref name="ndtv.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-plans-to-put-man-in-space-for-7-days-says-indian-space-research-organisation-chairman-k-sivan-1900888|title=Indian Astronaut Will Be in Space For 7 Days, Confirms ISRO Chairman}}</ref><ref name="toi-20181229">{{cite web |last=Singh |first=Surendra |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/union-cabinet-clears-rs-10000cr-for-indias-gaganyaan-project/articleshow/67288124.cms |title=Rs 10,000 crore plan to send 3 Indians to space by 2022 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=29 December 2018 |access-date=29 December 2018}}</ref><ref name=flyaway1>[https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/3-indians-to-be-sent-to-space-for-7-days-by-2022-cabinet-approves-budget-1969358 Indians To Spend 7 Days In Space In Rs. 10,000 Crore Gaganyaan Plan: 10 Points], NDTV, 28 December 2018.</ref><ref name="thenewsminute.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/jfk-1961-modi-2018-pm-announces-indian-space-2022-isro-ready-86635|title=JFK in 1961, Modi in 2018: PM announces 'Indian in space by 2022,' but is ISRO ready?|last=Suresh|first=Haripriya|date=15 August 2018|website=The News Minute}}</ref>

If completed successfully, India will become the fourth [[nation state|nation]] to conduct independent human spaceflight after the [[Soviet Union]], United States, and China. After conducting the first crewed spaceflights, the agency intends to start a [[ISRO space station|space station]] programme, crewed [[Moon landing|lunar landings]], and crewed [[Interplanetary spaceflight|interplanetary]] missions in the long term.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news| title = India eying an indigenous station in space |url = https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/science/india-planning-to-have-own-space-station-isro-chief/article27897953.ece| date = 13 June 2019| access-date = 13 June 2019| work =[[Business Line|The Hindu Business Line]]}}</ref><ref name="HTSep20"/>

== History ==
[[File:ISRO-designed Astronaut Space Suit.jpg|thumb|Prototype flight suit for crewed mission]]
[[File:Rakesh Sharma Chest Patch.svg|thumb|Patch of Indian Cosmonaut mission 1 in 1984]]
On April 3,1984, [[Rakesh Sharma]] became the first Indian citizen to travel to space on board [[Soyuz T-11]] as part of the [[Interkosmos]] programme, which visited [[Salyut 7]].<ref name=hin>{{cite news|url=http://m.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/the-down-to-earth-rakesh-sharma/article381946.ece/|title=The down to earth Rakesh Sharma|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=4 April 2010|access-date=5 April 2014|first=Pankaja|last=Srinivasan|archive-date=24 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724161536/http://m.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/the-down-to-earth-rakesh-sharma/article381946.ece/|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, the mission was launched on board a Soviet rocket and was not part of an independent Indian programme.

On August 9, 2007, the then Chairman of the ISRO, [[G. Madhavan Nair]], indicated the agency was "seriously considering" the creation of a human spaceflight programme. He further indicated that within a year, ISRO would report on its development of new space capsule technologies.<ref name=":6">{{cite news | url = http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/008200708091621.htm | title=ISRO considering manned space mission: Nair |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India | date=9 August 2007}}</ref> Development of a fully autonomous [[Spacecraft|orbital vehicle]] to carry a two-member crew into [[low Earth orbit]] (LEO) began a few months after that when the government allocated {{INRConvert|95|c|1}} for pre-project initiatives for 2007 through 2008. A crewed orbital spaceflight would require about {{INRConvert|12400|c|1}} and a period of seven years of development. The Planning Commission estimated that a budget of {{INRConvert|5000|c|1}} was required for initial work during 2007–2012 for the crewed spaceflight.<ref name=pl>{{cite web |url=http://planningcommission.nic.in:80/aboutus/committee/wrkgrp11/wg11_subspace.pdf |title=Eleventh Five year Plan (2007–12) proposals for Indian space programme|access-date=21 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512061627/http://planningcommission.nic.in/aboutus/committee/wrkgrp11/wg11_subspace.pdf |archive-date=12 May 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=bs2>{{cite news | url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=336718&chkFlg= | title = ISRO plans manned mission to moon in 2014 | work=Business Standard}}</ref> In February 2009, the Government of India authorized the human space flight programme,<ref name="BBC">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8483787.stm "India announces first manned space mission"]. BBC. 27 January 2010</ref> but fell short of fully funding it or creating the programme.

The trials for crewed space missions began in 2007 with the 600&nbsp;kg [[Space Capsule Recovery Experiment]] (SRE), launched using the [[Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle]] (PSLV) rocket, and safely returned to Earth 12 days later. This was followed by the Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment and the [[ISRO Pad Abort Test|Pad Abort Test]] in 2018. This enables India to develop heat-resistant materials, technology, and procedures necessary for human space travel.

As per the [[memorandum of understanding]] (MoU), [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) will provide support for the Human Space Mission with critical human-centric systems and technologies like space-grade food, crew healthcare, radiation measurement and protection, parachutes for safe recovery of the crew module, fire suppression systems, etc.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/science/gaganyaan-drdo-to-provide-special-space-food-and-emergency-survival-kit-for-isros-manned-mission/1888944/|title=Gaganyaan: DRDO to provide special space food and emergency survival kit for ISRO's manned mission|date=2020-03-04|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-06}}</ref> [[Defence Food Research Laboratory]] (DFRL) has worked on the [[space food]] for the crew and has been conducting trials on a [[G-suit]] for astronauts as well.<ref>{{Cite news| url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2016/dec/03/def-lab-works-on-food-for-spaceflight-crew-1545121.html| title=Def lab works on food for spaceflight crew| work=The New Indian Express| access-date=2018-08-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report-dosa-or-dum-aloo-what-will-india-s-first-astronauts-eat-1360741| title=Dosa or dum aloo. What will India's first astronauts eat?| date=2010-03-19| work=DNA| access-date=2018-08-18| language=en-US}}</ref> A prototype called "Advanced Crew Escape Suit" weighing 13&nbsp;kg and built by Sure Safety (India) Private Limited has been tested and performance verified.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=74871&boxid=3575&ed_date=2015-12-02&ed_code=1310005&ed_page=16|title=AHMEDABAD DNA G & G [PG 16] : Vadodara-based company develops space suit for ISRO|website=epaper.dnaindia.com|access-date=2018-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819011202/http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=74871&boxid=3575&ed_date=2015-12-02&ed_code=1310005&ed_page=16|archive-date=19 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/gujarats-firms-helping-isro-shape-up-manned-space-mission/| title=Gujarat's firms helping ISRO shape up 'manned space mission' |date=2015-11-03 |work=The Indian Express| access-date=2018-08-18 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Citation| last=IndiaTV|title=Gujarat's Firm Develops India's First Space Suit for ISRO {{!}} Make in India|date=2016-02-12|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LNpD7CXwMY|access-date=2018-08-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=http://164.100.47.190/loksabhaquestions/annex/10/AU213.pdf| title=Government of India, Department of Space, Unstarred Question number 213 LokSabha| date=16 November 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818202916/http://164.100.47.190/loksabhaquestions/annex/10/AU213.pdf| archive-date=18 August 2018| access-date=19 August 2018}}</ref> While the crew module is designed to carry a total of 3 passengers, the maiden crewed mission may only have one or two crews on board.<ref name="HTJan2020">{{Cite news|author=Anonna Dutt|date=2020-01-08|title=India's first manned mission Gaganyaan may take 1 astronaut|newspaper=Hindustan Times|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-s-first-manned-mission-gaganyaan-may-take-1-astronaut/story-nh095IVken3trSu0V1wVnK.html|access-date=2020-01-13}}</ref>

Having shown success in all preliminary tests,<ref>{{cite press release |title=ISRO to send first Indian into Space by 2022 as announced by PM, says Dr Jitendra Singh |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=183103 |publisher=Press Information Bureau, Government of India |agency= Department of Space |date=28 August 2018}}</ref> the decisive push for the creation of the Human Spaceflight Programme (HSP) took place in 2017,<ref name="Kadursrinivas 2017">{{cite web |last1=Rao |first1=Mukund Kadursrinivas |last2=Murthi |first2=Sridhara, K. R. |last3=Prasad M. Y. S. |title=THE DECISION FOR INDIAN HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT PROGRAMME - POLITICAL PERSPECTIVES, NATIONAL RELEVANCE AND TECHNOLOGICAL CHALLENGES |url=http://eprints.nias.res.in/1359/1/2017-MK-Rao-IAC-17-B3-1-9-IndianHumanSpaceFlightFullPaper.pdf |publisher= International Astronautical Federation}}</ref> and it was accepted and formally announced by the Prime Minister on August 15, 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title=Indian will take national flag to space on board Gaganyaan by 2022, says PM Narendra Modi in Independence Day speech |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-will-take-national-flag-to-space-on-board-gaganyaan-by-2022-says-pm-narendra-modi-in-independence-day-speech/story-ctNAmDef79gbpj7OHrU8dP.html |work=Hindustan Times |date=15 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref> The funding is approximately Rs 10,000 crore. The testing phase was expected to begin in December 2020, and the first crewed mission was to be undertaken in December 2021.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://thewire.in/space/cabinet-clears-rs-10000-crore-for-indian-spaceflight-programme-target-is-2022| title=Cabinet Okays ISRO's Human Spaceflight Programme for Rs 10,000 Crore| website=The Wire| access-date=2018-12-30}}</ref> However, on June 11, 2020, it was announced that the overall schedule for the ''Gaganyaan'' launches had been postponed due to the impact of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India]], in turn revising the timetable for the HSP.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Kumar|first=Chethan|date=11 June 2020|title=Gaganyaan mission: No Gaganyaan unmanned flight this year  |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/no-gaganyaan-unmanned-flight-this-year/articleshow/76315319.cms|access-date=2020-06-13|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> As of December 2022, the first uncrewed test flight is scheduled to launch no earlier than mid-2024,<ref name="toi-20210722" /> with the uncrewed second and crewed third flights to follow afterward.<ref name="tp-20221204" /> As per ISRO, the initial review process is complete for food, potable water, emergency first aid kits, and health monitoring systems for the ''Gaganyaan'' mission until March 16, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-03-04 |title=Gaganyaan: DRDO to provide special space food and emergency survival kit for ISRO's manned mission |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/life/science-gaganyaan-drdo-to-provide-special-space-food-and-emergency-survival-kit-for-isros-manned-mission-1888944/ |access-date=2025-06-25 |website=The Financial Express |language=en}}</ref> ISRO and the [[CNES]] joint working group on the Human Spaceflight Programme are collaborating on [[space medicine]] for the ''Gaganyaan'' project.<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 March 2021|title=India, France Working On 3rd Joint Space Mission, Says ISRO Chairman|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-france-working-on-3rd-joint-space-mission-says-isro-chairman-k-sivan-2395047|access-date=2021-03-21|website=NDTV}}</ref>

On August 4, 2024, ISRO, NASA and [[SpaceX]] announced that an Indian astronaut, [[Shubhanshu Shukla]], would serve as a pilot on board [[Axiom Mission 4]], a private [[Crew Dragon]] mission, to the ISS to become the second ever Indian to travel to space with the express goal of gaining experience for future ISRO crewed missions.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Foust |first1=Jeff |title=Hungary and Poland to join India on Ax-4 |url=https://spacenews.com/hungary-and-poland-to-join-india-on-ax-4/ |website=[[SpaceNews]] |access-date=18 February 2025}}</ref> The mission was launched on June 25, 2025.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2025/06/09/live-coverage-spacex-to-launch-fourth-commercial-axiom-mission-to-the-space-station/|title=Live coverage: SpaceX to launch fourth commercial Axiom mission to the space station|date=June 25, 2025}}</ref>

== Spacecraft developments ==
{{main|Gaganyaan}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
Schedule of ''Gaganyaan''<ref name="toi-20210722" /><ref name="PIBFeb21" /><ref name="toi-20211111" />
!Mission
!class="unsortable" | Patch
!Launch date
!Crew
!Launch vehicle
!Duration
!Goal
!Status
|-
! [[Gaganyaan-1]] (Test Flight 1)
| TBA 
| Q4 2025<ref name="ti-20221221"/><ref name="theweek">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/sci-tech/2022/01/25/exclusive-no-gaganyaan-unmanned-flight-this-year.html|title = EXCLUSIVE: No Gaganyaan unmanned flight this year| website=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]] }}</ref>
| {{N/A}}
| rowspan="4" | [[LVM3]]
| 2 days
| [[Technology demonstration]]
| Integration and Testing 
|-
! [[Gaganyaan-2]] (Test Flight 2)
| TBA 
| NET 2026<ref name="tp-20221204" /><ref name="theweek"/>
| {{N/A}}
| 2 days
| Technology demonstration mission carrying [[Vyommitra]], the humanoid robot
| {{Planned}}
|-
! [[Gaganyaan-3]] (Test Flight 3)
| TBD
| NET 2026 <ref name="tp-20221204" /><ref name="theweek"/><ref name="pib.gov.in"/>
| {{N/A}}
| 2 days
| Technology demonstration mission carrying [[Vyommitra]], the humanoid robot
| {{Planned}}
|-
! [[Gaganyaan-4]] (Crewed Flight)
| TBD
| NET 2027 <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-28 |title=Gaganyaan Scheduled for 2026, Chandrayaan-4 to Launch by 2028: ISRO |url=https://www.gadgets360.com/science/news/india-s-gaganyaan-set-for-2026-launch-chandrayaan-4-by-2028-isro-s-vision-6892202 |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Gadgets 360 |language=en}}</ref>
| {{flagicon|IND}} [[Shubhanshu Shukla]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=India's Path to Space: Group Captain Shukla Commands Gaganyaan {{!}} Headlines |url=https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3480764-indias-path-to-space-group-captain-shukla-commands-gaganyaan |access-date=2025-06-25 |website=Devdiscourse |language=en}}</ref><br>{{flagicon|IND}} TBD<ref>{{Cite web |title=ISRO yet to take call on number of astronauts |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/isro-yet-to-take-call-on-number-of-astronauts-595220/ |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref>
| TBD
| First crewed flight
| {{planned}}
|}
[[File:Gaganyaan drop test to G1.webp|thumb|Gaganyaan development timeline|313x313px]]
The first phase of this programme is to develop and fly the 3.7-ton spacecraft called ''[[Gaganyaan]]'' with the capacity to carry a 3-member crew in low Earth orbit and safely return to Earth after a mission duration of a few orbits to two days.<ref name="toi-20211111">{{cite web |last=Singh |first=Surendra |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/covid-stalled-gaganyaan-project-manned-mission-will-finally-be-launched-in-2023-isro-chief/articleshow/87650517.cms |title=Covid stalled Gaganyaan project, manned mission will finally be launched in 2023: Isro chief |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=11 November 2021 |access-date=23 November 2021}}</ref> The extendable version of the spaceship will allow flights up to seven days, rendezvous and docking capability. Before the flight of the ''Gaganyaan'' module, Group Captain [[Shubhanshu Shukla]] flew on the '''[[Axiom Mission 4|Axiom-4]]''' Mission to the [[International Space Station]].<ref>{{Cite news |author=The Hindu Bureau|date=2024-08-02 |title=India selects two astronaut-designates for upcoming Axiom-4 mission to International Space Station |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/india-selects-two-astronaut-designates-for-upcoming-axiom-4-mission-to-international-space-station/article68477978.ece |access-date=2024-08-02 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-02 |title=Nasa to launch India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to Space Station |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/nasa-isro-india-group-captain-shubhanshu-shukla-international-space-station-gaganyaan-2575972-2024-08-02 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

In the next phase, enhancements will lead to the development of a small habitat, allowing spaceflight durations of 30–40 days at once. Further advances based on experience will subsequently lead to development of a [[space station]].<ref>{{cite news| title=We're talking of habitation on moon, Mars...we have to know how to adapt: ISRO chief K. Sivan| url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/isro-chief-k-sivan-interview-habitation-on-moon-mars-5545632/}}</ref>

On October 7, 2016, Vikram Sarabhai Space Center Director K. Sivan stated that ISRO was gearing up to conduct a critical "crew bailout test' called the [[ISRO Pad Abort Test]] to see how fast and effectively the crew module could be released safely in the event of an emergency. The tests were conducted successfully on July 5, 2018, at [[Satish Dhawan Space Centre]], Sriharikota. This was the first of a series of tests to qualify a crew escape system technology.<ref name="isro.gov.in">{{Cite web|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/hi/update/05-jul-2018/successful-flight-testing-of-crew-escape-system-technology-demonstrator| title= Successful flight testing of crew escape system technology demonstrator - ISRO |website=www.isro.gov.in |language=en| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705234350/https://www.isro.gov.in/hi/update/05-jul-2018/successful-flight-testing-of-crew-escape-system-technology-demonstrator| archive-date=5 July 2018| access-date=2018-07-05}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite news| title=ISRO's first 'pad abort' test, critical for future human space mission, successful| url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/isros-first-pad-abort-test-successful/article24336860.ece}}</ref> Parachute tests were scheduled before the end of 2019, and multiple in-flight abort tests were planned starting mid-2020.<ref name = "AstrotalkUK">{{Cite web|title = Episode 90 – An update on ISRO's activities with S Somanath and R Umamaheshwaran|url = https://astrotalkuk.org/episode-90-an-update-on-isros-activities-with-s-somanath-and-r-umamaheshwaran/|date = 24 October 2019|access-date = 30 October 2019|publisher = AstrotalkUK}}</ref>{{update inline|date=March 2024}}

India will not use any animals for life support system testing but robots resembling humans will be used.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/isro-not-to-fly-living-being-before-actual-manned-space-mission-official-1916654|title=ISRO Not To Fly Living Being Before Actual Manned Space Mission: Official|work=NDTV.com|access-date=2018-09-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=ISRO to use a humanoid, not animal, for Gaganyaan tests|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/before-humans-humanoids-to-do-experiments-in-space/articleshow/67580180.cms}}</ref> ISRO is targeting more than 99.8% reliability for its crew escape system.<ref>{{cite news|title=Suits from Vadodara, parachutes from Agra: Inside ISRO's plan to launch India's first astronauts|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/suits-from-vadodara-parachutes-from-agra-inside-isros-plan-to-launch-indias-first-astronauts/articleshow/67584640.cms}}</ref>

ISRO plans to launch its crewed orbiter ''Gaganyaan'' atop a [[Launch Vehicle Mark 3]] (LVM3).<ref name="tribune-20210701" /> About 16 minutes after lift-off, the rocket will inject the orbital vehicle into an orbit 300&nbsp;to &nbsp;km above Earth. The capsule would return for a [[splashdown]] in the [[Arabian Sea]] near the [[Gujarat]] coastline.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/manned-space-mission-before-75th-i-day-isro-chief/article24803753.ece|title=Manned space mission before 75th I-Day: ISRO chief|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=2018-08-28|work=The Hindu|access-date=2018-08-29|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> As of May 2019, the design of the crew module was complete.<ref>{{Cite news|title = India's first solar mission in 2020: ISRO chairman|url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/indias-first-solar-mission-in-2020-isro-chairman/articleshow/69169011.cms|date = 4 May 2019|access-date = 5 May 2019|newspaper = [[The Times of India]]}}</ref> The spacecraft will be flown twice uncrewed for validation before conducting actual human spaceflight.<ref name = "AIR">{{Cite news| title = ISRO to launch two unmanned space missions in 2020 and 2021| url = http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=358238| date = 18 January 2019| access-date = 5 May 2019| newspaper = [[All India Radio]]| archive-date = 17 July 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200717070710/http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=358238| url-status = dead}}</ref><ref name="TOI1">{{Cite news| title = Isro to build 3 sets of rockets, crew modules for Gaganyaan| url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-to-build-3-sets-of-rockets-crew-modules-for-gaganyaan/articleshow/67306001.cms |date = 30 December 2018| access-date = 5 May 2019 |newspaper = [[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref name="TOI2">{{Cite news| title = ISRO to use a humanoid, not animal, for Gaganyaan tests |url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/before-humans-humanoids-to-do-experiments-in-space/articleshow/67580180.cms| date = 18 January 2019| access-date = 5 May 2019| newspaper = [[The Times of India]]}}</ref> As of January 2020, the crew module was due to undergo testing in the [[wind tunnel]] facility of the [[Council of Scientific and Industrial Research]] (CSIR) at the [[National Aerospace Laboratories]] (NAL).<ref>{{Cite news|author=Shimona Kanwar|title=Gaganyaan to be tested in wind tunnel facility of CSIR laboratory|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/gaganyaan-to-be-tested-in-wind-tunnel-facility-of-csir-laboratory/articleshow/73197813.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|date=2020-01-11|access-date=2020-01-13}}</ref> The spacecraft will carry one crew in its maiden crewed mission to an orbit of {{cvt|400|km}}.<ref name="HTJan2020"/>

The first uncrewed flight will involve the launch of a {{cvt|5,000|kg}} module which, after orbiting will re-enter the atmosphere and decelerate at an altitude of {{cvt|7|km}} before splashing down.<ref name="ARDEParachute">{{Cite news|author=Anantha Krishnan M|date=2020-11-11|location=Bengaluru|title=Gaganyaan Unplugged-7: ADRDE recovery system to play critical role during India's manned mission|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/nation/2020/11/10/gaganyaan-unplugged-adrde-recovery-system-manned-space-mission-india.html|newspaper=On Manorama|access-date=2020-11-11}}</ref>

== Infrastructure development ==
=== Launch pad ===
[[File:Second Launch Pad.jpg|thumb|left|'''Second Launch Pad''' of Satish Dhawan Space Centre.]]
India's maiden crewed mission is expected to take off from the [[Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad]]. In November 2019, ISRO released tenders for the pad's augmentation.<ref>{{Cite web|title = SDSC SHAR/Sr.HPS/PT/RO/11/2019-20|url = https://www.isro.gov.in/sdsc-shar-srhps-gt-ro-11-2019-2020|date = 7 November 2019|access-date = 22 November 2019|publisher = [[Indian Space Research Organization]]|website = www.isro.gov.in|archive-date = 8 November 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191108102554/https://www.isro.gov.in/sdsc-shar-srhps-gt-ro-11-2019-2020|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = RFP TO REALISE HYDRANT SYSTEM FOR AUGMENTED FACILITIES AT SLP COMPLEX (ASLP) SDSC, SHAR SRIHARIKOTA|url = https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/tenders/pt_ro_11_12242.pdf|date = 7 November 2019|access-date = 22 November 2019|publisher = [[Indian Space Research Organization]]|website = www.isro.gov.in|archive-date = 12 October 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201012081817/https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/tenders/pt_ro_11_12242.pdf|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Work Contract to carry out Video & Still Photography documentation coverage and VIDEO Editing Works of Technical Photography Facility|url = https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/tenders/pt_ro_11_12323.pdf|date = 7 November 2019|access-date = 22 November 2019|publisher = [[Indian Space Research Organization]]|website = www.isro.gov.in|archive-date = 8 November 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191108102438/https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/tenders/pt_ro_11_12323.pdf|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = SUPPLY OF RAW MATERIAL, FABRICATION, ERECTION AND COMMISSIONING OF STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS FOR GAGANYAAN MISSION AT UMBILICAL TOWER OF SECOND LAUNCH PAD (SLP)|url = https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/tenders/pt_ro_11_12444.pdf|date = 7 November 2019|access-date = 22 November 2019|publisher = [[Indian Space Research Organization]]|website = www.isro.gov.in|archive-date = 12 October 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201012075917/https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/tenders/pt_ro_11_12444.pdf|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = REALISATION OF NEW HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FOR CREW ACCESS ARM (CAA) & AUGMENTATION/MODIFICATION OF EXISTING SCVRP-3 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FOR SERVICING GAGANYAAN MISSION AT UMBILICAL TOWER (UT) OF SECOND LAUNCH PAD (SLP)|url = https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/tenders/pt_ro_11_12508.pdf|date = 7 November 2019|access-date = 22 November 2019|publisher = [[Indian Space Research Organization]]|website = www.isro.gov.in|archive-date = 15 October 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201015062919/https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/tenders/pt_ro_11_12508.pdf|url-status = dead}}</ref> A [[Satish Dhawan Space Centre Third Launch Pad|third launch pad]] in [[Sriharikota]] has been proposed for India's future launch vehicles and crewed missions.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ISRO+to+begin+process+for+Human+Space+Flight+Mission/1/81067.html | title=ISRO to begin process for Human Space Flight Mission | work=[[Press Trust of India|PTI]] | date=26 January 2010 | agency=[[India Today]] | access-date=22 November 2019 | location=Hyderabad}}</ref> Systems for crew ingress and egress, an access platform, recovery setup for emergencies during the flight's ascent phase, module preparation facility for assembly and testing will be built. All the facilities will be connected to an upcoming ''Gaganyaan'' control facility which will be built nearby and facilitate communication and monitor the crew capsule during flight.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Mission Gaganyaan: A small stepway for man, a giant leap for India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/a-small-stepway-for-man-a-giant-leap-for-india/articleshow/108829703.cms |access-date=2024-04-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

=== Human-Rating of LVM3 ===
[[File:HLVM3.svg|thumb|2D representation of ISRO's Human Rated LVM3.]]
Human-rating allows the system to be capable of safely transporting humans. ISRO will be building and launching 3 missions to validate the human rating of the LVM3.<ref name="pib.gov.in"/><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-to-build-3-sets-of-rockets-crew-modules-for-gaganyaan/articleshow/67306001.cms|title=Isro to build 3 sets of rockets, crew modules for Gaganyaan |website=The Times of India|date=30 December 2018 |access-date=2018-12-30}}</ref> Existing launch facilities will be upgraded to enable them to carry out launches under the Indian Human Spaceflight campaign.<ref>{{cite news |title=India's human space programme gets a fillip |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/nov/15/indias-human-space-programme-gets-a-fillip-1898396.html |access-date=11 January 2019 |quote=Initially, the plan was the construct a new launch pad for the human space flight, but Sivan told the Express that due to paucity of time one of the two existing launch pads is being modified to meet the requirement.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Question number 1733 in Rajya Sabha |url=https://164.100.158.235/question/annex/247/Au1733.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416160637/https://164.100.158.235/question/annex/247/Au1733.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 April 2023 |access-date=11 January 2019 |quote=It is proposed to utilise the existing launch pad with augmentation for carrying out the initial flights under the Gaganyaan manned space flight programme. }}</ref>

ISRO has been modifying propulsion modules of various stages of the rocket for human rating. Theoretical parameters for human rating were expected to be achieved by August or September 2020 to be followed by simulations and three test launches.<ref name = "TOIMarch2020"/>{{update inline|date=March 2024}}

=== Escape System ===
[[File:TVD1-Brochure elements 22.png|thumb|launch escape system|left]]
ISRO has successfully conducted [[ISRO Pad Abort Test|a pad abort test]] to validate its [[launch escape system]] for fast and effective crew extraction in the event of an emergency. The tests were conducted successfully on July 5, 2018, at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This was the first of a series of tests to qualify a crew escape system technology.<ref name="isro.gov.in"/><ref name="ReferenceA"/> Work on parachute enlargement is also ongoing.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/isro-drdo-agra-labs-make-711368.html|title=Agra lab parachutes to bring back India astronauts|date=2019-01-04|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|access-date=2019-01-11}}</ref> Parachute tests are scheduled before the end of 2019, and multiple in-flight abort tests are planned starting mid-2020, using a liquid-fueled test vehicle.<ref name = "AstrotalkUK"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Isro all set to test Gaganyaan's crew abort system |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-all-set-to-test-gaganyaans-crew-abort-system/articleshow/71768673.cms |access-date=30 October 2019}}</ref>{{update inline|date=March 2024}}

A new test vehicle was designed in early 2020 for the validation of the crew escape system. The vehicle was built for in-flight crew escape of crew and possesses propulsion on top of the module to pull the module away to a safe distance.<ref name = "TOIMarch2020">{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=Chethan|title=Gaganyaan: Isro designs new vehicle to test crew escape systems|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/gaganyaan-isro-designs-new-vehicle-to-test-crew-escape-systems/articleshow/74410901.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|date=2020-02-29|access-date=2020-03-02}}</ref>

=== Certification ===
ISRO is working on developing an indigenous mechanism to certify its spacecraft that will take humans to space.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ISRO to develop indigenous method to certify spacecraft |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2024/jan/08/isro-to-develop-indigenous-method-to-certify-spacecraft-2648997.html |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=The New Indian Express|date=8 January 2024 }}</ref>

===Communication===
The spacecraft is expected to communicate with [[ISTRAC]] and other partner antennaes.For the Initial test flights, it has been planned that Two terminal ships are to be placed in both the [[Pacific Ocean]] and the [[Atlantic Ocean]] for communication with the spacecraft.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-25 |title=Gaganyaan mission: ISRO gives good news, mission to be launched in..., plan includes... |url=https://www.india.com/science/gaganyaan-mission-isro-gives-good-news-mission-to-be-launched-in-plan-includes-7419682/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=India.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gaganyaan's Unmanned Mission May Go To Space Next March, ISRO Ships To Track From Pacific, Atlantic Oceans |url=https://www.news18.com/india/gaganyaans-unmanned-mission-may-go-to-space-next-march-isro-ships-to-track-from-pacific-atlantic-oceans-9132834.html |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> Future flight s are expected to also be SATCOm capable, talking to India Geostationary Communication Satellites.

==Astronauts==
{{See also|List of Indian astronauts}}

===Astronaut selection and training===
In the spring of 2009, a full-scale mock-up of the crew capsule was built and delivered to Satish Dhawan Space Centre for astronaut training. India was to shortlist 200 [[Indian Air Force]] pilots for this purpose. The selection process would begin with the candidates completing an ISRO questionnaire, after which they would be subjected to physical and psychological analyses. Only 4 of the 200 applicants were to be selected for the first space mission training. While two will fly, two shall act as reservists.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090504092855/http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/02/stories/2009050255231100.htm Model of space crew module ready], ''The Hindu'', 2 May 2009</ref><ref name="ET2012">{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/iaf-developing-parameters-for-indias-manned-space-mission/articleshow/17798420.cms|title=IAF developing parameters for India's manned space mission|date=28 December 2012|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=28 December 2012}}</ref>

ISRO signed a memorandum of understanding in 2009 with the [[Indian Air Force]]'s Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) to conduct preliminary research on the psychological and physiological needs of the crew and the development of training facilities.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.thespacereview.com/article/2481/1| title=The Space Review: Prospects for the Indian human spaceflight program| website=www.thespacereview.com| access-date=2018-08-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.livemint.com/Companies/tztJqS1r9fxpkbKedwz6lN/Isro-unit-to-start-building-space-capsule-for-manned-mission.html| title=Isro unit to start building space capsule for manned mission| website=Livemint.com| date=23 March 2010| access-date=2018-08-18}}</ref> IAM played a key role in determining astronaut training, the design of the crew capsule as per the anthropometric dimensions of the Indian population and a number of control and environmental systems as per psychological and physiological needs.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Anantha Krishnan M|title=IAM to play pivotal role after Indian astronaut selects return from Russia|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/nation/2020/05/22/gaganyaan-unplugged-isro-indian-astronauts-space-mission.html|publisher=Malayala Manorama|date=2020-05-23|access-date=2020-09-01}}</ref>

The announcement of ''Gaganyaan'' by Prime Minister Modi immediately attracted an enthusiastic reaction from the Indian diaspora, and ISRO received millions of letters and emails from Indian residents as well as expats willing to volunteer as astronauts for the project.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Anantha Krishnan M|title=ISRO was flooded with requests from Indians wanting to become astronauts|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/nation/2020/04/15/isro-gaganyaan-indian-human-spaceflight-programme-hsp.html|publisher=Malayala Manorama|date=2020-04-17|access-date=2020-09-01}}</ref>

In January 2019, ISRO Chairman K. Sivan announced the creation of India's [[Human Space Flight Centre]] in Bengaluru for training astronauts.<ref>[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/isro-set-for-april-launch-of-chandrayaan-2-after-missed-deadline/story-BjMmDmHQ5lqU5yijS8qfJN.html ISRO set for April launch of Chandrayaan-2 after missed deadline]. Vikram Gopal, ''Hindustan Times'', 11 January 2019.</ref> The {{INRConvert|1000|c|1}} centre will train the selected astronauts in rescue and recovery operations, operations in a zero-gravity environment, and monitoring of the radiation environment. While the HSFC will initially operate out of ISRO headquarters, another facility, a dedicated campus, has been planned to be built near Bengaluru. The facility will include offices, housing, testing and integration facilities and will also employ a workforce of 1,000 people in the long term.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Anantha Krishnan M|title=Along with Gaganyaan, tech for Indian space station will emerge: Dr. Sivan|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/nation/2020/04/17/gaganyaan-unplugged-isro-manned-space-mission-india-part2-k-sivan.html|publisher=Malayala Manorama|date=2020-04-18|access-date=2020-09-01}}</ref>

An astronaut training facility will be established on a proposed {{convert|140|acre|km2}} site near [[Kempegowda International Airport]] in [[Devanahalli]], Karnataka.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/beyond-space-isro-plans-to-place-indians-on-the-moon/articleshow/67500457.cms|title=Beyond space: Isro plans to place Indians on the Moon |website=The Times of India|date=12 January 2019 |access-date=2019-01-12}}</ref>

[[ISRO]]'s [[Human Space Flight Centre]] and [[Glavcosmos]], which is a subsidiary of the Russian state corporation [[Roscosmos]], signed an agreement on July 1, 2019, for cooperation in the selection, support, medical examination, and space training of four Indian astronauts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.roscosmos.ru/20881/|title=News. Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin met with the Indian delegation|website=en.roscosmos.ru|language=en|access-date=2019-08-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/its-official-india-picks-russia-to-pick-train-astronauts/articleshow/70031169.cms|title=Gaganyaan: India chooses Russia to pick & train astronauts  |date=1 July 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-08-01}}</ref> An ISRO Technical Liaison Unit (ITLU) has been approved to be set up in [[Moscow]] for coordination activities.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cabinet approves setting up of ISRO's technical liaison unit in Moscow|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/cabinet-approves-setting-up-of-isro-s-technical-liaison-unit-in-moscow-1575834-2019-07-31|publisher=India Today|date=July 31, 2019|access-date=November 21, 2022}}</ref> Until September 2019, level 1 of the astronaut selection process was completed in Bengaluru. The selected test pilots underwent physical exercise tests, lab investigations, radiological tests, clinical tests, and evaluations on various facets of their psychology.<ref name = "IAFontwitter">{{Cite news|title = Indian Air Force media coordination center|url = https://mobile.twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1169879180630036482|date = 6 September 2019|access-date = 6 September 2019|work = IAF MCC}}</ref><ref name = "SeptembertrainingTOI">{{Cite news|title = Gaganyaan: Level 1 of astronaut selection done in Bengaluru|url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/gaganyaan-level-1-of-astronaut-selection-done-in-bengaluru/articleshow/71004377.cms |date = 6 September 2019|access-date = 6 September 2019|newspaper = [[The Times of India]]}}</ref> By November 2019 the [[Indian Air Force]] had selected 12 potential astronauts who would then go to Russia for further training in two batches.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/seven-iaf-pilots-sent-to-russia-for-indias-first-space-manned-mission/articleshow/72067483.cms|title=Seven IAF pilots sent to Russia for India's first manned mission to space|date=2019-11-15|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-11-18}}</ref>

As selection criteria require test pilot experience, any females will not be part of the first Indian crewed spaceflight. The first crewed flight will consist of a crew of three with one backup and this team of four went to Russia for astronaut training.<ref name = "AstrotalkUK"/>

[[File:Crafting India's Space future at the Gaganyaan Astronaut Training Facility.webm|thumb|right|[[Gaganyaan]] crew training video]]

In December 2019, the selection process came to a close,<ref name="THDec2019">{{Cite news|title=Tests for an unmanned mission by 2020-end, says ISRO chief|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/unmanned-test-mission-by-end-of-next-year/article30420219.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=2019-12-28|access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Pinto|first=Nolan|title=4 astronauts identified for Gaganyaan mission: Isro chief K Sivan|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/gaganyaan-4-astronauts-identified-isro-k-sivan-1633024-2020-01-01|newspaper=IndiaToday|date=2020-01-01|access-date=2020-01-03}}</ref> and four candidates began their 12-month training at the [[Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center]] on February 10, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.roscosmos.ru/21248/|title=News. Indian candidates for a human spaceflight start training in Russia|website=en.roscosmos.ru|language=en|access-date=2020-02-10}}</ref> The astronauts were trained for abnormal landings in various terrains, including forests, rivers, and sea.<ref name = "TOIMarch2020"/>

In February 2020, Indian astronaut candidates completed their winter survival training.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/gaganyaan-four-iaf-pilots-complete-winter-survival-training-at-russia-centre-6311607/|title=Gaganyaan: Four IAF pilots complete winter survival training at Russia centre|date=2020-03-13|website=The Indian Express|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gctc.ru/main.php?id=4893|title=Центр подготовки космонавтов им. Ю.А.Гагарина. Официальный Web-сайт|website=www.gctc.ru|language=ru|access-date=2020-03-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.roscosmos.ru/28118/|title=Новости. Очередные "зимние выживания" космонавтов|website=www.roscosmos.ru|access-date=2020-03-15}}</ref>

ISRO has also proposed a{{INRConvert|2700|c|lk=on}} plan to establish an astronaut training centre at [[Challakere]] in [[Chitradurga]] district. The facility would take at least 2–3 years to be established after the government's approval.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Madhumathi D.S.|title=Challakere to be ISRO's astronaut training hub|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/challakere-to-be-isros-astronaut-training-hub/article30489101.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=2020-01-06|access-date=2020-01-06}}</ref> Following their training in Russia for unexpected and extreme situations, Indian astronauts were to return to India in March 2021 for the rest of their training in an Indian module.<ref name="HTSep20">{{Cite news|last=Dutt|first=Anonna|location=New Delhi|title=Gaganyaan mission: Astronauts to undergo Isro module next year|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/gaganyaan-mission-astronauts-to-undergo-isro-module-next-year/story-t4FPl0e2b7sLMgqyJ6QoyH.html|date=2020-09-18|access-date=2020-09-21}}</ref> However, due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], training was put on hold from March 28 to May 11 and restarted on May 12, 2020.<ref name="PIBFeb21">{{Cite news|last=Department of Space|date=2021-02-10|title=Training of Astronauts and Progress of Gaganyaan Mission|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1696779|newspaper=Press Information Bureau|location=Delhi|access-date=2021-02-11}}</ref> CNES is supplying the flight system and training flight physicians and technical teams for the Indian Human Spaceflight Program. It is also collaborating and sharing its expertise in the domains of space medicine, astronaut health monitoring and life support.<ref>{{cite news |title=ISRO to launch its Venus mission in 2025, France to take part |url=https://www.livemint.com/science/news/isro-to-launch-its-venus-mission-in-2025-france-to-take-part-11601476329074.html |access-date=1 October 2020 |agency=PTI |publisher=Livemint |date=30 September 2020}}</ref>

On the 91st [[Indian Air Force]] Day in 2023, the IAF released a video on [[Twitter]], sharing a glimpse of the astronauts (without revealing their faces) training for the ''Gaganyaan'' mission.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch: Indian Air Force shares 'first-look' of India's ISRO Gaganyaan Astronauts |url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-air-force-shares-first-look-of-indias-isro-gaganyaan-astronauts-642235 |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=WION |date=3 October 2023 |language=en-us}}</ref> While two or three out of the four astronauts will be selected to fly on the first crewed flight, one of the astronauts on this mission flew before the ''Gaganyaan'' prime crew on a mission to the [[ISS]] aboard [[Axiom Mission 4|Ax-4]] on 25 June 2025, as the second Indian astronaut in space after [[Rakesh Sharma]], though the plan is yet to be finalized. The four have been conducting mission-specific training in India ever since they returned from Russia.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-04 |title=IAF video gives glimpses of Gaganyaan astronauts |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-video-gives-glimpses-of-gaganyaan-astronauts/articleshow/104137769.cms |access-date=2023-10-04 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-09 |title=India, US to work together to protect space assets, cooperate for sending astronauts to ISS in 2024: Joint statement |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-us-to-work-together-to-protect-space-assets-cooperate-for-sending-astronauts-to-iss-in-2024-joint-statement/articleshow/103521854.cms |access-date=2023-10-03 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-23 |title=India, US plan to send Indian astronaut to International Space Station in 2024 |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/india-us-plan-to-send-indian-astronaut-to-international-space-station-in-2024-386788-2023-06-23 |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref>

===Candidates announcement and First crew===
[[File:Gaganyaan Crew.jpg|300px|Indian Astronauts Corps (2019 Batch)<br>(L-R) Nair, Krishnan, Pratap and Shukla]]

On February 27, 2024, at the [[Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre|Vikram Sarabhai Space Center]], [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] announced the names of the four designated astronauts who will be eligible for future flights as part of the Gaganyaan program, as well as an Indo-US joint mission ([[Axiom Mission 4|Ax-4]]) to the [[International Space Station]]. [[Governor of Kerala|Kerala Governor]] [[Arif Mohammad Khan]], [[Chief minister of Kerala|Chief Minister]] [[Pinarayi Vijayan]], Minister of State for External Affairs [[V. Muraleedharan]], ISRO chairman [[S. Somanath]] and other high-ranking ISRO officials were present at the reveal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-27 |title=Gaganyaan mission: Names of four astronauts revealed by Modi |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-kerala-pm-modi-likely-announce-names-of-these-pilots-for-gaganyaan-mission-report-101709000231718.html |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-27 |title=ISRO flying high! PM Modi announces Gaganyaan astronauts, inaugurates 3 new launch pads and interacts with Vyommitra |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/visualstories/news/isro-flying-high-pm-modi-announces-gaganyaan-astronauts-inaugurates-3-new-launch-pads-and-interacts-with-vyommitra-108497-27-02-2024 |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=www.businesstoday.in |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Livemint |date=2024-02-27 |title=PM Modi announces names of four astronauts for Gaganyaan mission at ISRO {{!}} Watch |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-modi-in-kerala-pm-modi-four-pilots-astronauts-name-gaganyaan-mission-launch-date-isro-angad-pratap-space-mission-11709017709709.html |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=www.livemint.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=India's Fantastic 4: Meet The Gaganyaan Astronauts Named By PM |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/gaganyaan-mission-astronauts-meet-the-4-astronauts-of-indias-crewed-space-mission-gaganyaan-5135754 |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> The selected astronauts are:

*'''[[Group captain (India)|Group Captain]] [[Prasanth Nair]]''' 
*'''[[Group captain (India)|Group Captain]] [[Ajit Krishnan]]'''
*'''[[Group captain (India)|Group Captain]] [[Angad Pratap]]'''
*'''[[Group captain (India)|Group Captain]] [[Shubhanshu Shukla]]'''

They were given Indian [[astronaut wings]] and the Gaganyaan mission logo and moto.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-27 |title=Group Captain Prashanth Nair among four test pilots for Gaganyaan Mission; PM Modi to announce all 4 names today |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/group-captain-prashanth-nair-among-four-test-pilots-for-gaganyaan-mission-pm-modi-to-announce-all-4-names-today-419039-2024-02-27 |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-02-27 |title=Nair, Prathap, Krishnan and Chauhan listed for Gaganyaan mission |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nair-prathap-krishnan-and-chauhan-listed-for-gaganyaan-mission/articleshow/108022351.cms |access-date=2024-02-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The Indo-US joint mission astronaut is Shubhanshu Shukla, while [[Prasanth Nair]] was selected as his backup. Both were thus selected to train at [[NASA]] facilities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-03 |title=Who is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the 'prime astronaut' for Indo-US mission to space? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/who-is-shubhanshu-shukla-indo-us-space-mission-9492109/ |access-date=2024-08-03 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

The necessity for additional astronauts on future space missions has already been acknowledged by ISRO. The broader pool of potential astronauts will be created in collaboration with the '''IAF's Institute of Aerospace Medicine'''. Candidates from experimental domains and those engaged in aeronautical research directly are of particular interest to ISRO. Angad Pratap, the Gaganyaan Group Captain, has stated that priority will be given to research work that will address the difficulties that ISRO faces in its technical endeavors. Even if researchers and military aviators might make up the majority of the initial batches, subsequent choices are probably going to be more diverse. The astronauts have to become experts in space theory, take part in simulator training, and interact with scientists. One essential part of the Astronaut Training School (ATS) is aero-medical training. Also required is survival training in a variety of settings, including the sea, the desert, and the snow.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-10-04 |title=Seek science milestones, not personal glory: Gaganyaan astronaut; next batch selection soon: Isro Chief |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/seek-science-milestones-not-personal-glory-gaganyaan-astronaut-next-batch-selection-soon-isro-chief/articleshow/113946017.cms |access-date=2024-10-08 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

=== Ground uniform ===
The ground uniforms were developed by the staff and students of the [[National Institute of Fashion Technology]] (NIFT), [[Bengaluru]]. Under the direction of the former NIFT director Susan Thomas, the NIFT team—which consisted of three students, Lamia Anees, Samarpan Pradhan, and Tuliya D—as well as two professors, Jonalee Bajpai and Mohan Kumar V—worked on designing the ground uniform for the Gaganyaan mission. The team highlighted the importance for the astronaut-designates' pockets to fit perfectly and the uniform must operate well in order to support their motions. Seventy possibilities were considered before the final design was chosen. The NIFT team examined various space agency uniforms, such as those from [[SpaceX]] and [[NASA]]. The theme that the NIFT team has explored is asymmetry. The group worked on a two-colored, asymmetrical style line. The design was commissioned in 2021 by the NIFT team, and in 2022, they handed the design to ISRO.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Monalisa |first=Monika |date=2024-03-05 |title=High flying: Indian Gaganyaan Astronauts sport NIFT-designed space suits; blend of style and function unveiled |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2024/Mar/05/high-flying-indian-gaganyaan-astronauts-sport-nift-designed-space-suits-blend-of-style-and-function-unveiled |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ullas |first=Sruthy Susan |date=2024-02-29 |title=Gaganauts' ground suit designed by NIFT Bengaluru team has asymmetry as theme |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/gaganyaan-astronauts-ground-suit-designed-by-nift-bengaluru-team-with-asymmetry-as-the-theme/articleshow/108089129.cms |access-date=2024-03-05 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

=== Space food ===
{{update|date=March 2024}} 
The [[Mysore]]-based [[Defence Food Research Laboratory]] (DFRL), a unit of the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO), has developed dried and packaged food for astronauts. The food laboratory has developed around 70 varieties of dehydrated and processed food items that have undergone strict procedures to eliminate on microbacterial and macrobacterial nutrients. Special care has to be taken in the packaging, and the food items should be of limited weight, but at the same time should be high in nutritional quality.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/technology/report-drdo-develops-space-food-for-astronauts-1430510|title=DRDO develops space food for astronauts|date=2010-08-29|website=DNA India|language=en|access-date=2019-09-07}}</ref> Waste disposal systems for leftover food, liquid dispensing systems, food rehydrating systems and heaters adaptable to outer space conditions are in development, although the list of food products planned to fly aboard Gaganyaan is yet to be publicized as of August 2020. DFRL is expected to launch its Ready-to-Eat (RTE) space food by March 2021. The initial batch for the crewed spaceflight Gaganyaan-H1 will carry foodstuffs sufficient for 7 days.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Anantha Krishnan M|title=Gaganyaan Unplugged-5: Tasty space food warming up at DFRL Mysuru for India's manned mission|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/nation/2020/08/27/gaganyaan-manned-flight-food-warming-dfrl-mysuru.html|publisher=Malayala Manorama|date=2020-08-27|access-date=2020-09-01}}</ref>

=== Space medicine ===
{{expand section|date=March 2024}}
India sent two flight surgeons to Russia and France to get hands-on experience in space medicines. The flights surgeons are doctors from the Indian Air Force, specializing in aerospace medicine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Jan 10, 2021 |title=Two Indian flight surgeons to visit Russia for space medicine training |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/two-indian-flight-surgeons-to-visit-russia-for-space-medicine-training-121011000468_1.html |access-date=Aug 14, 2024 |website=Business Standard}}</ref>

[[Gaganyaan]] and the Indian Human Spaceflight programme are coming up, hence ISRO Chairman [[S. Somanath]] encouraged the [[National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences]] (NIMHANS) to come up with solutions for spaceflight astronauts' psychological health.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-10-03 |title=NIMHANS should provide solutions for psychological well-being of astronauts in space: ISRO Chairman |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/nimhans-should-provide-solutions-for-psychological-well-being-of-astronauts-in-space-isro-chairman/article68714424.ece |access-date=2024-10-08 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

=== Humanoid robots ===
{{Main|Vyommitra}}
[[File:Vyommitra (Space friend), ISRO.jpg|thumb|Vyommitra|200x200px]]
Unlike other nations that have carried out human spaceflight, India will not fly animals into space. Instead, it will fly humanoid robots for a better understanding of what weightlessness and radiation do to the human body during long durations in space.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-48918280|title=Why is India sending robots into space?|date=2019-07-25|access-date=2019-09-07|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="HTJan2020"/> A legless humanoid named as ''[[Vyommitra]]'' was displayed in January 2020 which is expected to fly onboard uncrewed experimental missions as well as assist astronauts on crewed missions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=IAA-ISRO-ASI Symposium on Human Space Flight and Exploration was organised at Bangalore|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/update/24-jan-2020/iaa-isro-asi-symposium-human-space-flight-and-exploration-was-organised-bangalore|website=www.isro.gov.in|date=2020-01-24|access-date=2020-01-25|archive-date=4 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804152242/https://www.isro.gov.in/update/24-jan-2020/iaa-isro-asi-symposium-human-space-flight-and-exploration-was-organised-bangalore|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Experiments and objectives ==
On November 7, 2018, ISRO released an Announcement of Opportunity seeking proposals from the Indian science community for microgravity experiments that could be carried out during the first two robotic flights of ''[[Gaganyaan]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for Low Earth Orbit based Microgravity Experiments - ISRO|url=https://www.isro.gov.in/announcement-of-opportunity-ao-low-earth-orbit-based-microgravity-experiments|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20181121212659/http://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/microgravity_experiments_ao.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 November 2018|access-date=22 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Human Mission: ISRO looking at pool of 10 experiments in space|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/human-mission-isro-looking-at-pool-of-10-experiments-in-space/articleshow/66582995.cms}}</ref> The scope of the experiments is not restricted, and other relevant ideas will be entertained. The proposed orbit for microgravity platform is expected to be in an Earth-bound orbit at approximately 400&nbsp;km altitude. All the proposed internal and external experimental payloads will undergo thermal, vacuum and radiation tests under required temperature and pressure conditions. To carry out [[microgravity|micro-gravity]] experiments for long duration, a satellite may be placed in orbit. Astronauts will perform four biological and two physical science experiments related to [[Micro-g environment|micro-gravity]] during the mission.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://164.100.24.220/loksabhaquestions/annex/173/AU2259.pdf|title=Lok Sabha, Unstarred Question number 2259|date=4 March 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305122402/http://164.100.24.220/loksabhaquestions/annex/173/AU2259.pdf|archive-date=5 March 2020|access-date=4 March 2020}}</ref>

==Space station==
{{main|Bharatiya Antariksha Station}}
India plans to deploy a 52-tonne [[space station]] named Bharatiya Antariksha Station,<ref name="pib.gov.in"/> as a follow-up programme to the [[Gaganyaan]] missions. On June 13, 2019, [[ISRO]] Chief [[K. Sivan]] announced the plan, saying that India's space station will be deployed 5–7 years after the completion of the ''Gaganyaan'' programme. He also said that India will not join the [[International Space Station program]]. The space station would be capable of harbouring a crew for 15–20 days at a time. It is expected to be placed in a [[low Earth orbit]] of 400&nbsp;km altitude and be capable of harbouring three humans. Final approval is expected to be given to the programme by the Indian government only after the completion of the [[Gaganyaan]] missions.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-to-have-its-own-space-station-isro/articleshow/69775360.cms| title=India's own space station to come up in 5–7 years: Isro chief  | first=Surendra|last=Singh |date=13 June 2019| website=The Times of India| language=en|access-date=2019-07-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = India's space station likel to have space for three|url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indias-space-station-likely-to-have-space-for-three/articleshow/71828669.cms|date = 31 October 2019|access-date = 31 October 2019|newspaper =[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indias-space-station-likely-to-have-space-for-three/articleshow/71828669.cms|title=India's space station likely to have space for three|date=31 October 2019|access-date=1 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/india-to-have-a-separate-space-station-isro/article27898707.ece|title=India to have its own space station: ISRO|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=2019-06-13|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-11-01|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|quote=Giving out broad contours of the planned space station, Dr. Sivan said it has been envisaged to weigh 20 tonnes and will be placed in an orbit of 400&nbsp;km above earth where astronauts can stay for 15–20 days. The time frame is 5–7 years after Gaganyaan, he stated.}}</ref>

[[Indian Space Research Organisation|ISRO]] is working to develop [[Docking and berthing of spacecraft|spacecraft docking and berthing]] technology, with initial funding of ₹10 [[crore]] cleared in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-project-that-can-aid-refuel-repair-of-satellites-in-space-gets-push/articleshow/58467493.cms |title=ISRO: Isro project that can aid refuel, repair of satellites in space gets push  |last=Kumar| first=Chethan|date=2 May 2017| website=The Times of India |language=en |access-date=2019-07-24}}</ref> A Space Docking Experiment, or [[SPADEX]], is being worked out by ISRO with systems like signal analysis equipment, high-precision videometer for navigation, docking system electronics and real-time decision making for landing systems being developed in various stages. As part of [[SPADEX]], ISRO will launch 2 small satellites for testing. This technology is crucial for a space station as it will enable the transfer of humans from one vehicle or spacecraft to another.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-has-been-quietly-working-on-key-technology-to-enable-space-station/articleshow/69775029.cms| title=ISRO Latest news: India has been quietly working on key technology to enable space station  | last=Kumar| first=Chethan| date=13 June 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-07-24}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Gaganyaan]]
* [[LVM3]]
* [[Chandrayaan programme]]
* [[Indian Mars exploration missions]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category}}
{{Portal bar|Spaceflight|India}} 
* [https://www.isro.gov.in/Gaganyaan.html Official website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070928235713/http://www.gujaratglobal.com/nextSub.php?id=1877&catype=NEWS President Kalam's vision: India will land on the Moon in August 2025]
* [http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/science/human-space-flight-prog-hal-hands-over-crew-module-assembly-to-isro/article5685195.ece Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) hands over the first 'Crew Module Structural Assembly' to ISRO]. 13 February 2014.

{{Public sector space agencies}}
{{Indian space programme}}
{{Indian spacecraft}}
{{Politics of outer space}}

[[Category:Space programme of India]]
[[Category:Human spaceflight programs]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:2006 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Gaganyaan]]