This December, we plan to send a half-humanoid called Vyommitra instead of a human being: ISRO Chief V. Narayanan

ISRO’s Big Update on Gaganyaan: Half-Humanoid Vyommitra Heads to Space This December

Exciting news from India’s space frontier! ISRO chief V. Narayanan shared key details about the ambitious Gaganyaan mission during a media chat in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. If you’re tracking India’s human spaceflight program, this update on uncrewed missions, astronaut training, and future goals will get you hooked.

First up, forget sending humans just yet—ISRO plans to launch a half-humanoid robot named Vyommitra in December. "We’re in the advanced stages right now," Narayanan said. "This first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission will carry Vyommitra instead of a person. If it goes well, we’ll follow with two more uncrewed flights next year." Vyommitra, designed to mimic human functions, will test the spacecraft’s systems in real space conditions, paving the way for India’s astronauts.

Shifting to the human side, Narayanan revealed that India’s first Gaganyaan astronaut—affectionately called a Gaganyatri—is on track for a 2027 launch. "By the first quarter of 2027, we aim to send our own Gaganyatri to space and bring them back safely," he added. The crew is already picked, trained, and gearing up for this historic ride. It’s all about making sure everything’s perfect for India’s crewed space mission.

In a major win, ISRO just nailed its first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01). This test checked the parachute system that will slow down the crew module during re-entry for the Gaganyaan missions. It was a team effort with the Indian Air Force, DRDO, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard. ISRO posted on X: "ISRO successfully accomplishes first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for end-to-end demonstration of parachute-based deceleration system." This milestone brings India closer to safe human spaceflights.

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, gave more insights in Parliament. He confirmed that development and ground testing for the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3)—the rocket for Gaganyaan—are done. Highlights include:

• Propulsion systems for the Crew Module and Service Module, fully developed and tested.
• Engineering model of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) ready.
• Crew Escape System (CES) with five types of motors, all static-tested.
• New facilities like the Orbital Module Preparation Facility, Gaganyaan Control Centre, crew training spots, and launch pad upgrades.

Gaganyaan isn’t just about one mission—it’s fueling India’s space dreams. Singh emphasized how this program boosts tech and manufacturing for a developed India (Viksit Bharat). Once basics are proven, ISRO eyes bigger steps: building the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) by 2035 and landing Indians on the Moon by 2040. These goals aim for longer human stays in low Earth orbit, turning India into a true space power.

Stay tuned for more on ISRO’s Gaganyaan updates—India’s space journey is heating up!

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