Preparing for India's first human spaceflight by2027: ISRO chief after PSLV-C61 mission setback

In News

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan announced that despite the setback in the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 mission, the year 2025 remains a landmark for ISRO.
• The organisation is preparing for Chandrayaan-4, Chandrayaan-5, three uncrewed missions, and India’s first human spaceflight—‘Gaganyaan’—targeted for 2027.

About PSLV-C61/EOS-09 Mission

• Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• Performance:
  • First and second stages: Functioned normally.
  • Setback: Technical issues in the third stage solid rocket motor caused the mission failure.
• Payload: EOS-09 satellite and 9 co-passenger payloads.
• Outcome: Mission objectives could not be accomplished.

ISRO’s Roadmap Ahead (2025–2027)

• Chandrayaan-4 & Chandrayaan-5: Continuing lunar exploration.
• Three uncrewed missions: To test technologies ahead of human spaceflight.
• Gaganyaan Mission (2027):
  • India’s first human spaceflight programme.
  • Focused on sending Indian astronauts to low Earth orbit (LEO).
  • Preparations include crew training, life-support system validation, and human-rated launch vehicle testing.

Significance

• Despite setbacks, ISRO continues to demonstrate resilience and long-term vision.
• Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan missions reflect India’s strategic ambition in lunar exploration and human spaceflight.
• Strengthens India’s position in the global space ecosystem.
  
  
  Updated - 21 May 2025 ; 8: 40 PM | ANI