India’s crewed space program will fly this year, after missing 2022 and 2025 targets

India's crewed space program, known as Gaganyaan, is set to launch this year for the first time, following missed deadlines in 2022 and 2025. The program, managed by India's space research organization (ISRO), aims to operate a space station by 2035. Dr. V. Narayanan, ISRO Chairman, announced during India's third annual National Space Day that testing of the rocket and crew module for Gaganyaan missions is almost complete, with the first of three test flights scheduled for this year.

The LVM3 launcher, which ISRO has successfully flown nine times, will be used for the Gaganyaan missions. This version is specifically rated for human use, featuring a crew escape system with solid-fuel motors to ensure the safety of the Vyomanauts, or astronauts, as they are locally known. The Gaganyaan crew module is designed to transport three Vyomanauts and maintain a stable orbit at 400km altitude for three days before landing in Indian waters.

While ISRO has not yet disclosed its plans for the subsequent test missions or the first crewed mission, the agency has previously mentioned that a robot will be launched on at least one Gaganyaan test flight.

The successful launch of Vyomanauts into orbit would make India the fourth nation to accomplish this feat, following Russia, the USA, and China. In addition to the Gaganyaan program, ISRO has hinted at expanding its orbital ambitions, including the construction of an Indian space station by 2035. The agency also hinted at increased involvement from private space companies, which could potentially manufacture the launchers ISRO uses.

This approach, if adopted, would follow the model set by the United States, where NASA operates one primary vehicle, while commercial launch companies handle the rest. Alternatively, India could model its approach after Japan, which defines vehicle specifications and contracts industrial firms like Mitsubishi for production, while still running its own missions.