{
  "id": 11941493,
  "title": "Gaganyaan Mission Gathers Pace At ISRO’s VSSC; India Targets First Space Station Module Launch By 2028",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/gaganyaan-mission-gathers-pace-at-isros-vssc-india-targets-first",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-04T14:01:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/gaganyaan-mission-gathers-pace-at-isros-vssc-india-targets-first-space-station-module-launch-by-2028"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Thiruvananthapuram: The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) is making significant strides in preparing for India's first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. The Free Press Journal recently toured the VSSC during a media visit, observing the progress on the crew module, vehicle design, and safety systems crucial for the mission. Gaganyaan's Phased Programmes ISRO has outlined the Gaganyaan programme in phases, with missions set to take place in 2027 and 2028. This mission represents a pivotal step towards India's ultimate goal of sending astronauts to the Moon. Critical Technologies and Self-Reliance India's focus on developing indigenous technologies is evident in its work on the Gaganyaan mission. The VSSC is spearheading the creation of the Crew Module Safety System, designed to safeguard astronauts in the event of an emergency during launch. Furthermore, India is striving for self-reliance in space technology, with ISRO developing indigenous launch vehicles, spacecraft, and related systems for upcoming missions. The Journey Towards a Space Station India's plans extend beyond Gaganyaan to include the development of the Bhartiya Antariksha Station (BAS), India's first space station. The first module of the station is scheduled for launch in 2028, with additional modules planned to be added in subsequent phases. The station is envisioned to become fully operational by 2035. Support for Long-Duration Missions and Scientific Research The BAS is designed to support long-duration human space missions and advanced scientific research. Its development aligns with India's ambitious plan to send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040. BAS' Role in Space Vision 2047 The Union Cabinet's approval of the expanded Gaganyaan programme in September 2024, including the launch of the first BAS module by 2028, marks a significant milestone. The space station will contribute to research in life sciences, medicine, and emerging technologies, and will play a vital role in India's Space Vision 2047.",
  "summary": "Thiruvananthapuram: Preparations for India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, are gathering pace, with work on the crew module, vehicle design and safety systems underway at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram. The Free Press Journal visited the VSSC during a media visit and witnessed the work and facilities supporting India’s expanding human-spaceflight…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}