India's flagship human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, is making steady progress toward its goal of sending Indian astronauts to Low Earth Orbit. Following the successful TV-D1 test flight last year, which demonstrated the Crew Escape System, ISRO is now preparing for the next uncrewed test flight, TV-D2, which is expected to launch later in 2025.
This test is a critical step in validating the safety and reliability of the human-rated LVM3 vehicle and the crew module. Simultaneously, the four astronaut-designates from the Indian Air Force are undergoing rigorous training in India and abroad to prepare for the first crewed mission.
The Gaganyaan program is more than just a human spaceflight mission; it is a major catalyst for technological advancement and economic growth. It has spurred the development of new technologies in life support systems, crew modules, and launch vehicles, creating opportunities for numerous startups and industries. The program's ultimate goal is to establish a foundation for sustained human presence in space and to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers to pursue careers in space exploration.