Jitendra Singh has congratulated Indian Space Research Organisation for successfully completing the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) for the Gaganyaan mission, calling it a major milestone in India’s first human spaceflight programme.
Successful Test at Sriharikota
The crucial test was conducted at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, where ISRO successfully validated key systems related to crew safety and recovery.
The Minister stated that the achievement marks a significant step forward in preparations for the ambitious mission.
Gaganyaan Mission Timeline & Budget
India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, is now targeted for launch in 2027.
- Estimated budget: ₹10,000 crore
- Objective: Send Indian astronauts into space and safely bring them back
Focus on Uncrewed Missions First
V Narayanan said that:
- Preparations for uncrewed missions are progressing rapidly
- Three uncrewed missions will be conducted before the final human flight
Astronauts Undergoing High-Altitude Tests
As part of mission readiness:
- Four selected astronauts have begun high-altitude trials in Ladakh under Mission Mitra
- The tests aim to assess human endurance in extreme conditions
Among those involved are:
- Shubhanshu Shukla
- P Balakrishnan Nair
These exercises are being conducted with support from:
- Scientists
- Engineers
- Medical experts
A Giant Leap for India’s Space Ambitions
The Gaganyaan mission is seen as a landmark step in India’s space journey, aiming to:
- Establish India as a human spaceflight-capable nation
- Strengthen its position in the global space sector
