The first test flight of India’s human-rated rocket for the Gaganyaan mission is anticipated to take place in December 2024, according to Dr. S Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This announcement was made following the successful launch of India’s Earth Observation Satellite-08 (EOS-08) on Friday. Dr. Somanath revealed that the three stages of the Gaganyaan rocket have already arrived at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, while the crew module integration is underway at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.
Dr. Somanath noted that all systems for the Gaganyaan rocket, designated G1, are expected to reach the Satish Dhawan Space Centre by November 2024, with the test flight scheduled for December. This milestone marks a significant step forward for India’s ambitious human space mission.
In addition to the Gaganyaan update, Dr. Somanath reported the successful completion of the third and final development flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). The SSLV, designed to launch small satellites into orbit, has demonstrated a payload capacity of 500 kg and utilizes solid fuel. The successful development flight paves the way for transferring SSLV technology to private industry. Dr. Somanath emphasized that ISRO will not only transfer the technology but also provide hands-on training to industry professionals on rocket construction.
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) will oversee the selection process for private companies to take over SSLV production. Meanwhile, NewSpace India Ltd, a public sector company, will fund SSLV production during the transition period. Additionally, construction of a new launch pad at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu has commenced, with a completion timeline of two years.
