India's Gaganyaan mission hits milestones: Human Rated Launch Vehicle development, crew escape system testing, and infrastructure setup completed, with first uncrewed mission targeted for Q4 2026.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan announces preparations for India's first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission this year, advancement of Chandrayaan-4 (lunar sample return) and Chandrayaan-5 (joint long-duration mission with Japan), alongside progress in cryogenic engine development.
Indian astronaut-designate Group Captain Prashant Nair has called on Indian startups to develop space toilet technology, noting Russia is the only country with an effective system and even the US relied on Russian technology aboard the ISS. Speaking at the DefSpace symposium, Nair (nicknamed 'Papa') said the first manned mission with humanoid Vyommitra is expected this year, with the manned Gaganyaan mission targeted for late 2026 or 2027. The experienced IAF pilot-turned-astronaut said he loves danger and wants to experience eternal peace in space.
