ISRO successfully conducted a key qualification test of the main parachute system for the Gaganyaan crew module at Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh. This marks a milestone for India's first human spaceflight mission, validating the parachute's structural integrity for the uncrewed G1 mission.
Isro successfully completed the first ground test of a solid motor for the Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE), designed to support the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. The test validated the motor's performance for lofting the Gaganyaan crew module for parachute tests.
ISRO successfully conducted a static test of the solid motor for its new Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) on July 3. SOLVE will support the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program by testing parachute systems for the Crew Module.
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.
ISRO's astronaut selection committee has recommended opening India's Gaganyaan program to civilians for the first time, with the second batch including four civilian STEM specialists alongside six military pilots. The first batch consisted entirely of Indian Air Force test pilots. Civilians would join mission crews from the fourth Gaganyaan flight, with the committee proposing an eventual astronaut pool of up to 40 to support regular missions and India's planned space station.
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.
