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 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.
Congress has rejected the Trump administration's proposed 23% budget cut to NASA, with a House subcommittee advancing a $24.4bn plan to protect science programs. Experts and lawmakers warn that the cuts would jeopardize future Mars missions and US leadership in space.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman faced congressional scrutiny over Trump's proposed 23% budget cut for NASA, even as the Artemis II mission marked the first human moon orbit in 50+ years. A Republican-led House subcommittee rejected the administration's $18.8bn request and advanced its own $24.4bn plan to preserve science programs facing a 46% cut. The space community and bipartisan lawmakers are fighting to protect NASA's science funding, arguing it's essential for human spaceflight and competing with China's lunar ambitions.
