The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is targeting a December launch for the first test flight of its Gaganyaan mission, as announced by ISRO Chairman S. Somanath at Sriharikota. This update follows the successful launch of the third and final developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), which successfully placed the Earth Observation Satellite into orbit on Friday.

Somanath reported that key components for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program have arrived at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Currently, the crew module integration is underway at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Trivandrum. The rocket stages, including S200, L1, and C32, are positioned at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

He detailed that the Crew Module integration is progressing at VSSC, and the Crew Escape System is also prepared. The team aims to complete all wiring and testing by November, with a potential launch by December.

The Gaganyaan mission marks a significant step in ISRO’s Indian Human Spaceflight Programme. The spacecraft is designed to carry up to three astronauts and will orbit Earth at an altitude of 400 kilometers for up to seven days. An upgraded version of the spacecraft is expected to include docking capabilities.

In a related achievement, the SSLV’s successful launch on Friday represents a major milestone for India’s space program. This third and final developmental flight of the SSLV demonstrated its capability to place the Earth Observation Satellite into orbit, paving the way for commercial launches by ISRO’s commercial arm, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL).

The SSLV boasts several unique features, including cost-effective space access, quick turnaround times, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, ‘launch on demand’ capability, and minimal launch infrastructure requirements.