Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for the first test flight of its human-rated rocket under the Gaganyaan mission, expected to take place in December 2024. According to ISRO Chairman Dr. S Somanath, all systems for the rocket, codenamed G1, are scheduled to arrive at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre by November this year.
Dr. Somanath shared this update following the successful launch of the EOS-08 earth observation satellite by ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) on Friday. The SSLV also carried a satellite from the space start-up Space Rickshaw, marking the third and final development flight of this new rocket.
“The Gaganyaan rocket’s three stages have already reached the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The integration of the crew module is currently underway at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram,” Dr. Somanath said. The G1 test flight is a crucial milestone in ISRO’s ambitious human spaceflight mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space.
In addition to the Gaganyaan updates, Dr. Somanath announced the successful completion of the SSLV’s development phase. With a payload capacity of 500 kg and powered by solid fuel, the SSLV is designed to be simple enough for commercial production by industry partners. ISRO plans to transfer the SSLV technology to private companies, with selected industry representatives undergoing training at ISRO to learn how to build the rockets.
As part of ISRO’s broader strategy to involve private players in India’s space sector, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is overseeing the technology transfer process. The selected industry or consortium will take about two years to learn and begin producing SSLVs, with public sector entity NewSpace India Ltd funding the initial builds during this period.
Dr. Somanath also provided an update on the construction of a second launch pad at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu, which is expected to be completed and operational within two years.
This series of developments signals ISRO’s continued progress in both its human spaceflight ambitions and its efforts to enhance India’s commercial space capabilities through collaboration with private industry.
