The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman, S Somnath has stated that efforts are being made to launch India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan by the end of 2024. ”Gaganyaan is prepared for launch, we are planning for it by the end of this year,” Somnath mentioned while addressing the Space Expo in Bengaluru, Karnataka, as per ANI. His reaction comes after the Cabinet approved of expanding the Gaganyaan program which included the development of India’s first space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
All about Gaganyaan
The Gaganyaan programme was approved by the government in December 2018 and is a crucial initiative taken in the field of India’s space sector. Under this programme, humans will be sent to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and critical technologies will be developed for future human space exploration. The mission not only seeks to reach space but will also lay out the foundation for more extensive Indian space exploration.
Challenges for Chandrayaan-4
The ISRO also shared his opinion on the challenges faced in the Chandrayaan-4 mission. He said that the mission’s engineering phase has been completed by the ISRO. On receiving sanction from the Cabinet, the mission is set to advance further by getting various approvals. Somnath explained, ” The overall satellite size has nearly doubled its size, now there is a requirement of five modules, and ISRO will require two launches for this complex operation.” Recently, the Cabinet has approved the Chandrayaan -4 mission on 18 September. Through this mission, ISRO will showcase the technologies that will be essential for returning to Earth after making a successful landing on the moon. During the mission, it will also collect and examine the moon samples on Earth. The mission focus will be to create fundamental technologies for a smooth Indian lunar landing and safe return back to Earth by 2040.
India’s Space Programme
To cement its place in the list of global space powers, the central government has presented an ambitious vision for India’s space programme during the Amrit Kaal period. The plan includes the setting up of the Bhartiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and an Indian moon landing by 2040.
(With inputs from ANI)