Gaganyaan-1 (fromSanskrit:gagana, "celestial" andyāna, "craft, vehicle") is the first planned uncrewed test flight of theGaganyaan programme. TheIndian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has scheduled the mission for December 2025.

The spacecraft will carry Vyommitra, a half-humanoid female robot, to simulate astronaut conditions and provide critical data on life-support and environmental systems. The mission will demonstrate the performance of the crew module and service module in low Earth orbit, serving as a precursor to future human spaceflight under the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme.

The launch was originally scheduled for December 2020,^[2] then in December 2021,^[3] but it was delayed due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.^[2] The flight plan was finally ready by April 2022^[4] and the launch is expected to take place in early 2025,^[5] after theTV-D1, TV-D2, TV-D3 and TV-D4.^[6] It was proposed in April 2022 that the crew module should be depressurized,^[7] something kept in the final planning.^[8]

The first orbiter module adaptor assembly (OMA) was supplied by Kineco Kaman Composites on 23 December 2023. The OMA is a conical structure with a diameter of 4 meters, composed ofcarbon-fiber-reinforced polymers. It is combined with the equipment bay shroud and crew escape module.^[9] With the successful qualification of the rocket's engines in February 2024,^[10] the mission was scheduled for December 2024, following which it was rescheduled to February 2025, then to Q4 of 2025. The flight is now expected in December 2025.

TheGaganyaan spacecraft will be launched, with the humanoid robotVyommitra, by aHuman-rated LVM 3 fromSatish Dhawan Space Centre and inserted into a 170 x 408 km orbit.^[11][12] The circularisation maneuver will be performed at the third orbit. The landing should follow the same pattern as theTV-D1.^[4][13]

After this mission,ISRO will perform four more abort tests before launchingGaganyaan-2,^[6] carrying thehumanoid robotVyommitra,^[14] which was later decided that it will also fly on G-1.^[15]

The L110 stage for the upgradedLVM3 vehicle arrived atSatish Dhawan Space Center in July 2024, followed by the S200 boosters. A Different Upper stage, the C-32, will be used in lieu of the C-25 for this mission. The C-32 underwent heavy tests for the flight.^[16]

The Crew module was tested and checked out from its propulsion and mechanical systems testing phase at theVikram Sarabhai Space Centre and the service module was tested atU R Rao Satellite Center. G1 will carryVyomitra, and also an unpressurized engineering model of theEnvironmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) system.^[16]

ISRO is planning to place chartered ships carrying a group of eight scientists to be stationed at observation points in thePacific Ocean and theNorth Atlantic Ocean, to monitor the unmanned mission.A consignment with a shipborne terminal (SBT), electronic equipment, MV-SAT antennas and its associated subsystems will be sent abroad fromISTRAC for deployment on these chartered ships. This is similar to what was done for the launch of theMars Orbiter Mission.^[17][18][19] By December 2024, all components of the firstHLVM3 has reachedSDSC. The spacecraft was also reported as in its final stages of integration.The ground station and associated infrastructure was also built before launch.^[20]

The first segment of solid motor was transferred from the production factory to the launch complex on December 13, 2024.^[21] At SDSC, ISRO started assembling the HLVM3 on 18 December 2024. At the launch complex, the HLVM3's L110 and C32 stages are prepared. SDSC also received the components for the crew escape system. The crew module is being integrated at theVSSC, while the service module is being integrated at theURSC. It will also be the site of orbital module level integration and testing.^[22]

The Crew Module Propulsion System (CMPS), a bi-propellantReaction Control System (RCS) enabling three-axis control, has been successfully incorporated into the crew module by theLiquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) on 21 January 2025. The crew module for Gaganyaan-1 has been shipped out.^[23] LPSC has also integrated the Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) supplied by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.^[24] CMPS is vital for descent andatmospheric entry. The CMPS has a propellant feed system with accompanying fluid control components, a pressurization system with high-pressure gas bottles, and 12 thrusters, each of which can produce 100N of force. Additional integration activities, such as avionics package assembly and electrical harnessing inspections, will be performed on the Gaganyaan-1 crew module at VSSC. For the last stage of Orbital Module integration, the crew module will be delivered to URSC.^[25]

On 5 May 2025, a set of parachutes designed by theAerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment was shipped out. These parachutes are necessary for the safe return of the crew module. At theISRO Satellite Integration and Testing Establishment, theADRDE team will put the parachutes together with the crew module. Ten parachutes are included in the parachute setup, which is intended for consecutive deployment. The deployment of two apex cover separation parachutes initiates the recovery phase during flight. Followed by twodrogue parachutes for stabilization, and to lower the crew module's velocity. When the drogue parachutes are released, threepilot chutes will be sent out to separate the three main parachutes. The purpose of the primary parachutes is to lower the crew module's speed to a safe landing level.^[26]

As the Mission serves as a precursor, no astronaut will launch aboard the flight. Instead Scientific Instruments and theVyommitra humanoid robot will launch aboard the flight.^[27]

Scientists from theTata Institute of Fundamental Research and researchers from theUniversity of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad in collaboration withIIST are planning to launchFruit Flies(Drosophila melanogaster) on board the mission.^[28][29]

• Gaganyaan
• Test spaceflights
• Spacecraft launched by LVM3 rockets
• 2025 in spaceflight
• 2025 in India

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