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ISRO adopts cautious approach for Gaganyaan mission after Boeing Starliner’s unsuccessful launch.
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First uncrewed mission scheduled for December, followed by three more before manned flight.
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ISRO aims to send three crew members to 400 km orbit for three-day mission.
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath emphasized the importance of rigorous testing protocols to avoid setbacks like Boeing’s Starliner, which returned to Earth without its astronauts. The Gaganyaan project involves developing critical technologies, including human-rated launch vehicles, life support systems, and crew emergency escape provisions ¹.
ISRO plans to conduct four missions before the manned flight, with the first uncrewed mission tentatively set for December. The organization also announced other initiatives, including the Chandrayaan-4 mission, Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), and Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), aligned with the government’s vision for future space exploration.
Somanath reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for long-term space missions, including establishing a space station by 2035 and landing an Indian on the moon by 2040. The VOM, scheduled to launch in March 2028, aims to explore Venus’ dense atmosphere, stressing the interconnectedness of Earth, Mars, and Venus for future understanding.
