Indian Human Spaceflight Programme: Difference between revisions

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The '''Indian Human Spaceflight programme''' (or the ''[[Gaganyaan]] programme'') is an ongoing programme by the [[ISRO|Indian Space Research Organisation]] (ISRO) to develop the technology needed to launch [[Human spaceflight|crewed orbital spacecraft]] into [[low Earth orbit]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/simply-put-how-to-send-an-indian-into-space-isro-maned-mission-5308964/|title=Gaganyan: How to send an Indian into space|date=16 August 2018 }}</ref> Three [[Spaceflight|uncrewed flights]], named [[Gaganyaan-1]], [[Gaganyaan-2]] and [[Gaganyaan-3]] are scheduled to launch in 2025 and 2026, followed by crewed flight in 2026 on an [[LVM3|HLVM3]] rocket.<ref name="pib.gov.in">{{Cite web |title=Prime Minister reviews readiness of Gaganyaan Mission |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1968368}}</ref><ref name="ti-20221221"/><ref name="tp-20221204">{{cite web |last=Ramesh |first=Sandhya |url=https://theprint.in/science/indias-first-human-spaceflight-gaganyan-in-limbo-astronauts-partially-trained-isro-silent/1245696/ |title=India's first human spaceflight Gaganyan in limbo, astronauts partially trained, ISRO silent |work=[[ThePrint]] |date=4 December 2022 |access-date=6 December 2022}}</ref><ref name="toi-20210722">{{cite web |last=Kumar |first=Chethan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/gaganyaan-1st-uncrewed-mission-unlikely-before-june-2022-no-life-support-systems-testing/articleshow/84655380.cms |title=Gaganyaan 1st uncrewed mission unlikely before June 2022; no life support systems testing |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=22 July 2021 |access-date=23 July 2021}}</ref><ref name="tribune-20210701">{{cite web |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/schools/first-human-rated-test-flight-for-indias-gaganyaan-not-likely-in-2021-276721 |title=First human-rated test flight for India's Gaganyaan not likely in 2021 |work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |date=1 July 2021 |access-date=1 July 2021 |archive-date=29 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029175052/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/schools/first-human-rated-test-flight-for-indias-gaganyaan-not-likely-in-2021-276721 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Before the ''[[Gaganyaan]]'' mission announcement in August 2018, human spaceflight was not a priority for ISRO, though related technologies were developed since 2007,<ref name="pl" /> and it performed a [[Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment]]<ref name=":3">{{cite web | url=https://www.isro.gov.in/Spacecraft/crew-module-atmospheric-re-entry-experiment-care | title=Crew module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE) - ISRO | access-date=19 September 2022 | archive-date=16 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816084003/https://www.isro.gov.in/Spacecraft/crew-module-atmospheric-re-entry-experiment-care | url-status=dead }}</ref> and a [[ISRO Pad Abort Test|Pad Abort Test]] for the mission.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/satellites-are-our-priority-now-not-human-space-flight/299103|title=Satellites Are Our Priority Now, Not Human Space Flight|work=Outlook|access-date=2017-07-21}}</ref><ref name="thehindu.com1">{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/isros-first-pad-abort-test-successful/article24336860.ece|title=ISRO's first 'pad abort' test, critical for future human space mission, successful|date=5 July 2018|work=The Hindu}}</ref> In December 2018, the Indian government approved a further {{Indian Rupee}}100&nbsp;billion (US$1.5 billion) for a 7-day crewed flight of 2–3 astronauts.<ref name="ndtv.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-plans-to-put-man-in-space-for-7-days-says-indian-space-research-organisation-chairman-k-sivan-1900888|title=Indian Astronaut Will Be in Space For 7 Days, Confirms ISRO Chairman}}</ref><ref name="toi-20181229">{{cite web |last=Singh |first=Surendra |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/union-cabinet-clears-rs-10000cr-for-indias-gaganyaan-project/articleshow/67288124.cms |title=Rs 10,000 crore plan to send 3 Indians to space by 2022 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=29 December 2018 |access-date=29 December 2018}}</ref><ref name=flyaway1>[https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/3-indians-to-be-sent-to-space-for-7-days-by-2022-cabinet-approves-budget-1969358 Indians To Spend 7 Days In Space In Rs. 10,000 Crore Gaganyaan Plan: 10 Points], NDTV, 28 December 2018.</ref><ref name="thenewsminute.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/jfk-1961-modi-2018-pm-announces-indian-space-2022-isro-ready-86635|title=JFK in 1961, Modi in 2018: PM announces 'Indian in space by 2022,' but is ISRO ready?|last=Suresh|first=Haripriya|date=15 August 2018|website=The News Minute}}</ref>

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An astronaut training facility will be established on a proposed {{convert|140|acre|km2}} site near [[Kempegowda International Airport]] in [[Devanahalli]], Karnataka.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/beyond-space-isro-plans-to-place-indians-on-the-moon/articleshow/67500457.cms|title=Beyond space: Isro plans to place Indians on the Moon |website=The Times of India|date=12 January 2019 |access-date=2019-01-12}}</ref>

[[ISRO]]'s [[Human Space Flight Centre]] and [[Glavcosmos]], a subsidiary of Russian state corporation [[Roscosmos]], signed an agreement on July 1, 2019, for cooperation in selection, support, medical examination, and space training of four Indian astronauts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.roscosmos.ru/20881/|title=News. Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin met with the Indian delegation|website=en.roscosmos.ru|language=en|access-date=2019-08-22|archive-date=22 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822110303/http://en.roscosmos.ru/20881/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/its-official-india-picks-russia-to-pick-train-astronauts/articleshow/70031169.cms|title=Gaganyaan: India chooses Russia to pick & train astronauts |date=1 July 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-08-01}}</ref> An ISRO Technical Liaison Unit (ITLU) has been approved to be set up in [[Moscow]] for coordination activities.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cabinet approves setting up of ISRO's technical liaison unit in Moscow|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/cabinet-approves-setting-up-of-isro-s-technical-liaison-unit-in-moscow-1575834-2019-07-31|publisher=India Today|date=July 31, 2019|access-date=November 21, 2022}}</ref> Until September 2019, level 1 of the astronaut selection process was completed in Bengaluru. The selected test pilots underwent physical exercise tests, lab investigations, radiological tests, clinical tests, and evaluations on various facets of their psychology.<ref name = "IAFontwitter">{{Cite news|title = Indian Air Force media coordination center|url = https://mobile.twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1169879180630036482|date = 6 September 2019|access-date = 6 September 2019|work = IAF MCC}}</ref><ref name = "SeptembertrainingTOI">{{Cite news|title = Gaganyaan: Level 1 of astronaut selection done in Bengaluru|url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/gaganyaan-level-1-of-astronaut-selection-done-in-bengaluru/articleshow/71004377.cms |date = 6 September 2019|access-date = 6 September 2019|newspaper = [[The Times of India]]}}</ref> By November 2019 the [[Indian Air Force]] had selected 12 potential astronauts who would then go to Russia for further training in two batches.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/seven-iaf-pilots-sent-to-russia-for-indias-first-space-manned-mission/articleshow/72067483.cms|title=Seven IAF pilots sent to Russia for India's first manned mission to space|date=2019-11-15|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-11-18}}</ref>

As selection criteria require test pilot experience, any females will not be part of the first Indian crewed spaceflight. The first crewed flight will consist of a crew of three with one backup and this team of four went to Russia for astronaut training.<ref name = "AstrotalkUK"/>

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[[File:Crafting India's Space future at the Gaganyaan Astronaut Training Facility.webm|thumb|right|[[Gaganyaan]] crew training video]]

In December 2019, the selection process came to a close,<ref name="THDec2019">{{Cite news|title=Tests for an unmanned mission by 2020-end, says ISRO chief|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/unmanned-test-mission-by-end-of-next-year/article30420219.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=2019-12-28|access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Pinto|first=Nolan|title=4 astronauts identified for Gaganyaan mission: Isro chief K Sivan|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/gaganyaan-4-astronauts-identified-isro-k-sivan-1633024-2020-01-01|newspaper=IndiaToday|date=2020-01-01|access-date=2020-01-03}}</ref> and four candidates began their 12-month training at the [[Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center]] on February 10, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.roscosmos.ru/21248/|title=News. Indian candidates for a human spaceflight start training in Russia|website=en.roscosmos.ru|language=en|access-date=2020-02-10|archive-date=5 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305082234/http://en.roscosmos.ru/21248/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The astronauts were trained for abnormal landings in various terrains, including forests, rivers, and sea.<ref name = "TOIMarch2020"/>

In February 2020, Indian astronaut candidates completed their winter survival training.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/gaganyaan-four-iaf-pilots-complete-winter-survival-training-at-russia-centre-6311607/|title=Gaganyaan: Four IAF pilots complete winter survival training at Russia centre|date=2020-03-13|website=The Indian Express|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gctc.ru/main.php?id=4893|title=Центр подготовки космонавтов им. Ю.А.Гагарина. Официальный Web-сайт|website=www.gctc.ru|language=ru|access-date=2020-03-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.roscosmos.ru/28118/|title=Новости. Очередные "зимние выживания" космонавтов|website=www.roscosmos.ru|access-date=2020-03-15}}</ref>

ISRO has also proposed a{{INRConvert|2700|c|lk=on}} plan to establish an astronaut training centre at [[Challakere]] in [[Chitradurga]] district. The facility would take at least 2–3 years to be established after the government's approval.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Madhumathi D.S.|title=Challakere to be ISRO's astronaut training hub|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/challakere-to-be-isros-astronaut-training-hub/article30489101.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=2020-01-06|access-date=2020-01-06}}</ref> Following their training in Russia for unexpected and extreme situations, Indian astronauts were to return to India in March 2021 for the rest of their training in an Indian module.<ref name="HTSep20">{{Cite news|last=Dutt|first=Anonna|___location=New Delhi|title=Gaganyaan mission: Astronauts to undergo Isro module next year|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/gaganyaan-mission-astronauts-to-undergo-isro-module-next-year/story-t4FPl0e2b7sLMgqyJ6QoyH.html|date=2020-09-18|access-date=2020-09-21|archive-date=30 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530200914/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/gaganyaan-mission-astronauts-to-undergo-isro-module-next-year/story-t4FPl0e2b7sLMgqyJ6QoyH.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], training was put on hold from March 28, restarting on May 12, 2020.<ref name="PIBFeb21">{{Cite news|last=Department of Space|date=2021-02-10|title=Training of Astronauts and Progress of Gaganyaan Mission|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1696779|newspaper=Press Information Bureau|___location=Delhi|access-date=2021-02-11}}</ref> CNES is supplying the flight system and training flight physicians and technical teams for the Indian Human Spaceflight Program. It is also collaborating and sharing its expertise in the domains of space medicine, astronaut health monitoring and life support.<ref>{{cite news |title=ISRO to launch its Venus mission in 2025, France to take part |url=https://www.livemint.com/science/news/isro-to-launch-its-venus-mission-in-2025-france-to-take-part-11601476329074.html |access-date=1 October 2020 |agency=PTI |publisher=Livemint |date=30 September 2020}}</ref>

On the 91st [[Indian Air Force]] Day in 2023, the IAF released a video on [[Twitter]], sharing a glimpse of the astronauts (without revealing their faces) training for the ''Gaganyaan'' mission.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch: Indian Air Force shares 'first-look' of India's ISRO Gaganyaan Astronauts |url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-air-force-shares-first-look-of-indias-isro-gaganyaan-astronauts-642235 |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=WION |date=3 October 2023 |language=en-us}}</ref> While two or three out of the four astronauts will be selected to fly on the first crewed flight, one of the astronauts on this mission flew before the ''Gaganyaan'' prime crew on a mission to the [[ISS]] aboard [[Axiom Mission 4|Ax-4]] on 25 June 2025, as the second Indian astronaut in space after [[Rakesh Sharma]], though the plan is yet to be finalized. The four have been conducting mission-specific training in India ever since they returned from Russia.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-04 |title=IAF video gives glimpses of Gaganyaan astronauts |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-video-gives-glimpses-of-gaganyaan-astronauts/articleshow/104137769.cms |access-date=2023-10-04 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-09 |title=India, US to work together to protect space assets, cooperate for sending astronauts to ISS in 2024: Joint statement |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-us-to-work-together-to-protect-space-assets-cooperate-for-sending-astronauts-to-iss-in-2024-joint-statement/articleshow/103521854.cms |access-date=2023-10-03 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-23 |title=India, US plan to send Indian astronaut to International Space Station in 2024 |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/india-us-plan-to-send-indian-astronaut-to-international-space-station-in-2024-386788-2023-06-23 |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref>