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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, butthough itrelated hadtechnologies beenwere working on related technologiesdeveloped 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 billion crore (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>
If completed successfully, India will become the fourth [[nation state|nation]] to conduct independent human spaceflight after the [[Soviet Union]], United States, and China. After conducting the first crewed spaceflights, the agency intends to start a [[ISRO space station|space station]] programme, crewed [[Moon landing|lunar landings]], and crewed [[Interplanetary spaceflight|interplanetary]] missions in the long term.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news| title = India eying an indigenous station in space |url = https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/science/india-planning-to-have-own-space-station-isro-chief/article27897953.ece| date = 13 June 2019| access-date = 13 June 2019| work =[[Business Line|The Hindu Business Line]]}}</ref><ref name="HTSep20"/>
[[File:ISRO-designed Astronaut Space Suit.jpg|thumb|Prototype flight suit for crewed mission]]
[[File:Rakesh Sharma Chest Patch.svg|thumb|Patch of Indian Cosmonaut mission 1 in 1984]]
On April 3,1984, [[Rakesh Sharma]] became the first Indian citizen to travel to space on board [[Soyuz T-11]] as part of the [[Interkosmos]] programme, which visitedvisiting [[Salyut 7]].<ref name=hin>{{cite news|url=http://m.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/the-down-to-earth-rakesh-sharma/article381946.ece/|title=The down to earth Rakesh Sharma|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=4 April 2010|access-date=5 April 2014|first=Pankaja|last=Srinivasan|archive-date=24 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724161536/http://m.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/the-down-to-earth-rakesh-sharma/article381946.ece/|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, the mission was launched on board a Soviet rocket and was not part of an independent Indian programme.
On August 9, 2007, the then Chairman of the ISRO, [[G. Madhavan Nair]], indicated the agency was "seriously considering" the creation of a human spaceflight programme. He further indicated that within a year, ISRO would report on its development of new space capsule technologies.<ref name=":6">{{cite news | url = http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/008200708091621.htm | title=ISRO considering manned space mission: Nair |work=The Hindu |___location=Chennai, India | date=9 August 2007}}</ref> Development of a fully autonomous [[Spacecraft|orbital vehicle]] to carry a two-member crew into [[low Earth orbit]] (LEO) began a few months after that when the government allocated {{INRConvert|95|c|1}} for pre-project initiatives for 2007 through 2008. A crewed orbital spaceflight would require about {{INRConvert|12400|c|1}} and a period of seven years of development. The Planning Commission estimated that a budget of {{INRConvert|5000|c|1}} was required for initial work during 2007–2012 for the crewed spaceflight.<ref name=pl>{{cite web |url=http://planningcommission.nic.in:80/aboutus/committee/wrkgrp11/wg11_subspace.pdf |title=Eleventh Five year Plan (2007–12) proposals for Indian space programme|access-date=21 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512061627/http://planningcommission.nic.in/aboutus/committee/wrkgrp11/wg11_subspace.pdf |archive-date=12 May 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=bs2>{{cite news | url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=336718&chkFlg= | title = ISRO plans manned mission to moon in 2014 | work=Business Standard}}</ref> In February 2009, the Government of India authorized the human space flight programme,<ref name="BBC">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8483787.stm "India announces first manned space mission"]. BBC. 27 January 2010</ref> but fell short of fully funding it or creating the programme.
=== Human-Rating of LVM3 ===
[[File:HLVM3.svg|thumb|2D representation of ISRO's Human Rated LVM3.]]
Human-rating allowscertifies thethat a system to beis capable of safely transporting humans. ISRO will belaunch building and launching 3three missions to validate the human rating of the LVM3.<ref name="pib.gov.in"/><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-to-build-3-sets-of-rockets-crew-modules-for-gaganyaan/articleshow/67306001.cms|title=Isro to build 3 sets of rockets, crew modules for Gaganyaan |website=The Times of India|date=30 December 2018 |access-date=2018-12-30}}</ref> Existing launch facilities will be upgraded to enable them to carry out launches under the Indian Human Spaceflight campaign.<ref>{{cite news |title=India's human space programme gets a fillip |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/nov/15/indias-human-space-programme-gets-a-fillip-1898396.html |access-date=11 January 2019 |quote=Initially, the plan was the construct a new launch pad for the human space flight, but Sivan told the Express that due to paucity of time one of the two existing launch pads is being modified to meet the requirement.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Question number 1733 in Rajya Sabha |url=https://164.100.158.235/question/annex/247/Au1733.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416160637/https://164.100.158.235/question/annex/247/Au1733.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 April 2023 |access-date=11 January 2019 |quote=It is proposed to utilise the existing launch pad with augmentation for carrying out the initial flights under the Gaganyaan manned space flight programme. }}</ref>
ISRO has been modifying propulsion modules of various stages of the rocket for human rating. Theoretical parameters for human rating were expected to be achieved by August or September 2020 to be followed by simulations and three test launches.<ref name = "TOIMarch2020"/>{{update inline|date=March 2024}}
=== Escape System ===
[[File:TVD1-Brochure elements 22.png|thumb|launch escape system|left]]
ISRO has successfully conducted [[ISRO Pad Abort Test|a pad abort testtests]] to validate its [[launch escape system]] for fast and effective crew extraction in the event of an emergencyemergencies. The tests were conducted successfully on July 5, 2018, at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This was the first of a series of tests to qualify a crew escape system technology.<ref name="isro.gov.in"/><ref name="ReferenceA"/> Work on parachute enlargement is also ongoing.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/isro-drdo-agra-labs-make-711368.html|title=Agra lab parachutes to bring back India astronauts|date=2019-01-04|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|access-date=2019-01-11}}</ref> Parachute tests are scheduled before the end of 2019, and multiple in-flight abort tests are planned starting mid-2020, using a liquid-fueled test vehicle.<ref name = "AstrotalkUK"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Isro all set to test Gaganyaan's crew abort system |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-all-set-to-test-gaganyaans-crew-abort-system/articleshow/71768673.cms |access-date=30 October 2019}}</ref>{{update inline|date=March 2024}}
A new test vehicle was designed in early 2020 for the validation of the crew escape system. The vehicle was built for in-flight crew escape of crew and possesses propulsion on top of the module to pull the module away to a safe distance.<ref name = "TOIMarch2020">{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=Chethan|title=Gaganyaan: Isro designs new vehicle to test crew escape systems|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/gaganyaan-isro-designs-new-vehicle-to-test-crew-escape-systems/articleshow/74410901.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|date=2020-02-29|access-date=2020-03-02}}</ref>
===Communication===
The spacecraft is expected to communicate with [[ISTRAC]] and other partner antennaesantennae. For the Initialinitial test flights, it has been planned that Two terminal ships are towill be placed in both the [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]] and the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] foroceans to communicationcommunicate with the spacecraft.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-25 |title=Gaganyaan mission: ISRO gives good news, mission to be launched in..., plan includes... |url=https://www.india.com/science/gaganyaan-mission-isro-gives-good-news-mission-to-be-launched-in-plan-includes-7419682/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=India.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gaganyaan's Unmanned Mission May Go To Space Next March, ISRO Ships To Track From Pacific, Atlantic Oceans |url=https://www.news18.com/india/gaganyaans-unmanned-mission-may-go-to-space-next-march-isro-ships-to-track-from-pacific-atlantic-oceans-9132834.html |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> Future flight sflights are expected to also be SATCOm capable, talking to IndiaIndian Geostationary Communication Satellites.
==Astronauts==
===Astronaut selection and training===
In the spring of 2009, a full-scale mock-up of the crew capsule was built and delivered to Satish Dhawan Space Centre for astronaut training. India was to shortlist 200 [[Indian Air Force]] pilots forwere thisshortlisted purposefor training. The selection process would begin with the candidates completing an ISRO questionnaire, after which they would be subjected to physical and psychological analyses. Only 4 of the 200 applicants were to be selected for the first space mission training. While, two willflying fly,and two shall act as reservists.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090504092855/http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/02/stories/2009050255231100.htm Model of space crew module ready], ''The Hindu'', 2 May 2009</ref><ref name="ET2012">{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/iaf-developing-parameters-for-indias-manned-space-mission/articleshow/17798420.cms|title=IAF developing parameters for India's manned space mission|date=28 December 2012|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=28 December 2012}}</ref>
ISRO signed a memorandum of understanding in 2009 with the [[Indian Air Force]]'s Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) to conduct preliminary research on the psychological and physiological needs of the crew and the development of training facilities.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.thespacereview.com/article/2481/1| title=The Space Review: Prospects for the Indian human spaceflight program| website=www.thespacereview.com| access-date=2018-08-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.livemint.com/Companies/tztJqS1r9fxpkbKedwz6lN/Isro-unit-to-start-building-space-capsule-for-manned-mission.html| title=Isro unit to start building space capsule for manned mission| website=Livemint.com| date=23 March 2010| access-date=2018-08-18}}</ref> IAM played a key role in determining astronaut training, the design of the crew capsule as per the anthropometric dimensions of the Indian population and a number of control and environmental systems as per psychological and physiological needs.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Anantha Krishnan M|title=IAM to play pivotal role after Indian astronaut selects return from Russia|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/nation/2020/05/22/gaganyaan-unplugged-isro-indian-astronauts-space-mission.html|publisher=Malayala Manorama|date=2020-05-23|access-date=2020-09-01}}</ref>
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]], which is a subsidiary of the Russian state corporation [[Roscosmos]], signed an agreement on July 1, 2019, for cooperation in the 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}}</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"/>
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}}</ref> However, due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], training was put on hold from March 28, to May 11 and restartedrestarting 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>
They were given Indian [[astronaut wings]] and the Gaganyaan mission logo and moto.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-27 |title=Group Captain Prashanth Nair among four test pilots for Gaganyaan Mission; PM Modi to announce all 4 names today |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/group-captain-prashanth-nair-among-four-test-pilots-for-gaganyaan-mission-pm-modi-to-announce-all-4-names-today-419039-2024-02-27 |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-02-27 |title=Nair, Prathap, Krishnan and Chauhan listed for Gaganyaan mission |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nair-prathap-krishnan-and-chauhan-listed-for-gaganyaan-mission/articleshow/108022351.cms |access-date=2024-02-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The Indo-US joint mission astronaut is Shubhanshu Shukla, while [[Prasanth Nair]] was selected as his backup. Both were thus selected to train at [[NASA]] facilities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-03 |title=Who is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the 'prime astronaut' for Indo-US mission to space? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/who-is-shubhanshu-shukla-indo-us-space-mission-9492109/ |access-date=2024-08-03 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
The necessityISRO has acknowledged the need for additional astronauts on future space missions has already been acknowledged by ISRO. TheA broader pool of potential astronauts will be created in collaboration with the '''IAF's Institute of Aerospace Medicine'''. Candidates from experimental domains and those engaged in aeronautical research directly are of particular interest to ISRO. Angad Pratap, the Gaganyaan Group Captain, has stated that priority will be given to research work that will address theaddressing difficulties that ISRO faces in its technical endeavorsendeavours. Even if researchers and military aviators might make upcomprise the majority of the initial batchescrews, subsequent choices arewill probably going to be more diverse. The astronauts have tomust become experts in space theory, take part in simulator training, and interact with scientists. OneEssential essentialtraining part ofat the Astronaut Training School (ATS) isincludes aero-medical training. Also required isand survival training in a variety of settings, including the sea, the desert, and the snow.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-10-04 |title=Seek science milestones, not personal glory: Gaganyaan astronaut; next batch selection soon: Isro Chief |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/seek-science-milestones-not-personal-glory-gaganyaan-astronaut-next-batch-selection-soon-isro-chief/articleshow/113946017.cms |access-date=2024-10-08 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
=== Ground uniform ===
The ground uniforms were developed by the staff and students of the [[National Institute of Fashion Technology]] (NIFT), [[Bengaluru]]. Under the direction of the former NIFT director Susan Thomas, the NIFT team—which consisted of three students,team—students Lamia Anees, Samarpan Pradhan, and Tuliya D—as well as twoD—and professors, Jonalee Bajpai and Mohan Kumar V—worked on designingV—designed the ground uniform for the Gaganyaan mission. The team highlighted the importance forthat the astronaut-designates' pockets to fit perfectly and the uniform must operate well in order to support their motions. Seventy possibilitiesvariants were considered before the final design was chosen. The NIFT team examined various space agency uniforms, such as those from [[SpaceX]] and [[NASA]]. The theme that the NIFT team has explored is asymmetry. Theas groupa workedtheme, ondeveloping a two-coloredcoloured, asymmetrical style line. The design was commissioned in 2021 by the NIFT team, and in 2022, they handed the design to ISRO.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Monalisa |first=Monika |date=2024-03-05 |title=High flying: Indian Gaganyaan Astronauts sport NIFT-designed space suits; blend of style and function unveiled |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2024/Mar/05/high-flying-indian-gaganyaan-astronauts-sport-nift-designed-space-suits-blend-of-style-and-function-unveiled |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ullas |first=Sruthy Susan |date=2024-02-29 |title=Gaganauts' ground suit designed by NIFT Bengaluru team has asymmetry as theme |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/gaganyaan-astronauts-ground-suit-designed-by-nift-bengaluru-team-with-asymmetry-as-the-theme/articleshow/108089129.cms |access-date=2024-03-05 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
=== Space food ===
{{update|date=March 2024}}
The [[Mysore]]-based [[Defence Food Research Laboratory]] (DFRL), a unit of the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO), has developed dried and packaged food for astronauts. The food laboratory has developed around 70 varieties of dehydrated and processed food items that have undergoneunderwent strict procedures to eliminate on microbacterial and macrobacterial nutrients. Special care has to be taken in the packaging, and the food items should be of limited weight, but at the same time should beand high in nutritional quality.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/technology/report-drdo-develops-space-food-for-astronauts-1430510|title=DRDO develops space food for astronauts|date=2010-08-29|website=DNA India|language=en|access-date=2019-09-07}}</ref> Waste disposal systems for leftover food, liquid dispensing systems, food rehydrating systems and heaters adaptable to outer space conditions are in development, although the list of food products planned to fly aboard Gaganyaan is yet to be publicized as of August 2020. DFRL is expected to launch its Ready-to-Eat (RTE) space food by March 2021. The initial batch for the crewed spaceflight Gaganyaan-H1 will carry foodstuffs sufficient for 7 days.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Anantha Krishnan M|title=Gaganyaan Unplugged-5: Tasty space food warming up at DFRL Mysuru for India's manned mission|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/nation/2020/08/27/gaganyaan-manned-flight-food-warming-dfrl-mysuru.html|publisher=Malayala Manorama|date=2020-08-27|access-date=2020-09-01}}</ref>
=== Space medicine ===
{{expand section|date=March 2024}}
India sent two flight surgeons to Russia and France to getfor hands-on experience in space medicinesmedicine. The flights surgeons are doctors from the Indian Air Force, specializing in aerospace medicine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Jan 10, 2021 |title=Two Indian flight surgeons to visit Russia for space medicine training |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/two-indian-flight-surgeons-to-visit-russia-for-space-medicine-training-121011000468_1.html |access-date=Aug 14, 2024 |website=Business Standard}}</ref>
[[Gaganyaan]] and the Indian Human Spaceflight programme are coming up, hence ISRO Chairman [[S. Somanath]] encouraged the [[National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences]] (NIMHANS) to come up with solutions for spaceflight astronauts' psychological health.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-10-03 |title=NIMHANS should provide solutions for psychological well-being of astronauts in space: ISRO Chairman |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/nimhans-should-provide-solutions-for-psychological-well-being-of-astronauts-in-space-isro-chairman/article68714424.ece |access-date=2024-10-08 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
==Space station==
{{main|Bharatiya Antariksha Station}}
India plans to deploy Bharatiya Antariksha Station, a 52-tonne [[space station]] named Bharatiya Antariksha Station,<ref name="pib.gov.in"/> as a follow-up programme to the [[Gaganyaan]] missions. On June 13, 2019, [[ISRO]] Chief [[K. Sivan]] announced the plan, saying that India's space station will be deployed 5–7 years after the completion of the ''Gaganyaan'' programme., He also saidand that India will not join the [[International Space Station program]]. The space station would be capable of harbouring a crew for 15–20 days at a time. It is expected to be placed in a [[low Earth orbit]] of 400 km altitude, andhosting bea capablecrew of harbouring three humansfor 15–20 days. Final approval is expected to be given to the programme by the Indian government only after the completion of the [[Gaganyaan]] missions.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-to-have-its-own-space-station-isro/articleshow/69775360.cms| title=India's own space station to come up in 5–7 years: Isro chief | first=Surendra|last=Singh |date=13 June 2019| website=The Times of India| language=en|access-date=2019-07-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = India's space station likel to have space for three|url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indias-space-station-likely-to-have-space-for-three/articleshow/71828669.cms|date = 31 October 2019|access-date = 31 October 2019|newspaper =[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indias-space-station-likely-to-have-space-for-three/articleshow/71828669.cms|title=India's space station likely to have space for three|date=31 October 2019|access-date=1 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/india-to-have-a-separate-space-station-isro/article27898707.ece|title=India to have its own space station: ISRO|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=2019-06-13|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-11-01|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|quote=Giving out broad contours of the planned space station, Dr. Sivan said it has been envisaged to weigh 20 tonnes and will be placed in an orbit of 400 km above earth where astronauts can stay for 15–20 days. The time frame is 5–7 years after Gaganyaan, he stated.}}</ref>
[[Indian Space Research Organisation|ISRO]] is working to develop [[Docking and berthing of spacecraft|spacecraft docking and berthing]] technology, with initial funding of ₹10 [[crore]] cleared in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-project-that-can-aid-refuel-repair-of-satellites-in-space-gets-push/articleshow/58467493.cms |title=ISRO: Isro project that can aid refuel, repair of satellites in space gets push |last=Kumar| first=Chethan|date=2 May 2017| website=The Times of India |language=en |access-date=2019-07-24}}</ref> A Space Docking Experiment, or [[SPADEX]], is beingunder worked out by ISRO with systemsdevelopment, likefeaturing signal analysis equipment, high-precision videometer for navigation, docking system electronics and real-time decision making for landing systems being developed in various stages. As part of [[SPADEX]], ISRO will launch 2two small satellites for testing. This technology is crucial for a space station as it will enable the transferdocking of humans from one vehicle or spacecraft to another.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-has-been-quietly-working-on-key-technology-to-enable-space-station/articleshow/69775029.cms| title=ISRO Latest news: India has been quietly working on key technology to enable space station | last=Kumar| first=Chethan| date=13 June 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-07-24}}</ref>
==See also==
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