Vyommitra Takes the Stage: ISRO Declares 2025 the Year of Gaganyaan!

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to write a defining chapter in its space history with the Gaganyaan mission. With the country looking forward to its first human spaceflight, 2025 has been proposed as the "Gaganyaan Year" representing the program's increased activity and priority. The maiden unmanned mission, with the humanoid robot Vyommitra onboard, will be launched by the end of this year, with subsequent missions to follow and, eventually, India's first astronauts in space.

Gaganyaan Year and Mission Schedule

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan has announced 2025 as "Gaganyaan Year," accentuating its importance for India's human spaceflight program.
Three unmanned missions are scheduled prior to the first human spaceflight, and the first unmanned mission is set for December 2025.
The initial human spaceflight under Gaganyaan is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.

Vyommitra: The Humanoid Robot

The initial unmanned mission will have Vyommitra on board, which is a female humanoid robot built by ISRO.
Vyommitra has been developed to mimic human performance in space, manage spacecraft systems, communicate in Hindi and English, and watch out for life parameters ensuring mission safety.
The robot will perform microgravity experiments and deliver key data to guarantee the success and safety of upcoming crew missions.

Progress and Preparations

More than 7,200 tests have been conducted on the Gaganyaan program, with approximately 3,000 under way; ISRO teams work day and night to ensure deadlines are fulfilled.
The program, cleared in December 2018, will develop important technologies for long-term Indian human spaceflight.
The initial test vehicle flight (TV D1) was successfully carried out in October 2023, which confirmed crucial safety mechanisms like the crew escape and parachutes.

Greater Space Aspirations

Gaganyaan will be joined by ISRO's own space station, which will have a mass of more than 50 tonnes, representing a huge step forward in India's space technology.
ISRO is also working with other agencies to support national security and real-time data services using its satellite fleet.

Conclusion

The announcement of 2025 as "Gaganyaan Year" marks a time of feverish activity and milestone moments for India's space mission. The next uncrewed flight with Vyommitra will not only be a test of crucial systems but also a prelude to India's first manned spaceflight, heralding a new phase in the country's space odyssey.

Sources: Business Standard, AGGRP, IDRW, India TV News, Etemaad Daily