ISRO To Launch Half-Humanoid Vyommitra On Gaganyaan Mission In December

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief V. Narayanan announced that a half-humanoid named Vyommitra will be launched into space this December as part of the Gaganyaan mission, instead of a human crew member.

Vyommitra, whose name combines the Sanskrit words "vyoma" (space) and "mitra" (friend), will be part of the first uncrewed mission in ISRO's human spaceflight program.

Speaking to media representatives in Coimbatore on Thursday, Narayanan explained, "We are currently in an advanced stage of preparation. Our plan for December includes sending the first uncrewed mission featuring Vyommitra. Following the success of this mission, we will conduct two additional uncrewed missions next year."

Regarding the manned "Gaganyaan" mission, Narayanan stated, "We're targeting the first quarter of 2027 to send our 'Gaganyatri' to space and return them safely. The astronaut crew has already been selected, completed training, and we are now preparing for our own mission."

ISRO recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting its first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01), an essential step in preparing for the Gaganyaan Mission.

This successful test represented a collaborative effort among multiple defense and research organizations, including the Indian Air Force, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard.

ISRO shared this accomplishment on social media platform X: "ISRO successfully accomplishes first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for end-to-end demonstration of parachute-based deceleration system for Gaganyaan missions. This test is a joint effort of ISRO, Indian Air Force, DRDO, Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard."

On Wednesday, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha that development and ground testing of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3) for India's first human spaceflight program Gaganyaan have been completed.

Dr. Singh elaborated in his written statement: "Orbital Module: The Propulsion systems for the Crew Module and the Service Module have been developed and tested. ECLSS engineering model realized. Crew Escape System (CES): 5 types of motors developed and static tested. Infrastructure established: Orbital Module Preparation Facility, Gaganyaan Control Centre, Gaganyaan Control facility, Crew training facility, Second Launch pad modifications."

The human spaceflight program aims to fulfill the aspirations of India as an established spacefaring nation. The technological and manufacturing capabilities being developed support the goal of 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) and represent a transformative shift in the national research and technology development landscape.

Dr. Singh also outlined ISRO's long-term vision, noting that after establishing basic human spaceflight capabilities through the Gaganyaan Program, the next logical step will be developing a human habitat or space station in low Earth orbit. This future direction includes plans for the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) by 2035 and an Indian Moon Landing by 2040.