Indian Astronauts Prepare as ISRO Targets December Launch for Gaganyaan Test Mission

India’s ambitious human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, is entering a decisive phase as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) gears up for its first uncrewed test flight in December 2025. The mission, carrying the humanoid robot Vyommitra, will mark the beginning of a series of launches that pave the way for India’s maiden crewed space mission.

The four astronaut-designates—Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Angad Pratap, Ajit Krishnan, and P. Balakrishnan Nair—have voiced strong optimism as the nation inches closer to this milestone. Shukla, currently stationed aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on a commercial mission, said the global space community is watching India with anticipation, adding that colleagues abroad frequently ask when Gaganyaan will take flight.

Nair emphasized India’s unique approach to space exploration, blending efficiency and innovation with a strong indigenous vision. Pratap framed Gaganyaan as more than a single mission, describing it as a “mission of missions” that will contribute to India’s long-term vision of becoming a space leader by 2047. Krishnan highlighted ISRO’s rapid progress over the past five years, citing achievements such as lunar exploration, spacecraft docking, and the rise of the private sector as proof of India’s growing capabilities.

ISRO has expanded the Gaganyaan programme, raising its budget to about $2.3 billion, with plans for up to six uncrewed and two crewed missions before 2028. The first crewed mission is now scheduled for early 2027, following rigorous test flights.

As India readies its astronauts and technology for space, the Gaganyaan mission is seen not only as a demonstration of capability but also as a bold step towards establishing a national space station by the end of the decade.