Gaganyaan-1 is a pivotal step in the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) ambitious human spaceflight program.

Gaganyaan-1 will be an uncrewed mission aimed at validating critical systems before sending Indian astronauts, or Vyomanauts, into space.

This mission will assess the crew module’s re-entry capabilities, the performance of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), and the parachute deployment system for safe landing.

The mission profile of Gaganyaan-1 involves several critical stages to ensure a safe and successful demonstration of India’s human spaceflight capabilities. The mission will begin with the launch of the GSLV Mk III-M1 (LVM3), ISRO’s most powerful launch vehicle, designed to carry the crew module into low Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of around 400 km.

Once in orbit, the Gaganyaan crew module will operate autonomously, with onboard systems continuously monitored from ground stations.

The mission is designed to last around seven days, during which the spacecraft will circle the Earth while testing various subsystems, including life support, navigation, and propulsion. The spacecraft will also demonstrate the performance of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), which will maintain a habitable environment inside the crew module for future manned missions.

Upon mission completion, the crew module will begin its re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. The module will experience significant thermal stress during this phase, and the thermal protection system (TPS) will be tested to ensure it can withstand the high temperatures of re-entry.

The module is planned to splash down in the Bay of Bengal, where it will be recovered by Indian Navy vessels. This recovery will also test ISRO’s capabilities in astronaut retrieval and post-mission safety procedures, all vital for future crewed flights.

In partnership with NASA, ISRO has also incorporated global best practices in space safety, with the United States providing technical support, particularly in astronaut training.

Following this uncrewed test flight, ISRO plans to launch Gaganyaan-2, which will be the first mission to carry Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit, marking India’s entry into the exclusive club of nations capable of human spaceflight.

The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), formerly known as GSLV Mk III, is India’s most powerful operational launch vehicle, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is designed to carry heavier payloads into space and plays a crucial role in India’s ambitions for both commercial satellite launches and deep space exploration. First launched in 2014 as a suborbital test flight and then fully operational by 2017, the LVM3 has since become the backbone of ISRO's heavy-lift missions. It notably launched the Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission and is slated for use in the upcoming Gaganyaan crewed spaceflight program.

Specs

Height: 43.43 m (142.5 ft)

Diameter: 4 m (13 ft)

Mass: 640,000 kg (1,410,000 lb)

Stages: 3

Payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO): 10,000 kg (22,000 lb)

Payload to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO): 4,300 kg (9,500 lb)

The LVM3 is a three-stage vehicle consisting of two large S200 solid rocket boosters strapped to either side of the core stage, a liquid-fueled L110 core powered by twin Vikas engines, and a C25 cryogenic upper stage that uses a CE-20 engine fueled by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The vehicle is built to be modular, cost-effective, and capable of handling both governmental and commercial payloads, positioning India as a competitive player in the global launch market.

Image courtesy of ISRO.

The Second Launch Pad (SLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, India, is one of ISRO’s primary launch complexes. Operational since 2005, it was developed to support the growing number of satellite launches and to reduce dependence on the older First Launch Pad. The SLP is a versatile and modular facility, capable of launching all of ISRO's current rockets, including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and LVM3 (formerly GSLV Mk III).

Located on the eastern coast of India, the site allows for launches over the Bay of Bengal, ideal for a range of orbital inclinations. The SLP features a Mobile Service Tower (MST) and a Fixed Umbilical Tower (FUT) for vehicle integration, fueling, and payload access, enhancing launch preparation efficiency and safety. It has been used for major missions like Chandrayaan, Mars Orbiter Mission, and several NavIC satellites.

Image courtesy of ISRO.