Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V Narayanan has officially declared 2025 as the “Gaganyaan Year”, marking a pivotal phase in India’s ambitious human spaceflight programme. Speaking at an event in Kolkata on Thursday, Narayanan confirmed that the first uncrewed mission under the Gaganyaan Programme—featuring the humanoid robot Vyommitra—will be launched in December 2025.
“This year is very important for us. We have declared it Gaganyaan year… Over 7,200 tests have already been completed, and around 3,000 more are pending. Work is ongoing 24 hours,” said Narayanan.
Key Highlights from ISRO Chief’s Statement:
- First Uncrewed Mission: Scheduled for December 2025, featuring Vyommitra, an AI-based humanoid robot.
- Total Missions: Three uncrewed missions are planned before the crewed spaceflight, which is now targeted for Q1 of 2027.
- Testing Progress: Of the total tests required for mission assurance, 7,200 have been completed, with 3,000 more in progress.
- Frequent Launches: ISRO aims to conduct launches almost every month in 2025, spanning both scientific and commercial missions.
SpaDeX and Upcoming Collaborations
Narayanan also shared success stories from recent technological milestones, particularly the SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission, which was carried out using just half the fuel budgeted for the operation.
“We successfully completed the SpaDeX mission with only half the expected fuel, and several more in-orbit experiments are planned in the coming months,” he noted.
He announced that 2025 will also witness the launch of a joint NASA-ISRO synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, which will be launched by India’s own launch vehicle. Additionally, a commercial communication satellite is also on the calendar.
About Gaganyaan
Approved in December 2018, the Gaganyaan Programme envisions sending Indian astronauts to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and establishing key technologies for sustained human space exploration.
With Vyommitra leading the uncrewed demonstration flights, ISRO is steadily laying the groundwork for India’s maiden human spaceflight, projected for early 2027.
The declaration of 2025 as Gaganyaan Year signals India’s resolve to join the ranks of elite nations in human space exploration, with a strategic blend of innovation, international cooperation, and rigorous testing.