ISRO dispatches crew module for first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan

Bengaluru: The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully dispatched the Crew Module for the first uncrewed mission of the Gaganyaan project (G1), marking a significant milestone in India’s quest for human spaceflight capabilities. The module was sent to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on January 21, 2025, following the integration of the liquid propulsion system, ISRO announced on Wednesday.

Gaganyaan, India’s ambitious human spaceflight program, aims to demonstrate the capability of sending astronauts into space. Before the crewed mission, ISRO will conduct uncrewed test flights to ensure the mission’s safety and reliability.

The Crew Module Propulsion System (CMPS), integrated at LPSC, features a bi-propellant-based Reaction Control System (RCS) for precise three-axis control—Pitch, Yaw, and Roll—during the module’s descent and re-entry phases. The system becomes operational after the separation of the service module, guiding the module until parachutes are deployed for deceleration. It includes 12 rocket motors, known as 100 N thrusters, along with a pressurisation system, high-pressure gas bottles, and fluid control components.

Additionally, the Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS), developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), was also integrated into the module. This system ensures proper orientation of the crew module during its descent.

The Crew Module will next undergo further integration operations, including avionics package assembly, electrical harnessing, and system checks at VSSC. It will then be dispatched to U R Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru, for the final phase of integration with the Orbital Module.

This marks a crucial step toward achieving India’s first human spaceflight, showcasing the nation’s advancements in space technology and exploration.