ISRO chief announces 2025 as ‘Gaganyaan Year' with first mission featuring Vyommitra robot to launch in December

Time of India

23-05-2025

ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan made a historic announcement, declaring 2025 the 'Gaganyaan Year' as India enters a new era of human spaceflight aspirations. Addressing a function in Kolkata, Narayanan projected ISRO's aggressive agenda for the next few years, comprising several human and robotic missions, a space station, and historic international collaborations.
With the announcement, ISRO has solidified its emphasis on manned spaceflight, scientific exploration, international cooperation, and national development. The intended missions and innovations not only represent India's technical prowess but also show that it is serious about becoming a global leader in space exploration. From the Moon to man, and from spy satellites to a national space station, ISRO's ambitious design confirms India's leadership in 21st-century space science.
ISRO prepares for historic Gaganyaan mission set for December 2025 launch
Dr. Narayanan reinforced that the maiden Gaganyaan uncrewed mission will take place in December 2025 with a humanoid robot, Vyommitra. It will be the first of three planned uncrewed missions that will pave the way for India's maiden human spaceflight, now expected in early 2027.
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'This year is very important for us. We have declared it Gaganyaan Year. Till date, more than 7,200 tests have been completed, and about 3,000 tests are pending. Work is going on 24 hours a day,' said the ISRO chief. He also revealed that launches are planned almost every month this year, underscoring the intensity and scale of ISRO's spaceflight preparation.
ISRO plans Chandrayaan-4 sample return and Chandrayaan-5 mission
ISRO is also working on furthering its lunar exploration program. Dr. Narayanan provided information about Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5, the future missions to further India's knowledge of the Moon.
Chandrayaan-5 is a joint mission with Japan and includes a 6,400 kg lander and a 350 kg rover, an improvement over the 25 kg 'Pragyan' rover employed during Chandrayaan-3. The mission will be operational on the surface of the Moon for 100 days, with a focus on in-depth scientific research.
"Chandrayaan-5 will significantly augment the scientific capability of the mission with international collaboration," Narayanan added. In turn, Chandrayaan-4, slated to blast off within 2.5 years, will seek to bring back lunar soil samples to India—a first in the Indian space programme. In a giant step in space science, Dr. Narayanan announced that ISRO is setting the stage for putting in orbit its own Indian space station, which is expected to have a mass of more than 50 tonnes. The station will be a permanent orbital facility for long-duration microgravity experiments and verification of critical technologies. With it in operation, India will become a member of a select few in having indigenous space station capability.
This step aims to enhance India's global position in space research and promote international scientific collaboration.
ISRO's satellite network aids security while planning India's first crewed mission
ISRO currently has 57 operational satellites that are providing crucial real-time information for disaster management, agriculture, education, weather forecasting, and remote connectivity. Gaganyaan is not only a mission but also an icon of India joining the select group of human spaceflight nations. With successful operation, it will form the bedrock of future crewed deep-space flights.
After the three unmanned missions, ISRO plans to send its first manned mission by the first quarter of 2027. This will be a significant technological and strategic breakthrough, encouraging innovation and inspiring a new generation of Indian engineers and scientists. In his address, made on the 253rd birth anniversary of social reformer Raja Rammohan Roy, Narayanan related scientific progress with societal advancement.
He paid a rich tribute to Roy's memory and brought into focus the critical role of Indian women scientists in ISRO's success. Their increasing involvement in space missions reflects ISRO's emphasis on gender diversity and inclusive innovation.
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