The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has designated 2024 as the year of Gaganyaan, marking significant progress towards India's human space mission, which is scheduled for realization in 2025. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath revealed plans for about 12-14 space missions in 2024, utilizing the agency's three rockets.
In the context of Gaganyaan, 2024 will witness a series of tests and activities aimed at preparing for the manned space mission in 2025. ISRO is set to conduct two abort missions during the year, building on the successful Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1) carried out last year, which demonstrated the crew escape system.
The planned activities for 2024 include two unmanned missions, a helicopter drop test, launchpad abort tests, and various other assessments to ensure the readiness and safety of the manned space mission.
In addition to Gaganyaan-related activities, ISRO's 2024 agenda encompasses other satellite launches. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) will be employed to orbit INSAT-3DS, the INDO-US collaboration satellite NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), and a second-generation navigation satellite. Commercial missions, involving satellite launches for a fee, are also on the schedule, along with several remote sensing satellite missions using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the third flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
ISRO has ambitious plans for testing its scramjet engine and the reusable launch vehicle in the coming year, showcasing India's commitment to advancements in space exploration technology.
(With Agency Inputs)
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