Three Indian astronauts will take part in 7-day venture

The Union Cabinet on Friday approved the ambitious Gaganyaan programme, which will send three Indian astronauts to space for up to seven days by 2022 at a cost of ₹10,000 crore.

The project was first announced by Prime Minster Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech this year. As part of the programme, two unmanned flights and one manned flight will be undertaken.

The first human space flight demonstration is targeted to be completed within 40 months of the sanction date. Prior to this, two unmanned flights in full complement will be carried out to gain confidence, the government said.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed the launch vehicle GSLV MK-III, which has the necessary payload capability to launch a three-member crew module in low earth orbit.

Escape system tested

The ISRO has also tested the crew escape system, an essential technology for human space flight. Elements of the life support system and the space suit have also been realised and tested, the government said.

The Union Cabinet said the necessary infrastructure for crew training, realisation of flight systems and ground infrastructure will be established to support the Gaganyaan programme.

Under the programme, ISRO will collaborate extensively with national agencies, laboratories, academia and industry.

The ₹10,000 crore fund will cover cost of technology development, flight hardware realisation and essential infrastructure elements.

The government believes that the programme will generate employment and train human resources in advanced technologies.

“It will inspire a large number of young students to take up science and technology careers for national development,” the government said.