NEW DELHI: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is targeting December for the launch of the first mission under its ambitious Gaganyaan project, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath announced on Friday at Sriharikota. His statement followed the successful deployment of the Earth Observation Satellite into orbit earlier that day, marking the third and final developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
“We are currently working on the first mission of Gaganyaan, called G1, which is an unmanned mission,” Somanath said. “The rocket stages, including the S200, L1, and C32, are all at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. We need to complete the wiring and testing. Our target is to have the entire system ready by November, with a possible launch in December.”
Somanath also noted that the integration of the Crew Module is ongoing at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Trivandrum, with the Crew Escape hardware already prepared.
The ISRO chief highlighted the significance of the SSLV mission’s success, noting that it opens the door for industry collaboration with ISRO in placing satellites into Low Earth Orbit. Responding to questions about industry involvement in commercial SSLV missions, Somanath revealed that a recent day-long meeting was held with industry representatives.
“I hope the first technology transfer between ISRO and industry will happen in India soon,” he said. “We have released a Request for Interest (RFI), inviting companies to express interest in technology transfer from ISRO and outlining the expectations and qualifications for such missions.”
ISRO plans to partner with industry by teaching them how to build rockets. Companies will need to meet ISRO’s criteria, including manufacturing capabilities and financial strength. Somanath added that companies will be assessed and shortlisted based on their performance, and those selected will enter into contracts after paying a technology transfer fee.
