ISRO, India’s space agency, successfully launched the Gaganyaan mission on its second attempt on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
After facing an initial setback with the ISRO TV-D1 rocket during India’s ambitious Gaganyaan Mission, the space agency made a successful second launch just 45 minutes later.
The Test Vehicle, carrying essential equipment for the Gaganyaan human space flight program, was successfully launched at 10 AM on Saturday from Sriharikota.
ISRO overcame the technical issues that led to the first launch failure and expressed their joy in accomplishing the Gaganyaan TV-D1 mission. ISRO Chairman S Somanath said, “I am very pleased to announce the successful completion of the Gaganyaan TV-D1 mission.”
This launch takes us one step closer to realising India’s first human space flight program, Gaganyaan. My best wishes to our scientists at ISRO.
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi
In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), ISRO stated, “The reason for the initial launch hold has been identified and rectified. The launch is now scheduled for 10:00 AM today.”
The ISRO chief explained that the first launch was delayed due to problems with the rocket’s engine ignition. These issues have been pinpointed and resolved, paving the way for the second launch attempt at 10:00 AM.
India’s Gaganyaan mission is a significant step in demonstrating the country’s capability to send humans into space. The project aims to send a crew of three members into a 400 km orbit for a 3-day mission and bring them back safely to Earth by landing in Indian waters.
This mission will make India the fourth nation in the world, after the US, Russia, and China, to undertake a manned spaceflight. Building on the success of India’s previous space endeavors, including the recent Chandrayan-3 and Aditya L1 missions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set ambitious goals for the future, including establishing the ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ (Indian Space Station) by 2035 and sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040.
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Significance of the Gaganyaan mission
- The Gaganyaan mission is a significant milestone for India’s space program. It will make India the fourth country in the world to launch a manned spaceflight mission, after the United States, Russia, and China.
- The mission will demonstrate India’s capability to send humans into space and return them safely to Earth.
- The Gaganyaan mission will also boost India’s technological prowess and inspire its youth.
- The mission is expected to have a positive impact on India’s economy and create new jobs.
Future plans
- ISRO plans to build its own space station, called the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (Indian Space Station), by 2035.
- ISRO also plans to send the first Indian to the Moon by 2040.
- The Gaganyaan mission is a bold and ambitious undertaking, but it is one that India is well-positioned to achieve. With its strong track record in space exploration and its growing technological prowess, India is poised to become a major player in the global space arena.