India's ambitious human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, has entered its final phase, with the nation's first crewed mission now slated for the first quarter of 2027. This milestone was announced by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh during a media briefing at the National Media Centre in New Delhi on May 7, 2025.

Key Highlights:

• The Gaganyaan mission, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), aims to send Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit aboard an Indian rocket launched from Indian soil. 
• The mission's budget has been increased to Rs.20,193 crore (approximately $2.32 billion) to accommodate eight missions, including uncrewed flights with the humanoid robot Vyommitra. 
• Key test missions, including the TV-D1 and the first uncrewed Test Vehicle Abort Mission, have been successfully completed, laying a strong foundation for the upcoming test schedule. 
• The Crew Module and Service Module are undergoing final stages of integration, with the human-rated LVM3 rocket being prepared for the mission. 
• Four Indian Air Force pilots, selected as astronaut-designates, have completed training in Russia and are undergoing further mission-specific training in India. 
• The Gaganyaan mission is a significant step towards India's long-term space exploration goals, including establishing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and conducting a crewed Moon mission by 2040. 

The successful execution of the Gaganyaan mission will position India as the fourth country to independently send humans into space, joining the ranks of the United States, Russia, and China.