Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Gaganyaan Mission Rocket
ISRO Chairman Dr. S Somanath has confirmed that the first test flight of India’s human-rated Gaganyaan rocket is set for December 2024. The rocket will be part of India’s ambitious human space mission.
Rocket Components at Launch Site
According to Dr. Somanath, the three stages of the Gaganyaan rocket, code-named G1, have arrived at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The crew module integration is currently in progress at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram.
Full System Delivery
The remaining systems for the Gaganyaan rocket are expected to reach the Satish Dhawan Space Centre by November 2024. The December launch date will depend on the successful completion of the integration and testing processes.
SSLV’s Final Development Flight Success
ISRO’s new Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) successfully launched two satellites, EOS-08 and SR-0, on its third and final development flight. The SSLV has now completed its development phase.
Industry Involvement
ISRO is transferring the SSLV technology to private industry for commercial production. The technology transfer will include not only designs but also hands-on training in building the rocket.
Training and Rollout Timeline for SSLV
The process of selecting a private industry or consortium for SSLV production is ongoing. The chosen company is expected to take two years to manufacture the rocket, with interim production supported by NewSpace India Ltd.
Progress on Kulasekarapattinam
Construction of a second launch pad at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, is underway. Dr. Somanath mentioned that the new facility will take approximately two years to be fully operational.
