The first test flight of India’s human-rated rocket for the Gaganyaan mission is anticipated in December 2024, according to Dr. S Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Speaking after the successful launch of India’s Earth Observation Satellite-08 (EOS-08), Dr. Somanath revealed that the Gaganyaan rocket’s three stages have arrived at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, while the crew module integration is underway at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram.
Dr. Somanath mentioned that all systems for the Gaganyaan rocket, designated G1, are expected to be at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre by November, with the launch targeted for December.
On the same day, ISRO successfully launched two satellites—EOS-08 and SR-0—using its new Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), marking the third and final development flight of this rocket. Dr. Somanath confirmed the SSLV’s development has been successfully completed and the technology will now be transferred to industry for commercial production.
Also Read: 10 Interesting Unknown Facts About ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 That Scripted Space History
The SSLV, designed and developed by ISRO, can carry a payload of 500 kg and is powered by solid fuel. The space agency plans to transfer not just the technology, but also the knowledge of building the SSLV to industry partners. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) had previously announced ISRO’s decision to hand over the SSLV technology to private companies. The selection process for industry partners is ongoing, with an estimated two years required for the chosen consortium to produce the SSLV. In the meantime, NewSpace India Ltd, a public sector entity, will fund SSLV production.
Regarding the second launch pad at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Somanath stated that construction has commenced, and the facility is expected to be operational in about two years.