India’s Gaganyaan Project: Uncrewed Crew Module Dispatched for Space Exploration

India has taken a significant step towards human spaceflight with the dispatch of the Crew Module for the first uncrewed mission under the Gaganyaan project. The module, integrated with a liquid propulsion system at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Bengaluru, was sent to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on January 21, 2025. This milestone is a crucial part of India’s ambition to develop human spaceflight capabilities.

Liquid Propulsion System Overview

As reported by The Economic Times, ISRO has detailed the Crew Module Propulsion System (CMPS), which incorporates a bi-propellant Reaction Control System (RCS). This system ensures precise three-axis control—pitch, yaw, and roll—during descent and re-entry. Control operations will commence after the service module separates and will continue until the parachute-based deceleration system is activated. The propulsion system features 12 thrusters, each providing 100 Newtons of thrust, along with high-pressure gas bottles, a propellant feed mechanism, and other fluid control components.

Module Assembly and Integration

The Crew Module has also been equipped with the Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS), developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). The module will now undergo additional assembly procedures, including avionics installation, electrical harnessing, and a series of system checks at VSSC before being sent to the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru. The final phase will involve integrating the Crew Module with the Orbital Module.

Preparations for Human Spaceflight

ISRO has commenced the assembly of the Human-Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 for the Gaganyaan mission. The upcoming uncrewed G1 mission is a crucial preparatory step for India’s human spaceflight program, allowing ISRO to validate key systems and technologies. With this development, India moves closer to joining the select group of nations capable of sending humans into space.