Gaganyaan clears three major crew-module qualification tests

9 August 2026National

ISRO completed three major qualification tests for the Gaganyaan crew module, advancing key human-rating milestones. The tests qualified the flotation (up-righting) system that turns the capsule upright after a sea landing, the clean separation of the crew and service modules, and the structure''s load-bearing capacity when the parachute cover is jettisoned. Development of all propulsion stages of the Human-Rated LVM3 (HLVM3), the ECLSS engineering model, deceleration system, Thermal Protection System and end-to-end avionics is complete. The first uncrewed test flight carrying the half-humanoid robot ''Vyommitra'' is targeted for Q4 2026, ahead of India''s first crewed spaceflight.

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Gaganyaan is India''s first human spaceflight programme | Launch vehicle: HLVM3 from Sriharikota (SDSC-SHAR) | ISRO founded 1969; founder Vikram Sarabhai | HQ: Bengaluru

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ISRO cleared three crew-module qualification tests for Gaganyaan (flotation, module separation, parachute-cover load); uncrewed Vyommitra flight targeted for Q4 2026.

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