Dr. S. Somanath, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), announced that the Gaganyaan mission, originally scheduled for 2025, has been delayed to 2026. The announcement was made during the Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture at Akashvani (All India Radio), according to Firstpost. Dr. Somanath said the delay reflects ISRO’s careful approach to ensure the safety and success of the mission.
The mission will carry four Indian astronauts: Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubanshu Shukla. Shukla is currently training at the NASA astronaut training center and will join three other astronauts for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station later this year.
Gaganyaan represents India’s first human spaceflight mission and is a major milestone in the country’s space program. Preparations are ongoing, and ISRO remains committed to completing the mission safely. The announcement coincides with India’s increased investment in space technology, including a budget allocation of Rs 2,104.06 crore for the Chandrayaan-4 mission.
The Gaganyaan mission reflects India’s growing capabilities in human spaceflight and its contributions to the global space economy. Despite the delay, ISRO continues to train astronauts and develop the necessary technology for a successful launch in 2026.