India’s maiden human space flight mission under the Gaganyaan programme is targeted to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2024, Union Minister of State for Space Jitendra Singh informed the Parliament on Wednesday (21 December).

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Singh also said that the first uncrewed flight of Gaganyaan programme i.e. ‘G1’ mission is targeted to be launched in the last quarter of 2023

The ‘G1’ mission is aimed at validating the performance of human rated launch vehicle, orbital module propulsion system, mission management, communication system and recovery operations. The mission will carry a humanoid as payload.

The G1 mission will be followed by the second uncrewed ‘G2’ mission in the second quarter of 2024.

The minister said that in view of the paramount importance of crew safety, two test vehicle missions are planned before the ‘G1’ mission to demonstrate the performance of crew escape system and parachute-based deceleration system for different flight conditions. 

"India’s maiden human space flight ‘H1’ mission is targeted to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2024," the minister said.

He added that the astronaut designates for human space flight mission are identified and are currently undergoing their mission specific training at Bengaluru.

"First semester of Astronaut training has been completed wherein they have undergone course modules on theoretical basics, space medicine, launch vehicles, spacecraft system and ground support infrastructure," the minister said.

"Regular physical fitness sessions, aeromedical training and flying practice are also part of crew training. Corresponding evaluation and assessment activities have also been completed. The second semester of crew training is currently in progress," he added.