NEW DELHI: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S Somanath said that the space agency plans to send Indian astronauts for the first time on the moon by 2040.
“Looking ahead, ISRO aims to take the next step in space exploration with the Gaganyaan programme, planning to launch a crew of 2 to 3 Indian astronauts into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for up to three days before safely returning them to a predefined site in Indian waters,” he divulged in an exclusive article forManorama Yearbook 2024, which was released last week.
“Four test pilots from the Indian Air Force have been selected as Astronaut-Designates for the mission. Currently, they are undergoing mission-specific training at Astronaut Training Facility (ATF) in Bengaluru,” said Somanath.
The inaugural manned space mission Gaganyaan involves developing critical technologies, including a human-rated (capable of safely transporting humans) launch vehicle (HLVM3).
