The Indian Space Research Organisation has announced plans to conduct three uncrewed missions before undertaking its first human spaceflight under the Gaganyaan programme. The announcement was made by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, who emphasized the importance of extensive testing before sending astronauts into space. 

According to ISRO, preparations for the first uncrewed mission are already underway, with all systems progressing as planned. These precursor missions are designed to validate critical technologies, including crew safety systems and mission operations, which are essential for human spaceflight. 

The Gaganyaan programme aims to demonstrate India’s capability to send a crew of three astronauts into low Earth orbit and safely return them. The mission is expected to place India among a select group of nations with independent human spaceflight capabilities. 

Officials have indicated that detailed timelines for the uncrewed missions will be announced later. The first of these missions is expected to take place in 2026, marking a crucial step toward the eventual crewed launch, currently targeted for a later phase. 

The initiative reflects India’s growing ambitions in space exploration and technological self-reliance.