India’s Gaganyaan mission is a bold dream to send three astronauts into space, orbiting 400 km above Earth for three days before safely landing in Indian waters. Set for a crewed launch in 2027, this mission will make India the fourth nation with independent human spaceflight capability, joining the United States, Russia, and China. But before astronauts take flight, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) must ensure every system is perfect.
In 2025, the second test vehicle mission (TV-D2) and two uncrewed orbital flights (G1 and G2) will take place in 2026. These tests are the foundation of Gaganyaan, ensuring safety and success. They are not just technical steps but symbols of India’s ambition and pride. Let’s dive into what TV-D2 entails and why these tests matter so much.
The TV-D2 mission is all about testing the Crew Escape System (CES), a vital safety feature for astronauts. Think of it as an emergency lifeboat. If something goes wrong during the rocket’s launch—like an engine failure or an explosion the CES quickly pulls the crew module (where astronauts sit) away from the rocket, carrying it to safety. The first test, TV-D1, conducted in October 2023, successfully showed that the CES could work at supersonic speeds, separating the crew module and landing it safely in the sea with parachutes. TV-D2, planned for later in 2025, takes this further by testing the CES under different, more challenging conditions.
So, what exactly will ISRO do in TV-D2? While exact details are not fully public? “TV-D2 is expected to simulate a launch emergency at a different point in the rocket’s ascent, possibly at a higher altitude or speed, or under a specific failure scenario, like a booster malfunction. The test will involve launching a test vehicle a simplified rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This vehicle carries a crew module equipped with the CES. At a predetermined point, ISRO will trigger the CES to separate the module from the rocket. The system’s powerful motors will fire, pulling the module away rapidly. Parachutes will then deploy to slow its descent, aiming for a safe splashdown in the Bay of Bengal. ISRO will monitor every second, checking if the CES activates correctly, separates cleanly, and lands the module safely. This ensures the system can handle various emergencies, protecting astronauts in real missions,” explained space expert Girish Linganna.
The uncrewed orbital flights, G1 and G2, are equally crucial. G1, likely in 2026, will send a crew module into a 400 km orbit using the Human-Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3).
It tests the entire mission: launch, reaching orbit, surviving in space, reentering the Earth’s atmosphere, and splashing down in the sea. A robot astronaut, Vyommitra, may be on board to mimic human tasks, checking life support systems like oxygen and temperature control.
G2 repeats these tests, possibly with added experiments, to confirm everything works perfectly. These flights are like full rehearsals, ensuring the crew module and rocket are ready for astronauts.
Why are these tests so important? Space is dangerous, and even a small error can be deadly. TV-D2 ensures the CES is a reliable escape route, ready for any launch mishap. G1 and G2 test the mission’s core systems rocket, orbit, reentry, and recovery so ISRO can fix issues before humans fly. For example, if G1 shows a problem with the heat shield during reentry, ISRO can correct it for G2 and the crewed mission. These tests build confidence, proving India’s technology is up to the challenge.
“The significance of these tests goes far beyond just checking boxes on a list. Human spaceflight is one of the most challenging and unforgiving endeavours. Every system must work perfectly, and every possible scenario must be anticipated and rehearsed. By conducting these uncrewed tests, ISRO can identify and fix any issues before risking human lives. These tests are also an opportunity to gather invaluable data, refine operational procedures, and build confidence among the mission team,” explained Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India.
Gaganyaan mission is a matter of national pride and strategic importance. With these tests, India is demonstrating its ability to develop complex spaceflight technologies independently, without relying on foreign partners. This not only boosts India’s standing in the global space community but also opens up new possibilities for scientific research, international collaboration, and commercial opportunities in space.
