Gaganyaan's final unmanned test to be conducted by April 2024: ISRO chairman

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chairman S Somnath said that ISRO's Gaganyaan project to carry humans into space will soon become a reality. Somanath stated in the press conference that the final unmanned test will be conducted by April next year. The unmanned test mission named GX will involve the Vyomitra robot.

"The construction of important parts of the GX mission rocket has been completed. The work related to cryogenics will be completed before December. The crew module assembly is now in progress."

"The Aditya L-1 mission is in its final stages. The probe will reach the L-1 point on January 7."

"Transfer of SSLV technology to the private sector is in progress and will be completed within two months. The launch of PSLV N-1, which is being built in the private sector, will take place by October next year. The land acquisition process for building the SSLV launch pad in Tamil Nadu is in the final stages. The tender will be issued by the end of next month, including the design of the launch pad."

"Private participation in space will increase employment and business opportunities. Five companies in India currently have the capability to manufacture satellites. Private participation in this sector will help make India a future satellite builder for the world. The space sector will grow only if unnecessary restrictions are removed.", Somanath said.