The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is in the final stages of preparation for the first uncrewed test flight of its Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, but the mission timeline has been adjusted.

The uncrewed Gaganyaan mission, designated G1, will carry the humanoid robot Vyommitra to test the spacecraft’s life-support systems, re-entry capabilities and overall performance in orbital conditions.

Originally scheduled for launch this month (March 2026), the flight is now expected to be postponed to the second half of 2026.

The delay follows a decision to implement extra safety checks and incorporate lessons from recent anomalies observed in Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) missions.

ISRO has formed a national-level expert committee to review the third-stage issue from the PSLV-C62 mission earlier this year.

These additional reviews are aimed at ensuring the highest levels of reliability for India’s first crewed spaceflight programme.

Despite the adjustment to the uncrewed flight schedule, ISRO has confirmed that the overall Gaganyaan programme remains firmly on track.

The crewed mission, which will send Indian astronauts to low-Earth orbit, continues to be targeted for 2027.

The Gaganyaan programme represents a landmark in India’s space ambitions, positioning the country as the fourth nation to achieve independent human spaceflight capability after Russia, the United States and China.

The successful completion of the uncrewed G1 mission will be a critical milestone before proceeding to crewed operations.