Question : First Manned Mission

(a) whether the ISRO has planned to launch the first manned mission under Gaganyaan by December, 2021, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the ISRO has shortlisted certain number of Indian astronauts for Gaganyaan-India’s manned mission to Space, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the ISRO has shortlisted some Indian astronauts for training in Russia under Gaganyaan Mission and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the ISRO has developed GSLV Mk-III to carry and launch human lives much further into the space and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the details of other steps/initiatives taken by the ISRO for technological upgradation regarding the successful Gaganyaan Mission?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

(a) Yes Sir, the Human Space Mission: Gaganyaan is targeted for December 2021. The Gaganyaan Programme has been approved by the Government of India. The design and configuration of major subsystem are finalized. The procurement and system/ subsystem realisation for tests and flight has commenced.

(b) & (c)
The crew selection and training process for Gaganyaan mission is progressing well including the training in Russia under Gaganyaan Mission.

(d) Yes Sir, GSLV MkIII launcher which is ISRO’s heavy lift launcher is identified for Gaganyaan mission. It has requisite payload carrying capacity for Orbital module in desired elliptical orbit. Process for human rating of GSLV Mk-III is progressing well.

(e) ISRO has wide experience in technological areas with respect to Launch vehicle, spacecraft management, ground infrastructure etc. ISRO has taken steps for human rating of existing systems to ensure crew safety. In certain areas where ISRO lacks experience such as Human centric systems, crew training, crew recovery etc., ISRO is planning to collaborate with national and international agencies. MoUs in this regard have already been signed with DRDO labs, Indian Air Force and Russian space agency

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