90% of Gaganyaan work done, says ISRO Chief

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V Narayanan on Thursday said about 90 per cent of the work on the Gaganyaan mission has been completed.

Providing updates on upcoming space projects at a press conference in Bengaluru, Narayanan said ISRO will launch the GSAT-7R satellite using the LVM-3 rocket on November 2. The GSAT-7R is designed to enhance naval communication capabilities.

“A lot of technological development has to take place — the rocket has to be human-rated, the life support system and the crew escape system must be ready, and of course, human-centric products are key. I can say today that approximately 90 per cent of the development work has been completed,” Narayanan said.

For the Gaganyaan programme, he added that the integrated air-drop test had been successfully completed.

Giving an update on the upcoming Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025), Narayanan said the event aims to bring together innovators, researchers, industry leaders, policymakers and institutions to advance India’s scientific and technological capabilities.

“ESTIC 2025 will serve as a dynamic platform to showcase emerging technologies, share success stories and promote cross-disciplinary collaboration. Aligned with national missions on scientific advancement and sustainable development, it envisions an inclusive, self-reliant innovation ecosystem that accelerates the translation of ideas into real-world applications for societal benefit,” officials said.

Rajarajan A, Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, said the conclave would highlight India’s space achievements, future missions and the innovation roadmap towards 2047.