Gaganyaan: Second unmanned mission planned in 2022-23 followed by a human spaceflight

Context

The human spaceflight module of Gaganyaan will be launched after the second unmanned mission planned in 2022-23.

Gaganyaan Mission

• Gaganyaan is an Indian crewed orbital spacecraft.
• It was initially envisaged to send a three-member crew to space for five to seven days by 2022 when India completes 75 years of independence.

Key-highlights of the spacecraft

• The spacecraft is being designed to carry three people.
• In its maiden crewed 3.7-tonne (8,200 lb) capsule which will orbit the Earth at 400 km (250 mi) altitude for up to seven days.
• It will revolve in the Low Earth orbit.
• The mission will be powered by a Photovoltaic array.
• DRDO, HAL, and ISRO will be collaborating in the manufacturing of Gaganyaan.