What is the tentative schedule for the launch of Gaganyaan missions G1 and G2?

Ans: G1 and G2 are targeted to be launched in 2026-27.

What are the tests and processes that remain on G1 before it can be certified for flight?

Ans: Assembly, integration, and testing of the Crew Module and Service Module are currently being carried out for G1.

Have ISRO started selecting a second batch of Gaganyatris?

Ans: No

In the SUIT instrument of Aditya L1, artefacts appear on the screen. What are those and what is ISRO doing to mitigate them?

Ans: These are technical/academic questions and do not fall under the scope of RTI.

What is the current status of the Spadex mission? How many times have docking and undocking been carried out on SDX01 and SDX02? What purpose do these two satellites serve other than to demonstrate docking procedures?

Ans: Both the satellites (SDX01 and SDX02) are operational. The docking and undocking was carried out 4 times. Apart from docking and undocking, the objectives of the satellite were to demonstrate composite control of the spacecraft, power transfer between the spacecraft and circum-navigation technologies in open & closed loop method. Additionally, the satellites are used for remote sensing purpose. The satellites carry remote sensing payloads namely, High-Resolution Camera on SDX-01, Miniature Multi-Spectral Payload and Radiation Monitor payloads on SDX-02 satellite.

Has a Spadex-2 mission been approved and funded by the government? What is the current status? Will it precede the Chandrayaan 4 mission?

Ans: The Spadex-2 mission is yet to be approved. The project timeline is consequential to the approval.

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Australia is playing a vital role in India’s push to send astronauts into space.

Coordinated by the Australian Space Agency, the key space tracking infrastructure is now operational in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to support India’s historic Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Program.

The commissioning was announced today as part of the joint statement between Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Modi at the Third Australia–India Annual Summit in Melbourne.

Located in the Indian Ocean, the newly commissioned terminal will provide mission-critical tracking support for four planned missions led by ISRO.

The first uncrewed test flight is expected to launch soon from India’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

Aussie expertise backing India’s space ambitions

Australia’s contribution, led by the Australian Space Agency, highlights the strength of the Australia–India partnership, particularly in science, innovation and advanced technology.

The Agency worked with other government agencies and Australian defence and space company Nova Systems to establish temporary telemetry terminals in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to track the four Gaganyaan missions.

In a media release issued today, the Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, Dr Andrew Charlton, highlighted how the collaboration reflects the importance of Australia’s relationship with India and the opportunities created by growing cooperation in the space sector.

The commissioning demonstrates Australia’s unique geographic advantages and growing capability as a trusted partner in space mission support across the Indo-Pacific.

Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo said Australia’s support for Gaganyaan underscores the depth of bilateral cooperation and the important role Australia can play in human spaceflight missions.

Advancing space exploration

Gaganyaan – Sanskrit for “Sky Craft” – will send three astronauts into low Earth orbit for a three-day mission before returning them safely to Earth.

The upcoming mission will make India only the fourth nation to send astronauts into space through its own national program. 

Australia and India are also exploring potential cooperation on search and rescue operations for controlled landings in waters off Western Australia, expanding the partnership beyond launch tracking to broader mission support.

Australia’s support for the Gaganyaan mission reflects the growing scale and ambition of the Australia–India relationship, and the role both countries are playing in advancing regional and global space capability. 

More at: https://x.com/AusSpaceAgency/status/2075120272206610574

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) demonstrated successful hot test of the Semi-Cryogenic Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at a thrust level of 175 Tonne at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri , Tamil Nadu on 24^(th) June 2026. The Power Head Test Article (PHTA) encompasses all engine systems except the thrust chamber. This is the 8^(th) test in a series of hot tests using the PHTA. The objectives of this test included the study of build up after Pre-burner ignition and demonstration of steady state operation at higher thrust levels. The previous PHTA tests were carried out at 47% (94 Tonne) and 60% (120 Tonne) thrust levels. In this test, the PHTA was tested at 175 tonne thrust level (88%) for the first time and also demonstrated successful operation of main turbopumps delivering 400 and 500 bar outlet pressures.

The test proceeded as predicted and all the engine parameters were as expected. This test has provided sufficient confidence towards the demonstration of steady state performance of engine powerhead at 200 tonne (100%) thrust level and also achieved a major milestone in the indigenous development of Semicryogenic engine.

The Semi-Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (SC120), powered by the 2000 kN-class SE2000 engine, is being developed to replace the current L110 core stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle. This strategic upgrade is expected to substantially increase the payload capacity while enhancing operational efficiency. The semi-cryogenic system uses cleaner, non-toxic propellants-Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and purified Kerosene (isrosene) - offering improved performance over conventional propulsion stages. The integration of the Semicryogenic propulsion system, in tandem with an uprated cryogenic upper stage, signifies a major advancement in ISRO’s roadmap towards enhancing LVM3 payload capability.