On 9 and 10 September 2026, the International Space Summit took place in Paris, bringing together world leaders, government ministers, representatives of the space industry and astronauts to discuss t...

🚀 One More Step Toward the Future I’ve Been Working For I am deeply grateful to share that I have successfully completed Module 1 of the Career Astronaut Candidate (#ASCAN) Training Program with Tita...

Bringing together experts across medicine, academia, government, and industry who are developing the future of spaceflight in Boston.

IBM and NASA have partnered to create the Lunar Foundation Model, a new AI capable of processing decades of lunar data so we can more accurately map the moon's surface.

Jemison, a medical doctor and engineer, spent 8 days in orbit on space shuttle Endeavour.

Join us as Dr. Emmanuel Urquieta discusses the development, capabilities, and aspirations of UCF's new aerospace medicine program.

Congratulations to my good friend & Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg for her cover feature on this month's issue of Vogue Australia! I absolutely love it when fellow astronauts get broader...

Key Highlights * Human‑rated systems have passed rigorous testing, confirming India’s readiness for crewed missions. * The first uncrewed flight of the Gaganyaan spacecraft, featuring the Vyommitra robot, is slated for Q4 2026. * ISRO has established a comprehensive launch and recovery infrastructure, including a dedicated control centre and crew training facilities. * India’s long‑term vision includes the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), expected to be operational by 2035. * International collaborations with ESA, ASA, CNES and Roscosmos are strengthening India’s human‑spaceflight capabilities. Detailed Insights The Gaganyaan programme, India's first indigenous human spaceflight initiative, has reached a pivotal development stage. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that all critical human‑rated subsystems—propulsion stages, crew and service module engines, environmental control, thermal protection, and escape mechanisms—have achieved successful ground and flight validation. The Crew Escape System (CES) has undergone static motor tests and in‑flight verification via the TV‑D1 mission, while parachute‑based deceleration was confirmed during Integrated Air Drop Tests (IADT‑01 and IADT‑02). Parallel to these technical milestones, ISRO has commissioned key operational assets: an orbital module preparation plant, a Gaganyaan Control Centre, a dedicated crew training complex, an upgraded second launch pad, and a robust ground‑communication network. Looking ahead, the first uncrewed Vyommitra flight will serve as a technology demonstrator, ensuring that all systems perform reliably before human astronauts embark. Subsequent uncrewed missions in 2027 will further validate the spacecraft’s resilience, paving the way for the inaugural crewed orbital flight. The planned BAS, comprising five modules, will provide India with a permanent research platform and a launchpad for future crewed missions. Financially, the Union Cabinet approved ₹20,193 crore in September 2024 to fund eight missions under the Human Spaceflight Programme, covering spacecraft development, human‑rated technology, astronaut training, and mission infrastructure. Key Concepts * Human‑rated launch vehicle (HLVM) – a spacecraft system designed to meet stringent safety and reliability standards for crewed missions. * Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) – the life‑support suite that regulates air, water, and temperature aboard the spacecraft. * Crew Escape System (CES) – an emergency propulsion and parachute mechanism that can propel the crew module away from a launch vehicle in case of failure. * Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT) – a flight test that validates the parachute‑based deceleration system during a controlled descent. * Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) – India’s planned modular space station intended to support long‑duration human presence and scientific research.