When Will ISRO Launch a Manned Mission to Space?

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has long been aiming to establish a robust human spaceflight program. However, the timeline for a manned mission to space remains uncertain. As of the last major updates, no specific date has been announced for the first human mission, which is currently projected for around 2021. This piece explores the reasons behind the delay and the progress made so far towards realizing ISRO's human spaceflight ambitions.

The Current Status of ISRO's Human Spaceflight Program

According to recent reports, the Indian human spaceflight program is aiming to send a 2-3 person crew to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) sometime around 2021. This timeline has been established after careful consideration of various factors, including the development of necessary technology and appropriations from the Indian government.

Challenges and Obstacles

Relevant Technologies Are Under Development: Currently, ISRO has successfully tested the CARE (Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment), which is a key element for human spaceflight. However, the full realization of a human-rated launch vehicle, such as the GSLV-Mk III, remains a work in progress. Budget Constraints: Funding a crewed mission would require significant resources. As of 2024, the estimated budget is approximately Rs. 12400 crore (USD 1.9 billion), which significantly impacts the decisions regarding the prioritization of space missions. Funding Concerns: The Indian government's 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-2017) did not include a human spaceflight mission, indicating that the program is not a political priority at the moment. The lack of explicit funding allocation for such missions further complicates ISRO's efforts. Focus on Other Missions: ISRO has other high-priority missions lined up within the next five years. These include the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan II), the Aditya Sun Orbiter, and a mission to planet Venus. These projects are likely to be given precedence over human spaceflight to meet technological and scientific goals.

Upcoming Achievements and Missions

While the manned spaceflight program faces several challenges, ISRO remains highly active in other space-related missions and experiments. The upcoming launch of PSLV C38 on June 23, 2017, will carry the CARTOSAT 2E satellite and other foreign satellites into low Earth orbits. This mission is set to demonstrate the capabilities of ISRO's reliable Workhorse of ISRO, the PSLV, and pave the way for further satellite deployments.

Future Missions and Goals

ISRO aims to achieve several significant milestones in the near future, including:

Mangalyaan II: This mission aims to send an orbiter to Mars, expanding the knowledge of the red planet. Aditya Sun Orbiter: This mission seeks to study the sun's corona and solar wind, providing insights into space weather. Planetary Mission to Venus: ISRO plans to explore the atmospheric conditions and geology of Venus, contributing to planetary science.

These missions are designed to enhance India's capabilities in space science and technology, and they precede the timeline for a manned spaceflight by a few years, allowing ISRO to focus on building the necessary infrastructure and expertise.

Acknowledgment of Future Human Spaceflights

Despite the delay, ISRO has expressed confidence in achieving its human spaceflight goals. Dr. K Radhakrishnan, the Chairman of ISRO, has stated that the first human spaceflight is scheduled around 2021. However, the exact date remains to be finalized after further technical and financial assessments.

As ISRO continues to develop the necessary technologies and secure funding, the path to a manned spaceflight mission becomes clearer. While the timeline may shift, the commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration remains unwavering at ISRO.