Space Wrap: From Sriharikota to Leh, Preparations for Gaganyaan Mission in Full Swing

📌 Summary:

• ISRO has not announced firm dates for Gaganyaan G1 (first uncrewed mission) but active preparations underway
• April 2026: Second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) successfully conducted at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
  • Simulated Crew Module (~5.7 tonnes, same mass as actual G1 module) lifted by IAF Chinook helicopter to ~3 km altitude
  • Released over designated sea drop zone near Sriharikota coast; successfully recovered
  • IADT-02 validates parachute deployment and Crew Module splashdown/recovery systems
• High-altitude training: four Gaganyatris (Indian astronauts) at ~3,500 m altitude near Leh with scientists
• G1 mission remains a key milestone toward India's first crewed spaceflight

📚 Prelims Fact:

• Gaganyaan G1 = first uncrewed test mission; four Gaganyatris selected; IADT = Integrated Air Drop Test for crew module recovery validation; Satish Dhawan Space Centre = India's primary orbital launch site