science•3 min read•10/4/2026•12 views

World Space Week 2026 Begins: Where India's Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Programme Stands

World Space Week runs from October 4 to 10. For India, the focus is on Gaganyaan: ISRO has said it aims to fly the first uncrewed mission, G1, carrying the humanoid Vyommitra, by the end of 2026, ahead of a crewed flight targeted for 2027.

October 4, 2026: World Space Week, declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999, begins today and runs until October 10. The dates mark two milestones: the launch of Sputnik 1 on October 4, 1957, and the entry into force of the Outer Space Treaty on October 10, 1967. Schools, space agencies and science centres hold events to promote space science and careers.

India's Headline Space Project: Gaganyaan

Gaganyaan is India's programme to send astronauts to low Earth orbit and bring them back safely. The first step is G1, an uncrewed orbital test flight carrying Vyommitra, a humanoid robot designed to monitor cabin systems.

Where Things Stand

The G1 launch has been rescheduled several times since its original 2020 target.
In June 2026, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said the agency was striving to launch the uncrewed G1 mission by the end of 2026, with the launch window described as Q4 2026. No firm launch date has been announced.
On April 10, 2026, the Gaganyaan-1 crew module underwent an air-drop test to validate parachute and recovery systems.
The mission will use the HLVM3, a human-rated version of ISRO's heaviest rocket, the LVM3.
ISRO plans further abort and test missions, including the Test Vehicle Abort Mission-2 (TV-D2), before crewed flight.
The first crewed Gaganyaan mission has been targeted for 2027.

Other Milestones to Watch

Bharatiya Antariksh Station: ISRO has said the first module of India's space station could launch by 2028, with the full station targeted by 2035.
Human spaceflight experience: Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla flew to the International Space Station on the Axiom-4 mission in 2025, gaining experience relevant to Gaganyaan.
Private space sector: Indian start-ups are developing launch vehicles, satellites and space-based services under the Indian Space Policy 2023.

Why It Matters

A successful Gaganyaan would make India the fourth country, after the Soviet Union/Russia, the United States and China, to launch humans into orbit on its own rocket. It would also strengthen India's space industry, scientific research and international partnerships.

How to Participate in World Space Week

Check ISRO's social media and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and other centres for outreach events.
Join sky-watching sessions at planetariums and astronomy clubs.
Explore ISRO's free online courses through its education and training programmes.