ISRO Chief Discusses Gaganyaan Mission Insights and Safety Measures

In a recent interview, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan provided key updates on India's Gaganyaan mission, highlighting the importance of safety during the Axiom-4 mission. He discussed the decision to delay the launch due to a leak, emphasizing that the well-being of astronauts is paramount. With over 7,300 tests completed, Narayanan expressed confidence in the program's future success, attributing advancements to the vision of Prime Minister Modi. This mission not only trains astronauts but also prepares them for safe space operations, laying a strong foundation for India's human spaceflight ambitions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 15, 2025, 19:15 IST

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In an exclusive interview with a prominent news channel, V. Narayanan, the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), shared significant insights regarding India's human spaceflight program. He elaborated on the challenges faced during the Axiom-4 mission and how these experiences are laying a solid foundation for the Gaganyaan mission.

Launch Delayed for Safety Reasons

Narayanan revealed that two trained astronauts from ISRO, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Wing Commander Prashant Nair, were part of the Axiom-4 mission. He stated, 'We were on-site for a month during the launch operations. Upon discovering a minor leak in the vehicle, we insisted that the launch be postponed until the issue was resolved. Our concerns were taken seriously, and the launch was delayed for repairs, which gave us peace of mind.'

No Compromise on Safety

The ISRO chief emphasized that the decision to delay the launch was not made lightly, but safety was paramount. He mentioned, 'I couldn't sleep a moment until the leak was fixed because our fellow countrymen's lives were at stake.'

A Major Leap Towards Gaganyaan

Narayanan attributed the mission's success to the vision of Prime Minister Modi, stating, 'India is making a significant leap in human spaceflight. We have conducted over 7,300 tests for the Gaganyaan program, with a target of 10,000 tests, including crew module, propulsion systems, simulations, environmental, and electrical tests.'

Building Astronaut Confidence

He noted that astronauts must feel assured that thousands of people are dedicated to ensuring their safety. Through the Axiom mission, ISRO not only trained astronauts but also gained practical experience in safe launching, re-entry, and splashdown procedures.

Laying the Groundwork for Gaganyaan

Narayanan concluded by stating, 'The Axiom mission serves as a seed for our Gaganyaan program. The lessons learned will be invaluable in making our upcoming human missions successful.'