The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a net additional funding of Rs 11170 Crore for the Gaganyaan Mission. This additional funding has taken the total funding for the Gaganyaan mission to Rs 20193 Crore. The additional funding has been approved for the Bharatiya Anthariksh Station (BAS), which is the follow-on mission to Gaganyaan and India’s own Space Station for Scientific research, which is expected to be established with the launch of its first module in 2028.
Narendra Modi, announcing the additional funding, said: “Great news for the space sector! The Union Cabinet has approved the first step towards the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), expanding the Gaganyaan programme! This landmark decision brings us closer to a self-sustained space station by 2035 and a crewed lunar mission by 2040.”
The program, according to the Indian Government, offers a distinctive opportunity, particularly for the youth of the country, to explore careers in science and technology. It also opens doors to engage in microgravity-based scientific research and technology development initiatives. The innovations and technological advancements emerging from this will have a broad societal impact, benefiting communities across various sectors.
The Indian Space Association (ISpA) appreciated the Indian Government for the move of increase in Gaganyaan funding and sanction of the NGLV project. “We welcome the Union Cabinet’s decision to significantly enhance funding for ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission and sanctioning of the NGLV project, these steps are in sync with the government’s strong and continuous support for advancing India’s visionary Space roadmap. These sanctions would not only help ISRO but also provide a substantial boost of confidence to the entire space ecosystem, including private sector players who have long been co-travelers with ISRO. This initiative will open up new avenues and growth opportunities within India’s space ecosystem, empowering startups and established firms alike to contribute towards making India a leading spacefaring nation,” said Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (retd.), Director General, Indian Space Association (ISpA).
Gaganyaan Program will be a national effort led by ISRO in collaboration with Industry, Academia and other National agencies as stake holders. The program will be implemented through the established project management mechanism within ISRO. The target is to develop and demonstrate critical technologies for long duration human space missions. To achieve this goal, ISRO will undertake four missions under ongoing Gaganyaan Program by 2026 and development of first module of BAS and four missions for demonstration and validation of various technologies for BAS by December 2028.
