New Delhi: India’s space ambitions take a leap forward with the upcoming launch of “Vyommitra,” a woman robot astronaut, paving the way for the country’s first human spaceflight mission, “Gaganyaan.”

Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced this exciting development, revealing that Vyommitra will embark on her mission in the third quarter of 2024, followed by the Gaganyaan mission in 2025.

Named after Sanskrit words for “space” and “friend,” Vyommitra is not just a symbolic figure. This humanoid robot is equipped to monitor crucial parameters, respond to queries, and even operate life support systems, mimicking human functions in space.

This mission serves as a crucial test run for Gaganyaan, which aims to send Indian astronauts into a 400-kilometer orbit around Earth and safely return them. Singh assured that preparations for the human mission are progressing well, with successful test flights and qualified systems.

Vyommitra’s journey signifies a giant leap for India’s space program, showcasing its technological advancements and paving the way for future human exploration beyond Earth’s boundaries. With Chandrayaan 3 also successfully making its lunar landing last year, India’s spacefaring future seems bright and ambitious.