India plans manned space flight by 2027

NEW DELHI: India´s space agency said on Tuesday it planned to launch an uncrewed orbital mission later this year before its first human spaceflight in early 2027.

“It represents India´s rise as a global space power”, Jitendra Singh, the country´s science and technology minister, said in a statement.

The world´s most populous country has flexed its spacefaring ambitions in the last decade with its space programme growing considerably in size and momentum.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced plans to send a man to the Moon by 2040.

“The uncrewed orbital Gaganyaan (“space craft”) mission is on track for launch later this year, with recovery trials already conducted with the Indian Navy, and more sea recovery simulations planned,” the Department of Space said in a statement.