India Looks to ISS Experience to Shape Future of Gaganyaan Mission

As India prepares for its first human spaceflight under the Gaganyaan mission, ISRO is turning to the decades of experience gained aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for guidance. From astronaut training to onboard experiments and life-support systems, key lessons from the ISS are expected to shape how India enters a new era of human space exploration.

Learning from Global Space Efforts
The International Space Station has been a hub of human activity in space for over two decades. It has offered valuable insights into how astronauts live, work, and survive in zero gravity. India is now studying these processes to build strong foundations for its own crewed mission.

Experts believe that adapting technologies and protocols tested on the ISS can significantly boost India’s readiness for long-duration missions. This includes better understanding of microgravity’s effects on the human body, space medicine, and managing emergencies in orbit.

Training India’s First Astronauts
Four Indian Air Force pilots, selected as the first potential Gaganyaan crew members, have undergone training in Russia and are now continuing preparations in India. Their program includes simulated space conditions, safety drills, and endurance training—all inspired by international spaceflight standards.

These practices ensure that Indian astronauts are prepared for the physical and mental demands of life in space. It also ensures alignment with globally accepted norms for space travel, making future collaborations more seamless.

Focus on Safety and Systems
India’s space agency is also investing in advanced life-support systems, space suits, and emergency response measures. Lessons from past ISS missions, including handling oxygen levels, waste management, and space food, are all being studied closely.

Engineers are customizing these systems to suit Indian requirements while maintaining international quality. Ensuring safety at every step is a top priority for ISRO, especially as this mission marks India’s first step into human spaceflight.

Scientific Goals and India’s Space Future
Gaganyaan is not just about sending humans to space—it’s about building capabilities for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. By adopting best practices from the ISS, India is fast-tracking its ability to conduct space-based research that benefits both science and society.

The mission also opens doors for Tier 2 cities, as ISRO’s growing demand for space-related infrastructure, innovation, and talent is pushing collaborations beyond metros into regions like Nagpur, Ahmedabad, and Coimbatore.

Conclusion
India’s approach to learning from the ISS shows a thoughtful and strategic vision for its space ambitions. By blending global experience with indigenous innovation, the Gaganyaan mission could become a milestone not just for ISRO, but for the nation’s growing role in the global space community.