ISRO's first human spaceflight programme receives major boost with Chandrayaan-3 success
Sriharikota (AP) (PTI): The historic launch of India's third Moon mission, Chandrayaan-3 on-board LVM3-M4 rocket has given a major fillip to the country's first human spaceflight programme as the same launch vehicle with 'human rated' capability, would be used for the ambitious Gaganyaan mission.
The Bengaluru-headquartered Indian Space Research Organisation is busy working on its flagship project, Gaganyaan, which envisages the demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of three members to an orbit of 400kms for 3 days and bring them back safely to earth, by landing in sea waters.
According to scientists at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, here, the 44.3 metre tall LVM3 rocket which carried the Chandrayaan-3 on July 14, would be the launch vehicle with 'human rated' capability.
The heavy lift launcher of ISRO, consists of three stages -- solid stage, liquid stage and cryogenic stage.
For the Gaganyaan programme, LVM3 rocket is re-configured to meet the human rating requirements and has been christened as 'Human Rated LVM3', ISRO said and it would be capable of launching the Orbital Module to an Low Earth Orbit of 400kms.
On Friday, the LVM3-rocket carrying Chandrayaan-spacecraft soared majestically and performed the operations as planned, officials said, indicating the reliability of the launch vehicle.
LVM3 is the heavy lift launch vehicle of ISRO for achieving a 4,000 kg spacecraft launching capability to the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
The LVM3 rocket is a three-stage launch vehicle consisting of two solid propellant S200 strap-ons and core stages consisting of L110 liquid stage, C25 cryogenic stage.
ISRO Chairman S Somanath said the first abort mission for Gaganyaan would be conducted by the end of August.
ISRO has planned to launch an unmanned mission to orbit by the end of next year.
The test vehicle is currently ready here and the scientists are engaged in the assembly work of the crew module and crew escape system.
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President, political leaders condole death of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu, Home Minister Amit Shah and other political leaders from across the nation have expressed grief over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati on Thursday morning.
Posting her message in Hindi on her official ‘X’ account, the President has said, “The news of the death of several people, including Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is extremely saddening. The untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji is an irreparable loss. He will always be remembered for his special contribution to the development of Maharashtra, especially in the cooperative sector. I express my deepest condolences to his family, supporters and admirers. May God also give strength to the families of all those who died in the accident to bear this shock.”
In his personal account, Home Minister Amit Shah has tweeted, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and our senior NDA colleague Ajit Pawar in a tragic accident today. Words cannot express the dedication Ajit Pawar gave to the welfare of every section of Maharashtra over the past three and a half decades. Whenever we met, he would have lengthy discussions on various topics related to the welfare of the people of Maharashtra. His passing is a personal loss for me as well as the NDA family. I express my deepest condolences to the Pawar family. In this hour of grief, the entire NDA stands firmly with the bereaved Pawar family. May God grant the departed soul a place in His feet. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti (sic)”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also expressed shock and sorrow at the Pawar, adding that the late political leader had worked diligently for the development of his state. In his personal ‘X’ page, the Defence Minister has said, “Deeply shocked and pained to learn about the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar. Throughout his long public life, he remained committed to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra. He was known for his compassion for the people and his unwavering dedication to public service. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers, and admirers.”
PTI has reported that Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has said that she was saddened by the news that she received early morning. Chaturvedi has also said, “Ajit Pawar ji himself was among the young leadership of Maharashtra, committed and dedicated to the cause of the state. Whatever responsibility he took on, he fulfilled it with complete commitment. We had our differences, but we also had the opportunity to work together. I met him many times on matters connected with the Pawar family. For me, this loss is deeply painful.”
President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) posts,
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026
"महाराष्ट्र के बारामती में एक विमान दुर्घटना में महाराष्ट्र के उप मुख्यमंत्री, श्री अजित पवार समेत कई लोगों की मृत्यु का समाचार अत्यंत दुखद है। अजित पवार जी का असामयिक निधन एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। उन्हें महाराष्ट्र के विकास में, विशेषकर… pic.twitter.com/zatIBApqzb
