India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight program is set to launch its first uncrewed mission by March 2026, following significant delays attributed to supply chain challenges and manufacturing hurdles exacerbated by the pandemic. Initially announced in 2018, the program has expanded from two uncrewed and one crewed flights to eight missions, reflecting a robust push towards self-reliance in space exploration. Key systems, including the crew escape mechanism and thermal protection, have been rigorously tested, enhancing confidence in mission safety. The success of the upcoming mission could catalyze further developments, including the inaugural crewed flight and the establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, marking a pivotal step in India’s strategic ambitions in space exploration.