Godrej Delivers Human-Rated Vikas Engine for Gaganyaan

India’s human spaceflight ambitions received a significant boost with Godrej Aerospace delivering the first human-rated L110 stage Vikas engine to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) . The engine will power the LVM-3 , India’s heaviest operational launch vehicle and the designated rocket for the prestigious Gaganyaan mission . The delivery marks a crucial step toward meeting upcoming test-flight milestones and advancing the nation’s crewed spaceflight capability.

Importance of the Human-Rated Vikas Engine

The human-rated version of the Vikas engine has been developed to meet stricter reliability, safety and performance standards , as required for human spaceflight. It forms the core of the L110 liquid stage , enabling stable propulsion during the ascent phase. This milestone confirms readiness for integration and testing ahead of critical uncrewed missions.

Progress on the Gaganyaan Programme

ISRO plans to conduct the first uncrewed test flight next year , which will evaluate the crew escape system, flight stability and safe recovery of the crew module. The final crewed mission is targeted for 2027 , where a three-member Indian crew will travel to low Earth orbit (LEO) for up to three days. Once completed, India will join the elite group of nations—currently the US, Russia and China—with independent human spaceflight capability.

Godrej’s Contribution to India’s Space Sector

Godrej Aerospace has been a key industrial partner of ISRO for over four decades, supplying engines, boosters and precision components for missions such as Chandrayaan , Mangalyaan , and the NISAR satellite. The company emphasized that delivering the human-rated engine reflects its commitment to national strategic programmes.

Next Steps for ISRO

With the L110 stage engine now delivered, ISRO will begin integration and qualification testing. Parallel efforts on astronaut training, life-support systems, and recovery operations continue to advance India toward its first human spaceflight.

Exam Points

• Human-rated L110 Vikas engine delivered by Godrej Aerospace .

• Launch vehicle for Gaganyaan: LVM-3 , India’s heaviest rocket.

• Vikas engine developed with French collaboration in the 1970s.

• Gaganyaan will send 3 Indian astronauts to LEO for up to 3 days .

• India to become the fourth nation with independent human spaceflight capability.

• First uncrewed test flight scheduled for early next year .