Vyomitra will act as a human proxy in the G1 mission, monitoring cabin conditions, testing emergency systems, and conducting microgravity experiments to help ISRO validate Gaganyaan’s safety mechanisms ahead of India’s first crewed spaceflight

India’s pursuit of sending its own astronauts into space is taking a significant leap with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) preparing to send a humanoid robot, Vyomitra, aboard the Gaganyaan G1 uncrewed mission. The launch is targeted for December 2025 and represents a critical step toward India's first human spaceflight, expected in 2027.

Vyomitra, a name that combines the Sanskrit words for “space” (Vyoma) and “friend” (Mitra), is an AI-driven half-humanoid robot designed to simulate human presence and interaction within the spacecraft.

A robotic stand-in for astronauts

Developed by ISRO’s Inertial Systems Unit (IISU), Vyomitra is equipped with a robotic head, torso, and arms but lacks legs—making it lighter and more suited for operations in microgravity. Its skull, made from a heat-resistant aluminium alloy, ensures durability and safety in space.

The robot is far from a passive passenger. Embedded with artificial intelligence, Vyomitra can monitor cabin displays, operate control panels, and communicate in both Hindi and English. It’s designed to mimic human actions in space, such as handling switches and assessing life-support systems, while also reporting real-time data back to ISRO’s mission control.

Simulating space for safer human flights

Vyomitra’s main role during the G1 mission is to act as a human proxy—tracking cabin conditions like air pressure, temperature, and humidity, and testing critical emergency responses. The robot will also conduct microgravity experiments, helping scientists understand how a human body might respond during space travel.

The data collected will play a key role in validating Gaganyaan’s safety systems before any human crew is on board. ISRO officials see Vyomitra as a milestone in advancing autonomous space technologies and ensuring mission readiness.

During a recent visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Vyomitra, calling it a symbol of innovation and national pride. As India moves closer to joining the elite club of human spacefaring nations, Vyomitra is set to pave the way.