India’s space agency successfully completes the final test for Gaganyaan’s rocket engine, qualifying it for astronaut transportation. The test is the seventh of its kind, simulating flight conditions and assessing the engine’s endurance and performance. ISRO has been perfecting the flight hardware for its human spaceflight program since 2014. The upcoming test flight will carry a humanoid robot to validate ISRO’s technology. The agency plans to launch three astronauts to low-Earth orbit next year.

ISRO will launch a dedicated scientific satellite in 2024 to study black holes, following the success of its previous missions. The satellite will be deployed along with 10 other satellites by the PSLV-C58 rocket.