Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has resumed its work on Gaganyaan - India's human space flight programme. ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan indicated that the Indian human space flight is set for August 2022, although some small shift may take place owing to disruptions due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Gaganyaan mission aims to send a three-member crew to space for a period of five-seven days by 2022 when India completes 75 years of its Independence. India has chosen four members of the Indian Air Force for the mission and their training is in progress.

The Hindustan Aeronautical Limited and DRDO are helping the mission by providing technological support. The DRDO will provide human system support like space-grade food, crew healthcare and other systems.

The international space agencies are also assisting in the Gaganyaan preparations. While Russia is training the Indian astronaut-elects besides providing space suits, France is providing space medical technology and NASA too is involved in the mission.

The Gaganyaan is set to take off on a GSLV Mk III in August 2022.

India has signed 250 documents in the field of Space cooperation with 59 countries to advance India's capabilities and also to help other space-aspiring nations to benefit from space, said ISRO Chairman Dr K. Sivan.

Allan D Emil Memorial Award

On 14 October 2020, Dr Sivan was awarded the prestigious Allan D Emil Memorial Award from the International Astronautical Federation (IAF).

The IAF Vice President for Honours and Awards, Seishiro Kibe announced the prestigious award for 2020 in an online event on October 14, 2020. Dr Seishiro Kibe recognising the achievements and successes of ISRO Chairman Prof K Sivan presented him the Allan D Emil Memorial Award 2020.

The award is presented annually for an outstanding contribution to space science, space technology, space medicine or space law.

The award was presented at the closing ceremony of the CyberSpace Edition of 71st International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2020 held online due to Covid-19 restrictions.