Initiated in 2018, the crewed mission was originally scheduled for August 2022. Initially, the global Covid-19 pandemic caused delays. Since then, technical preparations, the rigorous process of human-rating systems, 'erratic fund flows' and 'inadequate recruitment of scientists and engineers' have each taken their toll. Last month, ISRO chairman V Narayanan announced a delay of Gaganyaan's first uncrewed mission.