The Indian Space Research Organization will launch a data relay satellite to help establish communication with the Gagangyaan mission after launch, according to sources.

The satellite will be launched ahead of the Gaganyaan mission's final leg, which will carry astronauts into Lower Earth Orbit (LEO). The unmanned mission is said to be launched in December and will be the first leg of the mission.

According to reports, the Rs.800-crore project has been approved and work has begun.

Satellites in orbit have been told that if they don't have a good view of the ground station, they won't be able to transmit data to them.

A data relay satellite is used to relay information from one satellite to another.

Along with which, NASA also has its own data relay satellite in addition to a comprehensive human space mission program. Its Tracking and Data Relay Satellite allows it to provide continuous global coverage of all satellites without the need for additional ground stations on Earth.

The ISRO uses a number of ground stations around the world, including those in Mauritius, Brunei, and Biak, Indonesia.

ISRO Chairperson K Sivan said last month that the space agency was in talks with its Australian counterpart about establishing a ground station for the Gaganyaan mission on the Coco Islands.

However, there are blind spots that could prevent signals from being received, according to sources.

The data relay satellite will assist in resolving the problems.

"Before going on the first human space trip, we're hoping to launch our own satellite that will serve as a data relay satellite," the sources said.

Earlier this month, the ISRO and CNES, the French space agency, signed an agreement for Gaganyaan cooperation allowing Indian flight physicians to be trained at CNES' facilities.

Under the terms of the agreement, Indian crews will have access to CNES-developed French equipment that has been tested and is still operational aboard the International Space Station.

According to the CNES, it will also have fireproof carry bags made in France to protect equipment from shocks and radiation.

Four aspiring astronauts returned to India last month after spending nearly a year in Russia.