On India's Independence Day, August 15, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic announcement that captured the imagination of the nation and the world. During his address to the nation, he revealed India's ambitious plan to send astronauts, known as "vyomanauts" in Indian terminology, into space. This announcement marked a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey and its emergence as a spacefaring nation.

The spacecraft mentioned by Prime Minister Modi during this momentous announcement is the "Gaganyaan spacecraft." Gaganyaan, which translates to "Sky Craft" in English, is India's human spaceflight program. It aims to demonstrate India's capability to send astronauts into space, joining the ranks of countries with crewed space exploration missions.

The Gaganyaan spacecraft is designed to carry a crew of Indian astronauts to low Earth orbit and safely return them to Earth. The astronauts selected for this mission will undergo rigorous training and preparations to ensure their readiness for the challenges of space travel.

The mission signifies India's dedication to advancing its space capabilities and fostering scientific and technological advancements. It also holds immense potential for inspiring the youth of the nation and promoting scientific curiosity and innovation.

Since the initial announcement in 2018, the Gaganyaan mission has seen significant progress. Various tests and preparations, including the development of crew modules and testing of launch systems, have been undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

However, it's important to note that space missions are complex and require meticulous planning and execution. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the Gaganyaan mission was still in the development and testing phases. To obtain the most current information on the status of the Gaganyaan mission and its spacecraft, I recommend referring to official ISRO announcements and updates.

In summary, the Gaganyaan spacecraft, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, represents India's ambitious human spaceflight program. It symbolizes India's commitment to space exploration and its aspiration to join the league of nations capable of sending astronauts into space, contributing to the nation's scientific and technological prowess.