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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is charting an ambitious course with a series of upcoming missions and strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering India’s presence in space exploration and technology.
Only three decades ago, the Indian space programme was a diminutive affair, dominated by the newfound successes of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and a then-fledgling clump of communications satellites. Today, the programme is a large tree with a flourishing canopy. There is a slew of ongoing projects accompanied by projects being ideated, developed, tested as well as retired.
1. Human Spaceflight and Space Station Development
Gaganyaan Mission: ISRO’s flagship human spaceflight endeavor, the Gaganyaan mission, is progressing with a series of planned launches. The first uncrewed test flight, Gaganyaan-1, is scheduled for February 2025, followed by a second uncrewed test, Gaganyaan-2, in the first quarter of 2025. The inaugural crewed mission, Gaganyaan-3, is slated for the first quarter of 2026. These missions aim to demonstrate India’s capability to send humans to space and ensure their safe return.
Space Station Plans: Expanding beyond crewed missions, ISRO has announced plans to develop and operate a national space station by 2035. This initiative includes two crewed and six uncrewed missions by 2028, laying the groundwork for sustained human presence in space
In summary, ISRO is advancing a multifaceted agenda encompassing human spaceflight, planetary exploration, Earth observation, and technological innovation. These initiatives not only aim to elevate India’s stature in the global space community but also to foster scientific and technological progress for societal benefit.
