Countdown to Glory: ISRO Charts Bold Course from Gaganyaan to Uncrewed Missions

At a press briefing following the successful launch of the LVM3-M5 rocket, ISRO Chief V Narayanan outlined the agency’s forward-looking strategy. The Bengaluru-based space agency plans to execute seven missions by March 2026, including three uncrewed launches under the Gaganyaan program. The first of these, the G1 Mission, is expected to lift off before the end of the fiscal year.

Narayanan confirmed that 90% of the Gaganyaan mission’s development is complete, with all hardware delivered to Sriharikota and integration underway. The uncrewed missions will validate life support systems, crew safety mechanisms, and launch vehicle performance—critical steps before sending Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit.

Major takeaways:

• ISRO to launch seven missions by March 2026
• G1 Mission will be the first uncrewed launch under Gaganyaan
• Three uncrewed missions planned before crewed flight
• 90% of Gaganyaan development completed
• Hardware integration in progress at Sriharikota

Sources: Economic Times, Hindu Business Line, Times of India, India Today, Adda247