India’s space ambitions have entered a bold new phase, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) unveiling a comprehensive roadmap for human spaceflight and orbital infrastructure. In an exclusive briefing, ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan confirmed that India’s first crewed space mission, Gaganyaan, will launch by early 2027, followed by the deployment of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035. These milestones reflect India’s strategic push toward self-reliance in space and its emergence as a global space power.
Key Highlights from ISRO’s Strategic Roadmap
- Gaganyaan’s first crewed flight is scheduled for Q1 2027
- Three uncrewed missions (G1, G2, G3) will precede the human launch, starting in late 2025
- Bharatiya Antariksha Station’s first module will be launched in 2028
- Full deployment of the space station targeted by 2035
- Over 300 Indian startups are actively contributing to space innovation
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returns from ISS, marking India’s re-entry into human spaceflight
Gaganyaan: India’s Human Spaceflight Breakthrough
Gaganyaan is India’s flagship human spaceflight program, designed to send two to three astronauts into low Earth orbit for a three-day mission. The program is backed by a budget of ₹10,000 crore and includes:
- Human-rated LVM3 launch vehicle
- Advanced crew escape system nearing completion
- Crew and service modules in final integration phase
- Astronauts selected from the Indian Air Force, trained in Russia and India
- First uncrewed test flight (G1) expected in Q4 2025
The mission will place India in the elite group of nations capable of independent human spaceflight, joining the ranks of the US, Russia, and China.
Bharatiya Antariksha Station: India’s Orbital Outpost
The Bharatiya Antariksha Station will be India’s first indigenous space station, designed for long-duration human missions and advanced scientific research. ISRO’s plan includes:
- Launch of the first module by 2028
- Modular construction with indigenous technology
- Final configuration by 2035
- Research focus on microgravity, space medicine, materials science, and life sciences
- Strategic collaborations with international space agencies
The station will be significantly smaller than the International Space Station, with a total mass of around 20 tonnes, but optimized for India’s scientific and strategic needs.
Private Sector and Youth Driving Innovation
ISRO’s expansion is powered by a vibrant ecosystem of startups and young innovators:
- Over 300 startups are developing satellite systems, launch technologies, and space applications
- Policy reforms have enabled private sector participation and foreign investment
- Thousands of youth are engaged in space engineering, research, and entrepreneurship
- Initiatives like IN-SPACe and NSIL are facilitating commercial space activities
This surge in private innovation is critical to sustaining India’s long-term space goals and global competitiveness.
Return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla recently completed an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 private flight. His achievements include:
- Conducting over 60 scientific experiments
- Leading outreach sessions with global audiences
- Collaborating with astronauts from multiple countries
- Becoming the first Indian to visit the ISS and second Indian in space
Shukla’s return marks a symbolic re-entry into human spaceflight for India and sets the stage for future missions.
Long-Term Vision: Moon and Beyond
ISRO’s roadmap extends beyond Earth orbit:
- Plans to send the first Indian to the Moon by 2040
- Upcoming Chandrayaan missions to retrieve lunar samples
- Venus Orbiter Mission under development
- Next-generation launch vehicles and human-centric laboratories in progress
These initiatives reflect India’s ambition to be a leader in deep space exploration and planetary science.
Conclusion: A Defining Decade for Indian Space
With Gaganyaan and the Bharatiya Antariksha Station on the horizon, India is entering a defining decade in space exploration. The combination of visionary leadership, indigenous innovation, and youth-driven energy positions India to become a self-reliant space power. As ISRO executes its ambitious roadmap, the nation’s space journey will inspire generations and reshape its global standing.
Sources: Times Now News, Hindustan Times, MSN India
