Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will proceed with all 18 planned launches in 2026, despite the recent PSLV-C62 failure. He emphasized confidence in India’s space program, assuring that missions including commercial launches and Gaganyaan preparations remain on track, backed by internal investigations.
Speaking at the RISE Conclave in Chennai, Jitendra Singh reaffirmed ISRO’s commitment to its ambitious 2026 schedule. The PSLV-C62 mission failure last month, attributed to issues in the third stage, has not deterred the agency. Singh clarified that an internal probe is underway, but ISRO remains confident in resuming PSLV launches by June or July 2026.
The roadmap includes 18 launches, six of which involve private sector participation. Singh also highlighted progress on Gaganyaan, India’s first crewed mission slated for 2027, with test flights involving humanoid robot Vyommitra already in advanced stages.
This resilience underscores ISRO’s determination to maintain momentum in India’s space ambitions, balancing commercial demand with national projects.
Major Takeaways
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ISRO to proceed with 18 launches in 2026 despite PSLV-C62 failure
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Internal probe ongoing into third-stage malfunction
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PSLV relaunch expected by June–July 2026
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Private sector to participate in six missions
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Gaganyaan 2027 preparations continue with humanoid test flights
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Singh emphasizes confidence and resilience in India’s space program
Conclusion
ISRO’s decision to push ahead reflects India’s robust space strategy, ensuring setbacks do not derail long-term goals. With commercial launches, private sector involvement, and Gaganyaan preparations intact, India is positioning itself as a global space leader while reinforcing confidence in its technological capabilities.
Sources: The Hindu BusinessLine, The Hindu, India News