ISRO has successfully launched its GSLV-F18 rocket carrying the 2,250-kg NVS-03 navigation satellite, placing it into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO scientists and engineers, saying the mission will strengthen India's indigenous NavIC navigation system and boost self-reliance in critical space technologies.

GSLV-F18 rocket carries NVS-03 satellite into geosynchronous orbit 

In an exclusive report, India's space programme marks another milestone as ISRO successfully launches the NVS-03 navigation satellite aboard its GSLV-F18 rocket. The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, with the 2,250-kg satellite placed into its designated Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).


Exclusive: India's navigation power gets a boost as ISRO launches NVS-03

In an exclusive conversation with WION, ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan says India now has four navigation satellites, strengthening the country's indigenous NavIC navigation system. He discusses India's progress in building an independent satellite navigation network and the growing role of space technology in improving navigation capabilities.


Exclusive: 'India has now four navigation satellites', ISRO chief Dr. V. Narayanan

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched the NVS-03 satellite, strengthening India's regional navigation system, NavIC. The next-generation satellite is expected to enhance navigation accuracy, improve signal reliability and expand access to satellite-based services for civilian users.


ISRO launches NVS-03 to enhance India's satellite navigation

On Saturday (October 31), Indian space agency ISRO executed a successful launch mission by placing navigation satellite NVS-03 into the designated orbit. In what was ISRO's third launch of the year, the GSLV-F18 lit up the midnight skies over Sriharikota, as the rocket carried the 2,250kg NVS-03 satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit(GTO), from where it will be moved to its final orbit by firing onboard engines.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The satellite was successfully and precisely injected in intended orbit. With this, NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) has been restored to its minimum operational configuration, and Position, Navigation &amp; Timing (PNT) services of the country have been restored. NAVIC is a strategic national asset, which provides us independent access to PNT," said ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan in his post-launch address. Navigation with Indian Constellation (NAVIC) was envisaged as an Indian version of America's GPS or Russia's GLONASS or China's Beidou.&nbsp;&nbsp;While GPS, GLONASS, Beidou provide global coverage, NAVIC is meant to serve civilian and defence users within Indian borders and 1,500kms beyond. NAVIC is a project of immense strategic significance, as it is meant to serves the Armed Forces and the civilians. The NVS-03 satellite carries an Indigenous Atomic clock, along with the procured Atomic clocks. It also includes L1 signal in addition to existing L5/S-band signals. "The solar panels of the satellite have been deployed and the spacecraft is in good health. The orbit raising of the satellite will be done in a week," confirmed DK Singh, Director of ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre.&nbsp;<h2>NAVIC restored to minimum operational configuration, but there's a catch…</h2>Theoretically, a bare minimum of four satellites are required for the&nbsp; functioning of NAVIC's core services. Right now, there are four NAVIC satellites believed to be capable of providing Positioning, Navigation &amp; Timing services: first-generation satellites IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1I; and second-generation satellites NVS-01 and the newly-launched NVS-03. Which is why ISRO announced that NAVIC has been restored to its minimum operational configuration of four satellites. However, of these four, IRNSS-1B has lived longer than its expected life of 10 years, and could potentially fail anytime. If all goes well, IRNSS-1I could potentially function till 2028. NVS-01 has at least a decade of life ahead of it, if it functions as designed. NVS-02 was launched in January 2025, but the satellite got stuck in its initial orbit, as its onboard engines could not be fired for orbit raising. Stuck in its initial orbit, NVS-02 is of very limited use and cannot be considered as an operational one. Therefore, considering long-term functionality, only two satellites: NVS-01 and the new NVS-03 can be considered truly operational, because of the decade-long service that lay ahead of them.&nbsp;<h2>How many NAVIC satellites would be ideal ?</h2>If the Indian government wishes to revive and sustain NAVIC in a robust and reliable form, it must place at least three or more NVS-series satellites in orbit, all in quick succession. ISRO must launch NVS-04, NVS-05, and NVS-06 satellites, which can work together with the existing NVS-01 and the NVS-03. However, that is the basic requirement. To have higher reliability and robust capabilities, India would also have to build and launch backup satellites in the NVS-series.&nbsp;&nbsp;Eventually, a fleet of six or seven satellites would have to be maintained for reliably operating a regional navigation system such as NAVIC. America's Global Positioning System (GPS), which supports trillion-dollar civilian and military applications worldwide, requires a fleet of 24 satellites in orbit for optimum performance, round-the-clock global coverage. Considering how crucial GPS is to the global economy, the US government maintains at least 30 GPS satellites in orbit at any given point of time.&nbsp;The six additional satellites are meant to ensure that the service remains reliable and robust, even when a few satellites fail or encounter unexpected glitches.&nbsp;To meet its own national requirements, China operates a fleet of Beidou satellites, which serve as an alternative to America's GPS. While Beidou's global network requires a fleet of 30 satellites in orbit, around 35 satellites are believed to be in orbit. Likewise, India too needs to have a fleet of at least five NAVIC satellites and a backup satellite or two in orbit.&nbsp;

ISRO successfully launches NVS-03, restoring NAVIC to its minimum operational configuration. But with ageing satellites and limited backups, how many more satellites does India need to ensure reliable navigation services?

On Saturday (October 31), Indian space agency ISRO executed a successful launch mission by placing navigation satellite NVS-03 into the designated orbit. In what was ISRO's third launch of the year, the GSLV-F18 lit up the midnight skies over Sriharikota, as the rocket carried the 2,250kg NVS-03 satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit(GTO), from where it will be moved to its final orbit by firing onboard engines. "The satellite was successfully and precisely injected in intended orbit. With this, NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) has been restored to its minimum operational configuration, and Position, Navigation & Timing (PNT) services of the country have been restored. NAVIC is a strategic national asset, which provides us independent access to PNT," said ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan in his post-launch address. Navigation with Indian Constellation (NAVIC) was envisaged as an Indian version of America's GPS or Russia's GLONASS or China's Beidou. While GPS, GLONASS, Beidou provide global coverage, NAVIC is meant to serve civilian and defence users within Indian borders and 1,500kms beyond. NAVIC is a project of immense strategic significance, as it is meant to serves the Armed Forces and the civilians. The NVS-03 satellite carries an Indigenous Atomic clock, along with the procured Atomic clocks. It also includes L1 signal in addition to existing L5/S-band signals. "The solar panels of the satellite have been deployed and the spacecraft is in good health. The orbit raising of the satellite will be done in a week," confirmed DK Singh, Director of ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre. NAVIC restored to minimum operational configuration, but there's a catch… Theoretically, a bare minimum of four satellites are required for the functioning of NAVIC's core services. Right now, there are four NAVIC satellites believed to be capable of providing Positioning, Navigation & Timing services: first-generation satellites IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1I; and second-generation satellites NVS-01 and the newly-launched NVS-03. Which is why ISRO announced that NAVIC has been restored to its minimum operational configuration of four satellites. However, of these four, IRNSS-1B has lived longer than its expected life of 10 years, and could potentially fail anytime. If all goes well, IRNSS-1I could potentially function till 2028. NVS-01 has at least a decade of life ahead of it, if it functions as designed. NVS-02 was launched in January 2025, but the satellite got stuck in its initial orbit, as its onboard engines could not be fired for orbit raising. Stuck in its initial orbit, NVS-02 is of very limited use and cannot be considered as an operational one. Therefore, considering long-term functionality, only two satellites: NVS-01 and the new NVS-03 can be considered truly operational, because of the decade-long service that lay ahead of them. How many NAVIC satellites would be ideal ? If the Indian government wishes to revive and sustain NAVIC in a robust and reliable form, it must place at least three or more NVS-series satellites in orbit, all in quick succession. ISRO must launch NVS-04, NVS-05, and NVS-06 satellites, which can work together with the existing NVS-01 and the NVS-03. However, that is the basic requirement. To have higher reliability and robust capabilities, India would also have to build and launch backup satellites in the NVS-series. Eventually, a fleet of six or seven satellites would have to be maintained for reliably operating a regional navigation system such as NAVIC. America's Global Positioning System (GPS), which supports trillion-dollar civilian and military applications worldwide, requires a fleet of 24 satellites in orbit for optimum performance, round-the-clock global coverage. Considering how crucial GPS is to the global economy, the US government maintains at least 30 GPS satellites in orbit at any given point of time. The six additional satellites are meant to ensure that the service remains reliable and robust, even when a few satellites fail or encounter unexpected glitches. To meet its own national requirements, China operates a fleet of Beidou satellites, which serve as an alternative to America's GPS. While Beidou's global network requires a fleet of 30 satellites in orbit, around 35 satellites are believed to be in orbit. Likewise, India too needs to have a fleet of at least five NAVIC satellites and a backup satellite or two in orbit.

ISRO's NVS-03 launch restores NAVIC's minimum operational configuration, but ageing satellites highlight India's urgent need for a stronger backup fleet

ISRO's GSLV-F18 launch success revives NAVIC, but there's a catch...

ISRO's third space launch of 2026, the GSLV-F18 rocket carrying the 2,250kg NVS-03 satellite, is crucial to enable a phased revival of India's defunct Navigation satellite fleet known as NAVIC. Navigation with Indian Constellation(NAVIC) was envisaged as an Indian version of America's GPS or Russia's GLONASS or China's Beidou. While GPS, GLONASS, and Beidou provide global coverage, NAVIC is meant to serve civilian and defence users within Indian borders and 1,500 km beyond. NAVIC is a project of immense strategic significance, as it is meant to serve the Armed Forces and civilians. ISRO officials confirmed to WION that the countdown for the 24-hour countdown to the launch mission scheduled for 11:51 pm, Friday (Oct 30th), is progressing smoothly.18 minutes and 40 seconds after lifting off from the Second launchpad at ISRO's Sriharikota Spaceport, the GSLV-F18 rocket is meant to eject the NVS-03 satellite into its initial orbit. After placing the NVS-03 in it its initial Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit(GTO), ISRO will have to fire the satellite's thrusters to raise it to its eventual orbit. The NVS-03 satellite carries an Indigenous Atomic clock, along with the procured Atomic clocks. It also includes L1 signal in addition to existing L5/S-band signals. &nbsp;<h2>The present state of NAVIC</h2>Theoretically, a bare minimum of four satellites are required for the functioning of NAVIC's core services. At present, barely 3 of 11 NAVIC satellites are fulfilling their core purpose, information shared by the Indian Government reveals.Right now, there are three NAVIC satellites believed to be capable of providing Positioning, Navigation &amp; Timing services: first-generation satellites IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1I; and second-generation satellite NVS-01. Of these three, IRNSS-1B has lived longer than its expected life of 10 years, and could potentially fail at any time. If all goes well, IRNSS-1I could potentially function till 2028. NVS-01 has at least a decade of life ahead of it, if it functions as designed. NVS-02 was launched in January 2025, but the satellite got stuck in its initial orbit, as its onboard engines could not be fired for orbit raising. Stuck in its initial orbit, NVS-02 is of very limited use.Therefore, considering long-term functionality, only the NVS-01 satellite can be considered truly operational, because of the decade-long service that lay ahead of it.<h2>How many satellites are needed to revive NAVIC?</h2>If the Indian Government wishes to revive and sustain NAVIC in its basic form, it must place at least three more NVS-series satellites in orbit, all in quick succession. To resuscitate and revive NAVIC to its minimal level of four satellites, the Indian space agency ISRO must also launch NVS-04 and NVS-05 satellites, which can work together with the existing NVS-01 and the NVS-03(which is scheduled for launch tonight). However, that is the basic requirement. To have higher reliability and robust capabilities, India would also have to build and launch backup satellites in the NVS series. Eventually, a fleet of six or seven satellites would have to be maintained for reliably operating a regional Navigation system such as NAVIC.<h2>How do NAVIC's global peers compare?</h2>America's Global Positioning System(GPS), which supports trillion-dollar civilian and military applications worldwide, requires a fleet of 24 satellites in orbit for optimum performance and round-the-clock global coverage. Considering how crucial GPS is to the global economy, the US Government maintains at least 30 GPS satellites in orbit at any given point in time. The six additional satellites are meant to ensure that the service remains reliable and robust, even when a few satellites fail or encounter unexpected glitches.To meet its own national requirements, China operates a fleet of Beidou satellites, which serve as an alternative to America's GPS. While Beidou's global network requires a fleet of 30 satellites in orbit, around 35 satellites are believed to be in orbit.<h2>NVS-series and the pace of launches so far</h2>ISRO launched NVS-01 in May 2023; NVS-02 was launched in January 2025, which is after a gap of 19 months. NVS-03 is flying to space in October 2026, which is almost 20 months after NVS-02. ISRO has also faced three failures in six missions executed from home soil between January 2025 and January 2026, further slowing down the overall pace of activity.<h2>The wide gulf between rhetoric and execution</h2>In mid-2025, the Indian Government had revealed in Parliament that an NVS-series satellite was planned to be launched by the end of the year. Subsequently, with a gap of six months, NVS-04 &amp; NVS-05 are planned to be launched, it was announced. However, none of these satellites was launched. This amply indicates the wide gulf between the rhetoric and implementation.If ISRO indeed is looking to launch three NAVIC satellites in quick succession, it must build and assemble GSLV (formerly known as GSLV Mk2) rockets accordingly. While the 52-meter-tall GSLV rocket is the most suited vehicle for carrying the 2,250kg NVS-series satellites, it must be noted that only one satellite can be carried per rocket due to lifting power limitations. Going by the recent record, ISRO has done only one or two GSLV launches in a year. If ISRO were to launch multiple NVS-series missions in quick succession, it would affect schedules of other launches that are in the pipeline. It must be remembered that ISRO does barely five or seven launches from home soil in a year. In 2026, this GSLV-F18/NVS-03 mission is ISRO's third launch.&nbsp;

If the Indian Government wishes to revive and sustain NAVIC in its basic form, it must place at least three more NVS-series satellites in orbit, all in quick succession.

ISRO's third space launch of 2026, the GSLV-F18 rocket carrying the 2,250kg NVS-03 satellite, is crucial to enable a phased revival of India's defunct Navigation satellite fleet known as NAVIC. Navigation with Indian Constellation(NAVIC) was envisaged as an Indian version of America's GPS or Russia's GLONASS or China's Beidou. While GPS, GLONASS, and Beidou provide global coverage, NAVIC is meant to serve civilian and defence users within Indian borders and 1,500 km beyond. NAVIC is a project of immense strategic significance, as it is meant to serve the Armed Forces and civilians. ISRO officials confirmed to WION that the countdown for the 24-hour countdown to the launch mission scheduled for 11:51 pm, Friday (Oct 30th), is progressing smoothly. 18 minutes and 40 seconds after lifting off from the Second launchpad at ISRO's Sriharikota Spaceport, the GSLV-F18 rocket is meant to eject the NVS-03 satellite into its initial orbit. After placing the NVS-03 in it its initial Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit(GTO), ISRO will have to fire the satellite's thrusters to raise it to its eventual orbit. The NVS-03 satellite carries an Indigenous Atomic clock, along with the procured Atomic clocks. It also includes L1 signal in addition to existing L5/S-band signals. The present state of NAVIC Theoretically, a bare minimum of four satellites are required for the functioning of NAVIC's core services. At present, barely 3 of 11 NAVIC satellites are fulfilling their core purpose, information shared by the Indian Government reveals. Right now, there are three NAVIC satellites believed to be capable of providing Positioning, Navigation & Timing services: first-generation satellites IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1I; and second-generation satellite NVS-01. Of these three, IRNSS-1B has lived longer than its expected life of 10 years, and could potentially fail at any time. If all goes well, IRNSS-1I could potentially function till 2028. NVS-01 has at least a decade of life ahead of it, if it functions as designed. NVS-02 was launched in January 2025, but the satellite got stuck in its initial orbit, as its onboard engines could not be fired for orbit raising. Stuck in its initial orbit, NVS-02 is of very limited use. Therefore, considering long-term functionality, only the NVS-01 satellite can be considered truly operational, because of the decade-long service that lay ahead of it. How many satellites are needed to revive NAVIC? If the Indian Government wishes to revive and sustain NAVIC in its basic form, it must place at least three more NVS-series satellites in orbit, all in quick succession. To resuscitate and revive NAVIC to its minimal level of four satellites, the Indian space agency ISRO must also launch NVS-04 and NVS-05 satellites, which can work together with the existing NVS-01 and the NVS-03(which is scheduled for launch tonight). However, that is the basic requirement. To have higher reliability and robust capabilities, India would also have to build and launch backup satellites in the NVS series. Eventually, a fleet of six or seven satellites would have to be maintained for reliably operating a regional Navigation system such as NAVIC. How do NAVIC's global peers compare? America's Global Positioning System(GPS), which supports trillion-dollar civilian and military applications worldwide, requires a fleet of 24 satellites in orbit for optimum performance and round-the-clock global coverage. Considering how crucial GPS is to the global economy, the US Government maintains at least 30 GPS satellites in orbit at any given point in time. The six additional satellites are meant to ensure that the service remains reliable and robust, even when a few satellites fail or encounter unexpected glitches. To meet its own national requirements, China operates a fleet of Beidou satellites, which serve as an alternative to America's GPS. While Beidou's global network requires a fleet of 30 satellites in orbit, around 35 satellites are believed to be in orbit. NVS-series and the pace of launches so far ISRO launched NVS-01 in May 2023; NVS-02 was launched in January 2025, which is after a gap of 19 months. NVS-03 is flying to space in October 2026, which is almost 20 months after NVS-02. ISRO has also faced three failures in six missions executed from home soil between January 2025 and January 2026, further slowing down the overall pace of activity. The wide gulf between rhetoric and execution In mid-2025, the Indian Government had revealed in Parliament that an NVS-series satellite was planned to be launched by the end of the year. Subsequently, with a gap of six months, NVS-04 & NVS-05 are planned to be launched, it was announced. However, none of these satellites was launched. This amply indicates the wide gulf between the rhetoric and implementation. If ISRO indeed is looking to launch three NAVIC satellites in quick succession, it must build and assemble GSLV (formerly known as GSLV Mk2) rockets accordingly. While the 52-meter-tall GSLV rocket is the most suited vehicle for carrying the 2,250kg NVS-series satellites, it must be noted that only one satellite can be carried per rocket due to lifting power limitations. Going by the recent record, ISRO has done only one or two GSLV launches in a year. If ISRO were to launch multiple NVS-series missions in quick succession, it would affect schedules of other launches that are in the pipeline. It must be remembered that ISRO does barely five or seven launches from home soil in a year. In 2026, this GSLV-F18/NVS-03 mission is ISRO's third launch.

If the Indian Government wishes to revive and sustain NAVIC in its basic form, it must place at least three more NVS-series satellites in orbit, all in quick succession.

ISRO's GSLV-F18/NVS-03 launch crucial for phased revival of NAVIC

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch its next-generation navigation satellite, NVS-03, on October 30. The satellite will be carried aboard the GSLV-F18 rocket from Sriharikota at 11:51 pm IST. NVS-03 will strengthen India's indigenous NavIC navigation system and improve positioning services across the country and up to 1,500 km beyond its borders. It carries an indigenous atomic clock and introduces the L1 frequency band alongside existing signals. The mission marks a major step towards strengthening India's independent satellite navigation capabilities.

ISRO to launch NVS-03 satellite tonight, aims to boost India's NavIC navigation system

Picture a young jawan posted on a wind-lashed ridge in Ladakh, with nothing but rock and ice between him and the nearest town. For him, the difference between isolation and safety is a single thing: a working link to his commanders. By the middle of 2028, that link is expected to come from a satellite the Indian Army can finally call its own.&nbsp;Today, oddly enough, the Army has no such satellite. The Air Force and the Navy each have one, but the Army has been sharing the Air Force's satellite, GSAT-7A. Think of it as several families drawing water from one neighbour's tap. It works, but there is only so much to go around, and the owner's needs come first. For a force with lakhs of personnel scattered across deserts, jungles and the highest mountains on Earth, that arrangement has long felt inadequate.&nbsp;Senior officials said on Monday, 19 October, that ISRO is expected to launch the Army’s first dedicated communication satellite around mid-2028. Named GSAT-7B, it was originally due in November 2027, but technical difficulties have pushed the launch back by about six months. The groundwork was laid in March 2023, when the Ministry of Defence signed a ₹3,000-crore contract with NewSpace India Limited, better known as NSIL, the commercial company through which ISRO builds satellites for paying customers. That contract answered a need the Army had been raising for years.&nbsp;What will this satellite actually do? At five tonnes, or 5,000 kilograms, it will be the heaviest communication satellite India has ever built. It will sit in what engineers call a geostationary orbit, which simply means it travels around the Earth at exactly the speed the planet turns, so from the ground it seems to hang motionless over the same spot, like a lamp post fixed high above the subcontinent. From that height, a radio message can be bounced off the satellite from one valley to another, leaping over the mountains that ordinarily block signals. It will connect soldiers, units, weapon systems, aircraft and other essential equipment, letting commanders issue orders, coordinate troops and manage both routine duties and battlefield operations around the clock, securely and without interruption, even at the remotest border post.&nbsp;The real test, officials say, comes in war. One of the first things an enemy does is cut the ground communication lines, by striking towers and cutting cables. A satellite overhead keeps the conversation going when everything below has gone silent.&nbsp;But there is a catch, and it has a name: China. Beijing is rapidly expanding its space capabilities and already has jammers, which are devices that flood a satellite's frequency with electronic noise, much like shouting over someone to drown out their voice. It is also known to be developing weapons meant to disable or destroy satellites altogether. The lesson for India is sobering. Owning a satellite is only half the task; the other half is keeping it safe.&nbsp;GSAT-7B is one piece of a larger plan. The Navy received its new satellite, GSAT-7R, last November, when ISRO launched it to replace the ageing Rukmini. Built entirely in India, it lets warships, submarines, aircraft and shore-based control centres talk securely across the open sea. Just last week, the Ministry of Defence signed a second contract with NSIL, worth ₹2,563 crore, for a fresh Air Force satellite called GSAT-7C, also fully Indian-made, so that aircraft and ground systems can stay in constant touch. In short, each service will soon have its own voice in space.&nbsp;Talking is one thing; watching is another. Alongside these communication satellites, India is building a separate fleet of satellites whose job is to observe the ground, in effect unblinking watchmen above the planet. In October 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security, the Prime Minister's top body for security decisions, approved the third phase of the Space Based Surveillance programme. The ₹26,968-crore plan will put 52 military satellites into orbit over the next three years. It is run by the Defence Space Agency, which sits under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, the office that helps the three services work as one. ISRO will build and launch 21 of these satellites, and private Indian companies will supply the remaining 31.&nbsp;All of this rests on a shared rulebook. Last September, at the Combined Commanders' Conference in Kolkata, the armed forces released the Joint Military Space Doctrine, which lays out how the Army, Navy and Air Force should use space together. A National Military Space Policy is now being drafted to protect India's satellites and prepare for threats beyond the atmosphere.&nbsp;For the soldier on that frozen ridge, every policy and programme comes down to one assurance: when he calls, someone will hear.

GSAT-7B is one piece of a larger plan. The Navy received its new satellite, GSAT-7R, last November, when ISRO launched it to replace the ageing Rukmini. Built entirely in India, it lets warships, submarines, aircraft and shore-based control centres talk securely across the open sea. 

Picture a young jawan posted on a wind-lashed ridge in Ladakh, with nothing but rock and ice between him and the nearest town. For him, the difference between isolation and safety is a single thing: a working link to his commanders. By the middle of 2028, that link is expected to come from a satellite the Indian Army can finally call its own. Today, oddly enough, the Army has no such satellite. The Air Force and the Navy each have one, but the Army has been sharing the Air Force's satellite, GSAT-7A. Think of it as several families drawing water from one neighbour's tap. It works, but there is only so much to go around, and the owner's needs come first. For a force with lakhs of personnel scattered across deserts, jungles and the highest mountains on Earth, that arrangement has long felt inadequate. Senior officials said on Monday, 19 October, that ISRO is expected to launch the Army’s first dedicated communication satellite around mid-2028. Named GSAT-7B, it was originally due in November 2027, but technical difficulties have pushed the launch back by about six months. The groundwork was laid in March 2023, when the Ministry of Defence signed a ₹3,000-crore contract with NewSpace India Limited, better known as NSIL, the commercial company through which ISRO builds satellites for paying customers. That contract answered a need the Army had been raising for years. What will this satellite actually do? At five tonnes, or 5,000 kilograms, it will be the heaviest communication satellite India has ever built. It will sit in what engineers call a geostationary orbit, which simply means it travels around the Earth at exactly the speed the planet turns, so from the ground it seems to hang motionless over the same spot, like a lamp post fixed high above the subcontinent. From that height, a radio message can be bounced off the satellite from one valley to another, leaping over the mountains that ordinarily block signals. It will connect soldiers, units, weapon systems, aircraft and other essential equipment, letting commanders issue orders, coordinate troops and manage both routine duties and battlefield operations around the clock, securely and without interruption, even at the remotest border post. The real test, officials say, comes in war. One of the first things an enemy does is cut the ground communication lines, by striking towers and cutting cables. A satellite overhead keeps the conversation going when everything below has gone silent. But there is a catch, and it has a name: China. Beijing is rapidly expanding its space capabilities and already has jammers, which are devices that flood a satellite's frequency with electronic noise, much like shouting over someone to drown out their voice. It is also known to be developing weapons meant to disable or destroy satellites altogether. The lesson for India is sobering. Owning a satellite is only half the task; the other half is keeping it safe. GSAT-7B is one piece of a larger plan. The Navy received its new satellite, GSAT-7R, last November, when ISRO launched it to replace the ageing Rukmini. Built entirely in India, it lets warships, submarines, aircraft and shore-based control centres talk securely across the open sea. Just last week, the Ministry of Defence signed a second contract with NSIL, worth ₹2,563 crore, for a fresh Air Force satellite called GSAT-7C, also fully Indian-made, so that aircraft and ground systems can stay in constant touch. In short, each service will soon have its own voice in space. Talking is one thing; watching is another. Alongside these communication satellites, India is building a separate fleet of satellites whose job is to observe the ground, in effect unblinking watchmen above the planet. In October 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security, the Prime Minister's top body for security decisions, approved the third phase of the Space Based Surveillance programme. The ₹26,968-crore plan will put 52 military satellites into orbit over the next three years. It is run by the Defence Space Agency, which sits under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, the office that helps the three services work as one. ISRO will build and launch 21 of these satellites, and private Indian companies will supply the remaining 31. All of this rests on a shared rulebook. Last September, at the Combined Commanders' Conference in Kolkata, the armed forces released the Joint Military Space Doctrine, which lays out how the Army, Navy and Air Force should use space together. A National Military Space Policy is now being drafted to protect India's satellites and prepare for threats beyond the atmosphere. For the soldier on that frozen ridge, every policy and programme comes down to one assurance: when he calls, someone will hear.

GSAT-7B is one piece of a larger plan. The Navy received its new satellite, GSAT-7R, last November, when ISRO launched it to replace the ageing Rukmini. Built entirely in India, it lets warships, submarines, aircraft and shore-based control centres talk securely across the open sea.&nbsp;

Skyborne sentinels: How GSAT-7B gives the Indian Army its own eye in orbit

India’s first dedicated Indian Army communications satellite is expected to launch around mid-2028, according to officials. Developed for the Army, the satellite will strengthen secure military communications and improve operational coordination. The mission, led by ISRO, is expected to boost India’s defence space capabilities.


 Indian Army's first dedicated communications satellite by 2028

In a wide-ranging discussion about India's first human spaceflight ambitions, Gaganyaan astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla opened up about the role of ISRO's humanoid robot, Vyomitra, which is being prepared for &nbsp;India's first crewed space missions. During the conversation, Shukla explained how far technology has advanced since the 1960s and drew comparisons to the early Soviet space program, where animals were sent to space ahead of humans. Shukla pointed out that the processing power in a modern mobile phone has become far better and more efficient as compared to the Apollo missions' computers, which carried astronauts to the Moon and back. He said the technology that we possess today was not available then. Speaking about the Soviet space program, where animals were sent to space ahead of humans, Shukla said that at the moment, ISRO doesn't need to rely on animal testing the way earlier space programs did. Instead, that role will be filled by Vyomitra, a heavily instrumented humanoid robot. "The technology that we have today was not available then. Actually, to highlight, you know, the kind of processing power your mobile phone holds today is more than what the mission computer for the Apollo mission had, which took humans around the moon and brought them back. You know, so that is where we stand today. So that is the kind of difference in what we can achieve today. And you are familiar with Moore's law: every two years, the size of chips will keep reducing over a period of time. So I think that today we don't need to experiment on animals to understand what is happening in space," Shukla said. "The Vyomitra, the humanoid robot that he is talking about, in the initial test missions will carry a humanoid robot which is very heavily instrumented. Instrumented to collect data, to collect the temperature, the pressure, the vibrations, the sound- all of that it is going to collect and give us a very good idea of what the internal environment of the capsule is going to be like. So that, if required, we can make some changes, and we have very good information, or, you know, the introductory talk or the presentation talked about data being intelligible, you know, data being refined so that you can use it effectively. So this is what Vyomitra is going to do. It is going to give us good, solid data which we can use to refine our further missions and have very good confidence in the systems when actual missions are going to space," Shukla added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/space-experience-reinforced-belief-in-higher-power-astronaut-shubhanshu-shukla-1791385477295">Space experience reinforced belief in ‘higher power’: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla</a><h3>Three uncrewed missions before any astronaut flies</h3>The interviewer clarified Vyomitra's role further, describing her as a humanoid robot in female form, developed across various ISRO centres. According to the plan outlined, ISRO intends to fly three uncrewed Gaganyaan missions, with no astronauts on board, before any Gaganyatri, including Shukla himself, is cleared to fly. "A robot will go to space inside the capsule, and the robot will do all the testing. And once all of those go flawlessly, only then will we put our astronauts... in space," the interviewer explained, describing it as ISRO's methodical approach to human spaceflight. The conversation then turned to the training journey that transforms a fighter pilot into an astronaut, a path Shukla has walked, training across Star City in Russia, as well as facilities in the US, Europe, and Japan. Asked what it takes, Shukla didn't mince words about the scale of the undertaking. Shubhanshu Shukla said, "On an average, if I have to say, it takes about five years for any astronaut to fly to space, not just from India, whether it is from Russia, whether it is from US. This is the kind of time period that it takes to prepare an astronaut to go to Space. And the reason it takes so much of time is once you are up there, you are by yourself. There is no help available, you are trying to create and sustain life in an environment wherein it should not exist, you know, there is no reason to support life out there. It really widens your horizon to understand how things are happening, how things are being done in different domains, in different disciplines and many times what happens is that you learn something from another discipline and you find that it is suitably applied to some other discipline that you were very used to. So that is the reason that it takes a lot of time to prepare as astronauts. It took us also about five years before we flew and it will be the same story for any future astronauts who are going to fly. It will take this much of time." &nbsp;

Shukla said the processing power in a modern mobile phone has become far better and more efficient compared to the Apollo missions' computers, which carried astronauts to the Moon and back. He said the technology that we possess today was not available then.

In a wide-ranging discussion about India's first human spaceflight ambitions, Gaganyaan astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla opened up about the role of ISRO's humanoid robot, Vyomitra, which is being prepared for India's first crewed space missions. During the conversation, Shukla explained how far technology has advanced since the 1960s and drew comparisons to the early Soviet space program, where animals were sent to space ahead of humans. Shukla pointed out that the processing power in a modern mobile phone has become far better and more efficient as compared to the Apollo missions' computers, which carried astronauts to the Moon and back. He said the technology that we possess today was not available then. Speaking about the Soviet space program, where animals were sent to space ahead of humans, Shukla said that at the moment, ISRO doesn't need to rely on animal testing the way earlier space programs did. Instead, that role will be filled by Vyomitra, a heavily instrumented humanoid robot. "The technology that we have today was not available then. Actually, to highlight, you know, the kind of processing power your mobile phone holds today is more than what the mission computer for the Apollo mission had, which took humans around the moon and brought them back. You know, so that is where we stand today. So that is the kind of difference in what we can achieve today. And you are familiar with Moore's law: every two years, the size of chips will keep reducing over a period of time. So I think that today we don't need to experiment on animals to understand what is happening in space," Shukla said. "The Vyomitra, the humanoid robot that he is talking about, in the initial test missions will carry a humanoid robot which is very heavily instrumented. Instrumented to collect data, to collect the temperature, the pressure, the vibrations, the sound- all of that it is going to collect and give us a very good idea of what the internal environment of the capsule is going to be like. So that, if required, we can make some changes, and we have very good information, or, you know, the introductory talk or the presentation talked about data being intelligible, you know, data being refined so that you can use it effectively. So this is what Vyomitra is going to do. It is going to give us good, solid data which we can use to refine our further missions and have very good confidence in the systems when actual missions are going to space," Shukla added. Also read: Space experience reinforced belief in ‘higher power’: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Three uncrewed missions before any astronaut flies The interviewer clarified Vyomitra's role further, describing her as a humanoid robot in female form, developed across various ISRO centres. According to the plan outlined, ISRO intends to fly three uncrewed Gaganyaan missions, with no astronauts on board, before any Gaganyatri, including Shukla himself, is cleared to fly. "A robot will go to space inside the capsule, and the robot will do all the testing. And once all of those go flawlessly, only then will we put our astronauts... in space," the interviewer explained, describing it as ISRO's methodical approach to human spaceflight. The conversation then turned to the training journey that transforms a fighter pilot into an astronaut, a path Shukla has walked, training across Star City in Russia, as well as facilities in the US, Europe, and Japan. Asked what it takes, Shukla didn't mince words about the scale of the undertaking. Shubhanshu Shukla said, "On an average, if I have to say, it takes about five years for any astronaut to fly to space, not just from India, whether it is from Russia, whether it is from US. This is the kind of time period that it takes to prepare an astronaut to go to Space. And the reason it takes so much of time is once you are up there, you are by yourself. There is no help available, you are trying to create and sustain life in an environment wherein it should not exist, you know, there is no reason to support life out there. It really widens your horizon to understand how things are happening, how things are being done in different domains, in different disciplines and many times what happens is that you learn something from another discipline and you find that it is suitably applied to some other discipline that you were very used to. So that is the reason that it takes a lot of time to prepare as astronauts. It took us also about five years before we flew and it will be the same story for any future astronauts who are going to fly. It will take this much of time."

Shukla said the processing power in a modern mobile phone has become far better and more efficient compared to the Apollo missions' computers, which carried astronauts to the Moon and back. He said the technology that we possess today was not available then.

'We don't need to experiment on animals anymore for spaceflight': Shubhanshu Shukla opens up on ISRO's humanoid robot Vyomitra

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is setting up a new facility in Chandrapur near Guwahati, Assam, to boost radar and satellite tracking capabilities. The foundation stone has been laid by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the presence of ISRO chairman V Narayanan and other senior space scientists on September 21. ISRO announced on Thursday that the new facility is being set up as part of its Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis (NETRA) and will contribute towards bolstering Space Situational Awareness. This awareness is essential in tracking space assets and protecting them from potential collisions with space debris.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eiffel-tower-probe-finds-no-explicit-request-from-baps-delegation-to-remove-female-staff-1790879538247">Eiffel Tower probe finds ‘no explicit request’ from BAPS delegation to remove female staff</a><h3>Guwahati-based centre</h3>The ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) is overseeing the establishment of this facility, which will be equipped with advanced radar technology. Once it becomes operational, the Guwahati-based centre will enhance ionospheric and atmospheric observations, weather monitoring, cloud tracking and space weather research." “The facility will enable scientists to observe and understand important processes in the atmosphere and near-Earth space environment, support improved weather prediction, space-weather assessment, communication and navigation studies and future space mission and application,” ISRO said on Thursday. The facility also has large-scale applications in flash-flood and urban-flood monitoring warnings in order to improve thunderstorm and lightning nowcasting, and guiding aviation services, while supporting both regional and national requirements.

ISRO announced on Thursday that the new facility is being set up as part of its Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis (NETRA) and will contribute towards bolstering Space Situational Awareness. 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is setting up a new facility in Chandrapur near Guwahati, Assam, to boost radar and satellite tracking capabilities. The foundation stone has been laid by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the presence of ISRO chairman V Narayanan and other senior space scientists on September 21. ISRO announced on Thursday that the new facility is being set up as part of its Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis (NETRA) and will contribute towards bolstering Space Situational Awareness. This awareness is essential in tracking space assets and protecting them from potential collisions with space debris. Also read: Eiffel Tower probe finds ‘no explicit request’ from BAPS delegation to remove female staff Guwahati-based centre The ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) is overseeing the establishment of this facility, which will be equipped with advanced radar technology. Once it becomes operational, the Guwahati-based centre will enhance ionospheric and atmospheric observations, weather monitoring, cloud tracking and space weather research." “The facility will enable scientists to observe and understand important processes in the atmosphere and near-Earth space environment, support improved weather prediction, space-weather assessment, communication and navigation studies and future space mission and application,” ISRO said on Thursday. The facility also has large-scale applications in flash-flood and urban-flood monitoring warnings in order to improve thunderstorm and lightning nowcasting, and guiding aviation services, while supporting both regional and national requirements.

ISRO announced on Thursday that the new facility is being set up as part of its Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis (NETRA) and will contribute towards bolstering Space Situational Awareness.&nbsp;

ISRO lays foundation for new space tracking facility near Assam's Guwahati

As Indian spacefaring rocketry is going through its most concerning and complicated slowdown in recent years (three launches in 2026: two government launches and one private launch), payloads from four Indian startups will by flying to space on Elon Musk's SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket. The four payloads from the Indian startups (TakeMe2Space, EON Space Labs, SatLeo Labs, DhruvaSpace), will be among 130 that are scheduled to reach Low Earth orbit (about 500kms above Earth) in the wee hours Indian time, Friday, (2nd October). The mission titled 'Transporter 18' is reportedly the 110th flight of the Falcon 9 rocket in this year. For context, India's highest number of launches (space launches and tests) were witnessed in the years 2018 and 2023, when government-run ISRO executed eight and seven launches, respectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;The three rockets that launched from Indian soil this year are: ISRO PSLV-C62 that launched in January; private firm Skyroot Aerospace Vikram-1 that launched in July; ISRO GSLV-F17 that launched in September. The PSLV-C62 mission was a mid-flight failure, which led to the loss of all 15 satellites from India and abroad. This failure was also similar to the PSLV-C61 failure that took place in May 2025. The repeat failure of ISRO's workhorse PSLV rockets and the related probe are some among the many reasons that have slowed down the launch pace.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Indian payloads riding on SpaceX Transporter-18 mission</h2>&nbsp;<h3>MIRA Earth-imager by EON Space Labs</h3>&nbsp;EON Space Labs which has been developing electro-optical imaging systems for Earth-observation and surveillance is flying its miniaturised space telescope 'MIRA' to space. It is integrated with Indian startup TakeMe2Space’s MOI-1A satellite that will capture and process images in space. Weighing merely 502 grams, 'MIRA' enables imaging that supports diverse applications such as agriculture, marine, mining, supply-chain management and insurance.&nbsp;Punit Badeka, Co-founder, EON Space Labs told this author that the firm is building the entire optics in-house, with the goal of reducing import dependence on optical imaging technologies. He added that they are leveraging their patented technology to build ultra-long-range electro-optical imaging systems for the Indian Army and Indian Navy.&nbsp;MIRA flew on the ISRO PSLV-C62 mission which failed in January 2026. Punit recalled that it took over three years to develop the technology, while it took six months to build 'MIRA' for the first time. If we import an imaging system, it takes at least six months to get it. Queried about how they bounced back from the failure and re-built the hardware, he said that it now takes about four or six weeks to build the imaging hardware at their facility and that they are able to do it at scale. Given the very nature of space tech, we had contingency plans in place.&nbsp;<h3>'MOI-1A' in-orbit data processing satellite by TakeMe2Space</h3>&nbsp;Earth-imaging satellites capture vast amounts of data when passing over their areas of interest. However, that massive quantity of data has to be sent back to Earth and then it has to be filtered and analyzed to derive meaningful insights, a time consuming process. While this may seem practical for some purposes, it does not support the needs of defence and certain time-bound commercial applications. "What if the data captured and stored in the satellite, can be processed by an AI model running on the satellite? Then, we can access only the relevant information and send that specific, small quantity data to the user on Earth. This significantly saves time and also reduces the amount of data that needs to be sent down," Ronak Kumar Samantray, Founder and CEO, TakeMe2Space explained to this author.&nbsp;According to the firm, their 14-kg satellite carries 117 trillion operations per second (TOPS) of onboard computing capacity, 2 TB of storage and a nine-band multispectral imager supplied by EON Space Labs. These capabilities are designed support applications such as agricultural monitoring, mining and supply-chain intelligence.&nbsp;&nbsp;The company said it has signed up 23 customers for its in-orbit inference services. The upcoming mission marks a step towards commercial delivery of these services and the company’s longer-term development of orbital computing infrastructure.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>'TAPAS-1' by SatLeo Labs: Thermal Infrared imaging from space</h3>&nbsp;'TAPAS-1' (Thermal Access Platform for Analytics &amp; Solutions), developed by SatLeo Labs, is a commercial CubeSat-category thermal payload. It uses Thermal Infrared (TIR) sensing, to capture temperature information invisible to conventional optical imagery, enabling in-orbit demonstration and validation of SatLeo's technology.According to the firm, this mission lays the foundation for their next-generation thermal intelligence platforms, with applications spanning climate monitoring, agriculture, urban heat mapping, disaster management, and infrastructure monitoring, and represents a key step toward PYRO, SatLeo's flagship thermal constellation."Our payload weighs about 1.5kg and it is flying on Indian firm DhruvaSpace Leap 2 satellite platform. Thermal data of Earth's surface that we capture from space can be used for monitoring agriculture, forest fires, urban landscapes, heat index, and even defence applications. It can also be used to identify some issues in the power transmission infrastructure," explained Ranendu Ghosh, a former ISRO Scientist, who is the co-founder and CTO of Satleo Labs.&nbsp;<h3>LEAP-2 by Dhruva Space</h3>&nbsp;According to the firm, 'Launching Expeditions for Aspiring Payloads - 2' (LEAP-2) is Dhruva Space’s second commercial endeavour on the P-30 satellite platform, hosting multiple In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) missions for global customers: a star tracker by France-based Sodern ArianeGroup; and TAPAS-1 by India-based Satleo Labs.Dhruva Space has also undertaken the end-to-end launch integration of the LEAP-2 satellite with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch vehicle, building on its experience with LEAP-1, where Dhruva Space became the first private Indian company to undertake the launch vehicle integration of its satellite in-house, it was added.LEAP-2 will also be supported by Dhruva Space’s growing global ground infrastructure, including its owned and operated ground station in Luleå, Sweden; the first NGE-owned and operated ground station outside India, authorised by the Government of India to provide Ground-Station-as-a-Service, the firm said.&nbsp;<h2>Why Indian startups chose to fly on a SpaceX rocket?</h2>&nbsp;Queried about their Satleo Labs' choice of a foreign launch vehicle, Ranendu pointed out that they did not find any option in India in accordance with their requirements. However, he added that they were in talks with ISRO's commercial arm NSIL for launching their TAPAS-2 satellite. "The choice of rocket should be available (in India) and it should be cost-effective," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Samantaray from TakeMe2Space highlighted that they chose SpaceX Falcon 9 based on the availability of the rocket and also the urgency to reach space, demonstrate their technology and immediately deliver the services for their customers, especially after the failed launch on PSLV-C62 in January this year. Asked about whether he had insured his satellite for the SpaceX flight, Samantaray revealed that he had not insured the satellite that flew on PSLV-C62. However, he had learnt his lesson and accordingly taken pre-launch, launch and third-party insurance for this satellite flying on SpaceX. On whether SpaceX offered a cheaper ride to space than ISRO,&nbsp;Samantaray mentioned that the SpaceX flight cost three times as much as the ISRO flight. However, he explained that slots on SpaceX rockets are among the cheapest when booking three years in advance, while booking months before a launch can prove very expensive.&nbsp;&nbsp;For EON Space Labs, the decision to fly SpaceX was based on urgency to reach space and prove their technology. Punit admitted that they did not find a launch from India within their desired timeframe. Further, he added that they were planning a few future launches on ISRO rockets.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>India's space launches: The gap between rhetoric and reality</h2>&nbsp;In February 2024, for the first time ever, Indian Government agency IN-SPACE (established by the Modi Government to support Indian space startups) had publicly released an "Integrated Launch Manifesto 2024-25". In the document, IN-SPACE mentioned that ISRO (Indian Space agency), ISRO's commercial arm NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and startups would perform up to 30 rocket launch missions in the 15-month period between January 2024 and March 2025.&nbsp;Rhetoric aside, India executed only 7 of these 30 rocket launch missions in the said period. This amounts to meeting 23% of the target stated in the Government agency IN-SPACE's launch manifesto. Of the seven launch missions in the 15-month period, ISRO executed five, NSIL executed one mission for a foreign customer, and a private firm carried out a test launch. Space industry insiders told this author that Government agency IN-SPACE had decided to stop releasing launch manifestos after the debacle with their first.&nbsp;Let alone 30 launches in 15 months, there have only been 14 launches from Indian soil (12 ISRO and 2 private) in the 33 months between January 2024 and September 2026!&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, SpaceX which does the most number of space launches globally, had targeted 148 launches of their Falcon series of rockets in the year 2024, of which they accomplished 134 launches. SpaceX met 90% of its annual target, and has been drastically increasing its launch targets with every passing year. Every year, SpaceX gets within touching distance of its publicly stated target.&nbsp;Likewise, Rocket Lab, an American private firm that launches small spacefaring rockets had projected 22 launches in 2024, and ended up accomplishing 16 launches. Rocket Lab met 72% of its annual target. Though a small firm when compared to giants like SpaceX, Rocket Lab has been consistently increasing its number of launches with every passing year.&nbsp;Apart from the Government-run ISRO, only the private firm Skyroot Aerospace has launched to space from India. In July this year, private firm Skyroot Aerospace achieved what very few agencies or private firms have done: achieve orbit on their first launch. Skyroot's Vikram-1 is India's first privately designed and developed rocket, and its first flight was meant to test and validate all its systems and sub-systems. Skyroot's Founder and CEO Pawan told this author that the firm is targeting its second launch by the end of the year. While there are several other Indian startups racing to build their spacefaring rockets, they haven't reached orbit yet.&nbsp;Even the efforts by the L&amp;T-HAL consortium to build and launch their first "industry-built" ISRO PSLV rocket (in a mission dubbed PSLV-N1) is a work in progress. The launch that was initially planned around mid-2024 has seen multiple postponements, with no clear new launch date in sight. With more ISRO rockets such as SSLV and LVM3 being sold to Indian industry by IN-SPACE, and unrest brewing within ISRO ranks regarding the overreach of IN-SPACE, questions remain about regular rocket launches from home soil.

Earth-imaging satellites capture vast amounts of data when passing over their areas of interest. However, that massive quantity of data has to be sent back to Earth and then it has to be filtered and analyzed to derive meaningful insights, a time consuming process.

As Indian spacefaring rocketry is going through its most concerning and complicated slowdown in recent years (three launches in 2026: two government launches and one private launch), payloads from four Indian startups will by flying to space on Elon Musk's SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket. The four payloads from the Indian startups (TakeMe2Space, EON Space Labs, SatLeo Labs, DhruvaSpace), will be among 130 that are scheduled to reach Low Earth orbit (about 500kms above Earth) in the wee hours Indian time, Friday, (2nd October). The mission titled 'Transporter 18' is reportedly the 110th flight of the Falcon 9 rocket in this year. For context, India's highest number of launches (space launches and tests) were witnessed in the years 2018 and 2023, when government-run ISRO executed eight and seven launches, respectively. The three rockets that launched from Indian soil this year are: ISRO PSLV-C62 that launched in January; private firm Skyroot Aerospace Vikram-1 that launched in July; ISRO GSLV-F17 that launched in September. The PSLV-C62 mission was a mid-flight failure, which led to the loss of all 15 satellites from India and abroad. This failure was also similar to the PSLV-C61 failure that took place in May 2025. The repeat failure of ISRO's workhorse PSLV rockets and the related probe are some among the many reasons that have slowed down the launch pace. Indian payloads riding on SpaceX Transporter-18 mission MIRA Earth-imager by EON Space Labs EON Space Labs which has been developing electro-optical imaging systems for Earth-observation and surveillance is flying its miniaturised space telescope 'MIRA' to space. It is integrated with Indian startup TakeMe2Space’s MOI-1A satellite that will capture and process images in space. Weighing merely 502 grams, 'MIRA' enables imaging that supports diverse applications such as agriculture, marine, mining, supply-chain management and insurance. Punit Badeka, Co-founder, EON Space Labs told this author that the firm is building the entire optics in-house, with the goal of reducing import dependence on optical imaging technologies. He added that they are leveraging their patented technology to build ultra-long-range electro-optical imaging systems for the Indian Army and Indian Navy. MIRA flew on the ISRO PSLV-C62 mission which failed in January 2026. Punit recalled that it took over three years to develop the technology, while it took six months to build 'MIRA' for the first time. If we import an imaging system, it takes at least six months to get it. Queried about how they bounced back from the failure and re-built the hardware, he said that it now takes about four or six weeks to build the imaging hardware at their facility and that they are able to do it at scale. Given the very nature of space tech, we had contingency plans in place. 'MOI-1A' in-orbit data processing satellite by TakeMe2Space Earth-imaging satellites capture vast amounts of data when passing over their areas of interest. However, that massive quantity of data has to be sent back to Earth and then it has to be filtered and analyzed to derive meaningful insights, a time consuming process. While this may seem practical for some purposes, it does not support the needs of defence and certain time-bound commercial applications. "What if the data captured and stored in the satellite, can be processed by an AI model running on the satellite? Then, we can access only the relevant information and send that specific, small quantity data to the user on Earth. This significantly saves time and also reduces the amount of data that needs to be sent down," Ronak Kumar Samantray, Founder and CEO, TakeMe2Space explained to this author. According to the firm, their 14-kg satellite carries 117 trillion operations per second (TOPS) of onboard computing capacity, 2 TB of storage and a nine-band multispectral imager supplied by EON Space Labs. These capabilities are designed support applications such as agricultural monitoring, mining and supply-chain intelligence. The company said it has signed up 23 customers for its in-orbit inference services. The upcoming mission marks a step towards commercial delivery of these services and the company’s longer-term development of orbital computing infrastructure. 'TAPAS-1' by SatLeo Labs: Thermal Infrared imaging from space 'TAPAS-1' (Thermal Access Platform for Analytics & Solutions), developed by SatLeo Labs, is a commercial CubeSat-category thermal payload. It uses Thermal Infrared (TIR) sensing, to capture temperature information invisible to conventional optical imagery, enabling in-orbit demonstration and validation of SatLeo's technology. According to the firm, this mission lays the foundation for their next-generation thermal intelligence platforms, with applications spanning climate monitoring, agriculture, urban heat mapping, disaster management, and infrastructure monitoring, and represents a key step toward PYRO, SatLeo's flagship thermal constellation. "Our payload weighs about 1.5kg and it is flying on Indian firm DhruvaSpace Leap 2 satellite platform. Thermal data of Earth's surface that we capture from space can be used for monitoring agriculture, forest fires, urban landscapes, heat index, and even defence applications. It can also be used to identify some issues in the power transmission infrastructure," explained Ranendu Ghosh, a former ISRO Scientist, who is the co-founder and CTO of Satleo Labs. LEAP-2 by Dhruva Space According to the firm, 'Launching Expeditions for Aspiring Payloads - 2' (LEAP-2) is Dhruva Space’s second commercial endeavour on the P-30 satellite platform, hosting multiple In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) missions for global customers: a star tracker by France-based Sodern ArianeGroup; and TAPAS-1 by India-based Satleo Labs. Dhruva Space has also undertaken the end-to-end launch integration of the LEAP-2 satellite with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch vehicle, building on its experience with LEAP-1, where Dhruva Space became the first private Indian company to undertake the launch vehicle integration of its satellite in-house, it was added. LEAP-2 will also be supported by Dhruva Space’s growing global ground infrastructure, including its owned and operated ground station in Luleå, Sweden; the first NGE-owned and operated ground station outside India, authorised by the Government of India to provide Ground-Station-as-a-Service, the firm said. Why Indian startups chose to fly on a SpaceX rocket? Queried about their Satleo Labs' choice of a foreign launch vehicle, Ranendu pointed out that they did not find any option in India in accordance with their requirements. However, he added that they were in talks with ISRO's commercial arm NSIL for launching their TAPAS-2 satellite. "The choice of rocket should be available (in India) and it should be cost-effective," he added. Samantaray from TakeMe2Space highlighted that they chose SpaceX Falcon 9 based on the availability of the rocket and also the urgency to reach space, demonstrate their technology and immediately deliver the services for their customers, especially after the failed launch on PSLV-C62 in January this year. Asked about whether he had insured his satellite for the SpaceX flight, Samantaray revealed that he had not insured the satellite that flew on PSLV-C62. However, he had learnt his lesson and accordingly taken pre-launch, launch and third-party insurance for this satellite flying on SpaceX. On whether SpaceX offered a cheaper ride to space than ISRO, Samantaray mentioned that the SpaceX flight cost three times as much as the ISRO flight. However, he explained that slots on SpaceX rockets are among the cheapest when booking three years in advance, while booking months before a launch can prove very expensive. For EON Space Labs, the decision to fly SpaceX was based on urgency to reach space and prove their technology. Punit admitted that they did not find a launch from India within their desired timeframe. Further, he added that they were planning a few future launches on ISRO rockets. India's space launches: The gap between rhetoric and reality In February 2024, for the first time ever, Indian Government agency IN-SPACE (established by the Modi Government to support Indian space startups) had publicly released an "Integrated Launch Manifesto 2024-25". In the document, IN-SPACE mentioned that ISRO (Indian Space agency), ISRO's commercial arm NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and startups would perform up to 30 rocket launch missions in the 15-month period between January 2024 and March 2025. Rhetoric aside, India executed only 7 of these 30 rocket launch missions in the said period. This amounts to meeting 23% of the target stated in the Government agency IN-SPACE's launch manifesto. Of the seven launch missions in the 15-month period, ISRO executed five, NSIL executed one mission for a foreign customer, and a private firm carried out a test launch. Space industry insiders told this author that Government agency IN-SPACE had decided to stop releasing launch manifestos after the debacle with their first. Let alone 30 launches in 15 months, there have only been 14 launches from Indian soil (12 ISRO and 2 private) in the 33 months between January 2024 and September 2026! For example, SpaceX which does the most number of space launches globally, had targeted 148 launches of their Falcon series of rockets in the year 2024, of which they accomplished 134 launches. SpaceX met 90% of its annual target, and has been drastically increasing its launch targets with every passing year. Every year, SpaceX gets within touching distance of its publicly stated target. Likewise, Rocket Lab, an American private firm that launches small spacefaring rockets had projected 22 launches in 2024, and ended up accomplishing 16 launches. Rocket Lab met 72% of its annual target. Though a small firm when compared to giants like SpaceX, Rocket Lab has been consistently increasing its number of launches with every passing year. Apart from the Government-run ISRO, only the private firm Skyroot Aerospace has launched to space from India. In July this year, private firm Skyroot Aerospace achieved what very few agencies or private firms have done: achieve orbit on their first launch. Skyroot's Vikram-1 is India's first privately designed and developed rocket, and its first flight was meant to test and validate all its systems and sub-systems. Skyroot's Founder and CEO Pawan told this author that the firm is targeting its second launch by the end of the year. While there are several other Indian startups racing to build their spacefaring rockets, they haven't reached orbit yet. Even the efforts by the L&T-HAL consortium to build and launch their first "industry-built" ISRO PSLV rocket (in a mission dubbed PSLV-N1) is a work in progress. The launch that was initially planned around mid-2024 has seen multiple postponements, with no clear new launch date in sight. With more ISRO rockets such as SSLV and LVM3 being sold to Indian industry by IN-SPACE, and unrest brewing within ISRO ranks regarding the overreach of IN-SPACE, questions remain about regular rocket launches from home soil.

Earth-imaging satellites capture vast amounts of data when passing over their areas of interest. However, that massive quantity of data has to be sent back to Earth and then it has to be filtered and analyzed to derive meaningful insights, a time consuming process.

Amid domestic launch slowdown, four Indian startups' payloads fly on SpaceX rocket

Reaffirming Europe's and India's commitment to expanding cooperation in space, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed an exchange of letters extending their long-standing Cooperative Agreement for five more years, until January 2032. The exchange between ISRO Chief Dr V Narayanan and ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher took place in Paris on the margins of the International Space Summit earlier this month.&nbsp;The renewed agreement reflects the evolving priorities of both sides in the space sector: space weather, human and robotic exploration of space, while also recognising the growing importance of sustainable outer space activities. Last year, the two sides also expressed their intention to deepen cooperation through a Joint Statement of Intent on human exploration. This comes as India is working on sending its astronauts to space and returning them safely on homegrown rocket and spacecraft technology as part of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-russia-has-lost-control-of-its-diesel-industry-calls-for-end-to-ridiculous-never-ending-war-1789999050401">Trump says Russia has ‘lost control’ of its diesel industry, calls for end to ‘ridiculous, never-ending’ war</a>&nbsp;"The partnership between ISRO and ESA has delivered tangible benefits for India and Europe and has demonstrated the value of international cooperation in advancing space activities. The renewal of this agreement reflects the shared ambition of ISRO and ESA to pursue innovation and scientific progress for the benefit of our societies," said ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space, Government of India.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Cooperative Agreement, which entered into force in January 2002, provides the framework for cooperation between ESA and ISRO across a broad range of space activities. Over the years, ESA and ISRO have worked together on a range of programmes and initiatives spanning Earth observation, satellite navigation, space science and mission operations support.&nbsp;&nbsp;"As space activities expand beyond Earth orbit and new opportunities emerge in exploration, sustainability and advanced technologies, international cooperation remains essential. ESA and ISRO have built a trusted partnership spanning more than two decades, and this renewed agreement positions us to pursue even greater ambitions together while delivering tangible benefits for our citizens and economies. We look forward to continuing this successful collaboration in the years ahead,” stated ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher.&nbsp;This extension of collaborative efforts reaffirms the commitment of both agencies to continue building on their established partnership and to explore new opportunities for cooperation in support of scientific discovery, technological innovation and the sustainable use of space.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-document-details-broad-iran-cooperation-plan-across-finance-nuclear-and-aviation-sectors-report-1789995702968">Russian document details broad Iran cooperation plan across finance, nuclear and aviation sectors: Report</a>&nbsp;When Indian Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla trained at ESA facilities&nbsp;&nbsp;In late-2024, Indian astronaut candidate Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his fellow Axiom-4 mission crewmates had trained at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, in preparation for their 2025 spaceflight mission to the International Space Station. EAC is the main training hub for all European-built Space Station hardware and serves as a centre of excellence for astronaut selection, training, medical support, and surveillance, while also providing essential preparation for astronauts and their families throughout their missions.&nbsp;&nbsp;At EAC, the crew had familiarised themselves with ESA systems, including the Columbus module, Europe’s science laboratory on the Space Station. The Columbus laboratory is ESA’s largest contribution to the International Space Station and the first permanent European research facility in space. This lab, spanning 75 cubic metre, is fully equipped with research tools and autonomous facilities that support diverse scientific experiments in biology, physiology, fluid science, and more.&nbsp;Group Captain Shukla and his Axiom-4 crewmates undertook a commercial space mission from American soil, lasting nearly three weeks across June-July 2025. Shukla was the second Indian to travel to space, and his mission on the American Axiom-4 flight was meant to serve as a precursor and a hands-on spaceflight training ahead of India's own Gaganyaan crewed missions and related in-space experiments.

The renewed agreement reflects the evolving priorities of both sides in the space sector: space weather, human and robotic exploration of space, while also recognising the growing importance of sustainable outer space activities.

Reaffirming Europe's and India's commitment to expanding cooperation in space, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed an exchange of letters extending their long-standing Cooperative Agreement for five more years, until January 2032. The exchange between ISRO Chief Dr V Narayanan and ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher took place in Paris on the margins of the International Space Summit earlier this month. The renewed agreement reflects the evolving priorities of both sides in the space sector: space weather, human and robotic exploration of space, while also recognising the growing importance of sustainable outer space activities. Last year, the two sides also expressed their intention to deepen cooperation through a Joint Statement of Intent on human exploration. This comes as India is working on sending its astronauts to space and returning them safely on homegrown rocket and spacecraft technology as part of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. Also Read: Trump says Russia has ‘lost control’ of its diesel industry, calls for end to ‘ridiculous, never-ending’ war "The partnership between ISRO and ESA has delivered tangible benefits for India and Europe and has demonstrated the value of international cooperation in advancing space activities. The renewal of this agreement reflects the shared ambition of ISRO and ESA to pursue innovation and scientific progress for the benefit of our societies," said ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space, Government of India. The Cooperative Agreement, which entered into force in January 2002, provides the framework for cooperation between ESA and ISRO across a broad range of space activities. Over the years, ESA and ISRO have worked together on a range of programmes and initiatives spanning Earth observation, satellite navigation, space science and mission operations support. "As space activities expand beyond Earth orbit and new opportunities emerge in exploration, sustainability and advanced technologies, international cooperation remains essential. ESA and ISRO have built a trusted partnership spanning more than two decades, and this renewed agreement positions us to pursue even greater ambitions together while delivering tangible benefits for our citizens and economies. We look forward to continuing this successful collaboration in the years ahead,” stated ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher. This extension of collaborative efforts reaffirms the commitment of both agencies to continue building on their established partnership and to explore new opportunities for cooperation in support of scientific discovery, technological innovation and the sustainable use of space. Also Read: Russian document details broad Iran cooperation plan across finance, nuclear and aviation sectors: Report When Indian Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla trained at ESA facilities In late-2024, Indian astronaut candidate Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his fellow Axiom-4 mission crewmates had trained at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, in preparation for their 2025 spaceflight mission to the International Space Station. EAC is the main training hub for all European-built Space Station hardware and serves as a centre of excellence for astronaut selection, training, medical support, and surveillance, while also providing essential preparation for astronauts and their families throughout their missions. At EAC, the crew had familiarised themselves with ESA systems, including the Columbus module, Europe’s science laboratory on the Space Station. The Columbus laboratory is ESA’s largest contribution to the International Space Station and the first permanent European research facility in space. This lab, spanning 75 cubic metre, is fully equipped with research tools and autonomous facilities that support diverse scientific experiments in biology, physiology, fluid science, and more. Group Captain Shukla and his Axiom-4 crewmates undertook a commercial space mission from American soil, lasting nearly three weeks across June-July 2025. Shukla was the second Indian to travel to space, and his mission on the American Axiom-4 flight was meant to serve as a precursor and a hands-on spaceflight training ahead of India's own Gaganyaan crewed missions and related in-space experiments.

The renewed agreement reflects the evolving priorities of both sides in the space sector: space weather, human and robotic exploration of space, while also recognising the growing importance of sustainable outer space activities.

ISRO, European Space Agency to focus on space weather, human & robotic exploration

At the 9th Bengaluru Space Expo — billed as Asia's largest — Italy's ambassador to India spoke to WION about how the country carries "the legacy of Galileo and Marconi" into its growing space ties with New Delhi. ISRO and Italy's ASI, partners since a 2005 framework agreement, are now deepening work on Earth observation, space weather, and lunar exploration, alongside gravitational wave research and academic collaboration. The push comes as Italy looks to convert two decades of scientific cooperation into concrete business and industrial partnerships.


India-Italy space ties: Italy's envoy outlines roadmap for deeper space ties with India

Nine ISRO employee associations representing thousands of workers have sought clarity over the government’s push to expand private-sector involvement in India’s space programme. The staff bodies want answers on ISRO’s future role, the transfer of manufacturing and operational work, and what the changes could mean for current and future employees.

Employees seek clarity from ISRO chairman

Following the successful launch of India's GSLV F-17/EOS-05 space mission on Friday(4th September), employees of the Indian space agency ISRO have sought a clarification from the Indian Government over the ongoing privatisation of certain ISRO activities.This author has accessed the five-page letter which employee associations of crucial ISRO centres have jointly written to the ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan, who also serves as the Secretary of the Indian Government's Department of Space, which operates under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since the year 2020, the Modi Government has been spearheading the "opening up of space sector to private players", a process that sections within the Government-run ISRO have been "anxious and fearful" about. The latest letter reflects the growing concerns and unease.The letter has been signed by nine representatives of various ISRO employee associations linked to major ISRO centers such as VSSC, SDSC, URSC, LPSC, SAC, NRSC, and IPRC. On the strict condition of anonymity, multiple representatives of ISRO employees' associations confirmed the authenticity of their letter with this author. They added that their associations represented the concerns of around 5,000 employees, which is around one-fourth(27%) of ISRO's 18,100 employee headcount.When this author contacted him for a response regarding the privatisation of ISRO activities and related concerns that employees had raised in the letter, Dr. V. Narayanan, ISRO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space, did not offer a comment.<h2>The trigger for the concerns – a statement by Dr. Pawan Goenka</h2>"Eventually, ISRO will not make any launch vehicles and will not manufacture any launch vehicles. That will all be done by the private Sector or Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)," Dr. Pawan Goenka had said during a televised event in August 2026. The employee associations' letter quotes this statement and says that it had caused widespread concern among serving employees, their families, and thousands of young citizens who aspire to a career in the national space programme.Dr. Pawan Goenka has been appointed by the Modi Government to head the government agency IN-SPACE, which is meant to promote and facilitate end-to-end private participation in the ISRO-dominated Indian space sector.Dr. Goenka is an automobile industry veteran who has been heading IN-SPACE since 2021. An IITian with a subsequent Ph.D. from Cornell and a management degree at Harvard, Goenka worked at the General Motors R&amp;D Centre, Detroit, for 14 years and at India's Mahindra &amp; Mahindra(M&amp;M) Ltd. for 28 years. He retired from M&amp;M as MD &amp; CEO in the year 2021, following which he was appointed to lead the Indian Government's IN-SPACE.<h2>‘ISRO's rocket tech being transferred to private and Govt firms, without official communication to employees’</h2>The ISRO employees' association letter mentions the SSLV rocket technology and production technology being sold to Government firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL), and the ongoing bidding process for technology transfer of India's largest rocket, LVM3, and similar efforts for transferring the technology of the workhorse PSLV rocket.The letter also cites reports about routine satellite manufacturing possibly being moved out of ISRO, and that operation of new launch infrastructure, including the Government's Space Launch Complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu being opened to private entities.In light of these developments, the employees' associations highlight that such decisions or proposals by the Government have not been accompanied by any corresponding official communication from the Department of Space to its employees.&nbsp; It adds that there has been no communication from the Department of Space explaining the approved policy, its legal and administrative basis, its phasing, or its consequences for the existing workforce.<h2>‘Why are ISRO employees anxious?’</h2>The letter cites that ISRO was built as a national scientific institution with public funds, public purpose and a public workforce. "Launch-vehicle design, realisation, integration, testing and launch operations are not merely 'manufacturing contracts'. They are the core competence, institutional memory and strategic capability of the Organisation," ISRO staff association explained.The letter expresses concern that ISRO's progressive withdrawal from launch-vehicle and satellite realisation will tamper with experiments after research, shrink in-house work, freeze or reduce sanctioned strength, and close promotion and skill- development avenues in technical, scientific, administrative, stores, purchase, quality, safety and industrial cadres.Further, it says that existing employees who are working under ISRO's own facilities may be rendered surplus, or redeployed, or left without meaningful work while the same tasks are performed by private contractors using publicly developed technology.It also said that strategic autonomy, quality assurance, safety culture and accountability that are inherent to a national space agency may be diluted if core realisation and launch operations pass out of public control."Regular recruitment to Group A, B and C posts - already constrained by vacancies and attrition - will further decline, denying opportunity to meritorious youth who look to ISRO as a career," reads the letter. This comes at a time when Indian Government data reveals that ISRO faces a human resource shortage: Indian Parliament data from February 2026 showed that ISRO has a sanctioned strength of 14,108 staff in the Science and Technology domain, of which only 12,472 are in position, which indicates an 11 per cent resource crunch. The Government had said it is undertaking efforts to fill 1,261 of the 1,636 vacancies.In the Admin domain, ISRO has a sanctioned strength of 4,034 staff. However, only 3,057 are in position, which indicates a 24 per cent resource crunch. The Government had said it is undertaking efforts to fill 188 of the 977 vacant posts.<h2>‘Draw a line between private participation and dismantling ISRO's own realisation capability’</h2>The ISRO staff associations emphasised that they are not hostile towards Indian industry, and they are not opposed to legitimate commercialisation through NSIL (ISRO's commercial arm) within a defined framework. "The concern is the absence of an official Department of Space policy document that draws a clear line between (i) enabling private participation and (ii) dismantling ISRO's own realisation capability," they added.Further, they agreed that private participation in defined commercial activities can coexist with a strong, publicly-owned ISRO. However, they stressed that "a policy that reduces ISRO to a residual R&amp;D boutique while the realisation of the nation's launch vehicles and the operation of its launch infrastructure pass out of public hands, cannot be accepted without debate".Technology developed by ISRO is a national asset. Its transfer must be transparent, accountable, and consistent with strategic, safety and employment considerations. On such transfer of Government-developed technology to private firms, ISRO staff associations highlighted that they have an earned right to be informed, consulted and protected. "Natural justice and good administration require that policy of this magnitude be explained to the workforce by the Department itself."<h2>Clarifications sought from ISRO Chief, Secretary, Dept of Space (Govt of India)</h2>The ISRO staff associations requested Dr. V. Narayanan, the ISRO Chief and Secretary, DoS, to issue an official, written clarification addressing their concerns in a time-bound manner.Further, it wanted the Department of Space to conduct a structured interaction with the recognised Service Associations on the future role of ISRO, staffing, recruitment, among others.The ISRO staff associations emphasised that they were submitting this representation to the Government in a constructive and democratic spirit. "Our loyalty to ISRO and to the national space programme is not in question. Precisely because of that loyalty, we consider it our duty to seek clarity before uncertainty hardens into irreversible policy," concluded the letter, which sought a written response from the government.

Technology developed by ISRO is a national asset. Its transfer must be transparent, accountable, and consistent with strategic, safety and employment considerations. 

Following the successful launch of India's GSLV F-17/EOS-05 space mission on Friday(4th September), employees of the Indian space agency ISRO have sought a clarification from the Indian Government over the ongoing privatisation of certain ISRO activities. This author has accessed the five-page letter which employee associations of crucial ISRO centres have jointly written to the ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan, who also serves as the Secretary of the Indian Government's Department of Space, which operates under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since the year 2020, the Modi Government has been spearheading the "opening up of space sector to private players", a process that sections within the Government-run ISRO have been "anxious and fearful" about. The latest letter reflects the growing concerns and unease. The letter has been signed by nine representatives of various ISRO employee associations linked to major ISRO centers such as VSSC, SDSC, URSC, LPSC, SAC, NRSC, and IPRC. On the strict condition of anonymity, multiple representatives of ISRO employees' associations confirmed the authenticity of their letter with this author. They added that their associations represented the concerns of around 5,000 employees, which is around one-fourth(27%) of ISRO's 18,100 employee headcount. When this author contacted him for a response regarding the privatisation of ISRO activities and related concerns that employees had raised in the letter, Dr. V. Narayanan, ISRO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space, did not offer a comment. The trigger for the concerns – a statement by Dr. Pawan Goenka "Eventually, ISRO will not make any launch vehicles and will not manufacture any launch vehicles. That will all be done by the private Sector or Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)," Dr. Pawan Goenka had said during a televised event in August 2026. The employee associations' letter quotes this statement and says that it had caused widespread concern among serving employees, their families, and thousands of young citizens who aspire to a career in the national space programme. Dr. Pawan Goenka has been appointed by the Modi Government to head the government agency IN-SPACE, which is meant to promote and facilitate end-to-end private participation in the ISRO-dominated Indian space sector. Dr. Goenka is an automobile industry veteran who has been heading IN-SPACE since 2021. An IITian with a subsequent Ph.D. from Cornell and a management degree at Harvard, Goenka worked at the General Motors R&D Centre, Detroit, for 14 years and at India's Mahindra & Mahindra(M&M) Ltd. for 28 years. He retired from M&M as MD & CEO in the year 2021, following which he was appointed to lead the Indian Government's IN-SPACE. ‘ISRO's rocket tech being transferred to private and Govt firms, without official communication to employees’ The ISRO employees' association letter mentions the SSLV rocket technology and production technology being sold to Government firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL), and the ongoing bidding process for technology transfer of India's largest rocket, LVM3, and similar efforts for transferring the technology of the workhorse PSLV rocket. The letter also cites reports about routine satellite manufacturing possibly being moved out of ISRO, and that operation of new launch infrastructure, including the Government's Space Launch Complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu being opened to private entities. In light of these developments, the employees' associations highlight that such decisions or proposals by the Government have not been accompanied by any corresponding official communication from the Department of Space to its employees. It adds that there has been no communication from the Department of Space explaining the approved policy, its legal and administrative basis, its phasing, or its consequences for the existing workforce. ‘Why are ISRO employees anxious?’ The letter cites that ISRO was built as a national scientific institution with public funds, public purpose and a public workforce. "Launch-vehicle design, realisation, integration, testing and launch operations are not merely 'manufacturing contracts'. They are the core competence, institutional memory and strategic capability of the Organisation," ISRO staff association explained. The letter expresses concern that ISRO's progressive withdrawal from launch-vehicle and satellite realisation will tamper with experiments after research, shrink in-house work, freeze or reduce sanctioned strength, and close promotion and skill- development avenues in technical, scientific, administrative, stores, purchase, quality, safety and industrial cadres. Further, it says that existing employees who are working under ISRO's own facilities may be rendered surplus, or redeployed, or left without meaningful work while the same tasks are performed by private contractors using publicly developed technology. It also said that strategic autonomy, quality assurance, safety culture and accountability that are inherent to a national space agency may be diluted if core realisation and launch operations pass out of public control. "Regular recruitment to Group A, B and C posts - already constrained by vacancies and attrition - will further decline, denying opportunity to meritorious youth who look to ISRO as a career," reads the letter. This comes at a time when Indian Government data reveals that ISRO faces a human resource shortage: Indian Parliament data from February 2026 showed that ISRO has a sanctioned strength of 14,108 staff in the Science and Technology domain, of which only 12,472 are in position, which indicates an 11 per cent resource crunch. The Government had said it is undertaking efforts to fill 1,261 of the 1,636 vacancies. In the Admin domain, ISRO has a sanctioned strength of 4,034 staff. However, only 3,057 are in position, which indicates a 24 per cent resource crunch. The Government had said it is undertaking efforts to fill 188 of the 977 vacant posts. ‘Draw a line between private participation and dismantling ISRO's own realisation capability’ The ISRO staff associations emphasised that they are not hostile towards Indian industry, and they are not opposed to legitimate commercialisation through NSIL (ISRO's commercial arm) within a defined framework. "The concern is the absence of an official Department of Space policy document that draws a clear line between (i) enabling private participation and (ii) dismantling ISRO's own realisation capability," they added. Further, they agreed that private participation in defined commercial activities can coexist with a strong, publicly-owned ISRO. However, they stressed that "a policy that reduces ISRO to a residual R&D boutique while the realisation of the nation's launch vehicles and the operation of its launch infrastructure pass out of public hands, cannot be accepted without debate". Technology developed by ISRO is a national asset. Its transfer must be transparent, accountable, and consistent with strategic, safety and employment considerations. On such transfer of Government-developed technology to private firms, ISRO staff associations highlighted that they have an earned right to be informed, consulted and protected. "Natural justice and good administration require that policy of this magnitude be explained to the workforce by the Department itself." Clarifications sought from ISRO Chief, Secretary, Dept of Space (Govt of India) The ISRO staff associations requested Dr. V. Narayanan, the ISRO Chief and Secretary, DoS, to issue an official, written clarification addressing their concerns in a time-bound manner. Further, it wanted the Department of Space to conduct a structured interaction with the recognised Service Associations on the future role of ISRO, staffing, recruitment, among others. The ISRO staff associations emphasised that they were submitting this representation to the Government in a constructive and democratic spirit. "Our loyalty to ISRO and to the national space programme is not in question. Precisely because of that loyalty, we consider it our duty to seek clarity before uncertainty hardens into irreversible policy," concluded the letter, which sought a written response from the government.

Technology developed by ISRO is a national asset. Its transfer must be transparent, accountable, and consistent with strategic, safety and employment considerations.&nbsp;

Are ISRO activities being privatised? Anxious staff seek Govt response

India has achieved a major new milestone in space. ISRO's GSLV-F17 has successfully launched EOS-05, India's first dedicated Earth-imaging satellite designed to operate from geosynchronous orbit. From nearly 36,000 kilometres above Earth, the satellite will offer persistent observation of India and surrounding regions. With six more launches planned, ISRO is accelerating its space ambitions.  Watch Wion's groundreport from the launchsite in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

ISRO's 'Naughty Boy' rocket delivers a big win for India 

India's new 24x7 eye in the sky: Isro's 'Naughty Boy' rocket delivers a big win

ISRO marks its return to the launch calendar after a seven-month gap, putting India’s space programme back in the spotlight. The mission is being closely watched as ISRO looks to resume a steady pace of launches and advance India’s ambitions in space. 

India enters the high-stakes space surveillance race 

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the EOS-05 satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 2:55 am on Friday. It is an Earth Observation Satellite launched aboard the GSLV-F17 rocket. The successful takeoff ended an eight-month lull for the Indian space agency. Here is everything you need to know about the new Indian satellite in space.&nbsp;The EOS-05 satellite weighs 2,367 kg and will be placed in the Geosynchronous Orbit at an altitude of 36,000 km above Earth. It has multispectral (VNIR) and hyperspectral (VNIR/SWIR) sensors. It can take images of a specific region every 5 minutes, and of the entire Indian landmass every 30 minutes. Its spatial resolution is 42 metres, making it the highest-resolution camera ever placed in geostationary orbit by ISRO.&nbsp;EOS-05 is India’s first-ever imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit. Being placed in this position gives it an advantage over other Earth observation satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). While the latter only pass over a specific location once every few days, EOS-05 is like a real-time "eye in the sky" that can remain over a specific region.<h2>Purpose and objectives of EOS-05</h2> The primary objective of the EOS-05 satellite is to offer near real-time disaster monitoring. It will track rapidly evolving natural disasters by taking pictures of a specific region every 5 to 30 minutes. This will provide a window for emergency action when storms, cyclones, floods, cloudbursts, and forest fires occur.&nbsp;The satellite will also have defence implications as it can continuously monitor the entire Indian subcontinent. To have a real-time eye in space watching over maritime zones and international borders will allow for specific, timely steps to avert an incursion. EOS-05 will complement existing weather satellites to keep an eye on cloud cover, weather patterns and anomalies on the sea surface. It will also benefit agriculture as it can monitor seasonal crop health, soil moisture, vegetation changes, and land-use dynamics.<h2>Upcoming ISRO missions</h2>ISRO Chief Dr V. Narayanan said that the EOS-05 satellite was the heaviest satellite to be launched on the GSLV rocket, as it carried a 2,367kg satellite on its 19th flight. The Indian space agency is targeting five more launches for the current financial year, including the Navigation satellite NVS-03 and the Gaganyaan-G1 mission.

ISRO launches EOS-05 satellite: The satellite will serve several purposes, including defence and monitoring natural disasters. It is the first-ever imaging satellite from India that will be placed in a Geosynchronous Orbit at an altitude of 36,000 km.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the EOS-05 satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 2:55 am on Friday. It is an Earth Observation Satellite launched aboard the GSLV-F17 rocket. The successful takeoff ended an eight-month lull for the Indian space agency. Here is everything you need to know about the new Indian satellite in space. The EOS-05 satellite weighs 2,367 kg and will be placed in the Geosynchronous Orbit at an altitude of 36,000 km above Earth. It has multispectral (VNIR) and hyperspectral (VNIR/SWIR) sensors. It can take images of a specific region every 5 minutes, and of the entire Indian landmass every 30 minutes. Its spatial resolution is 42 metres, making it the highest-resolution camera ever placed in geostationary orbit by ISRO. EOS-05 is India’s first-ever imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit. Being placed in this position gives it an advantage over other Earth observation satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). While the latter only pass over a specific location once every few days, EOS-05 is like a real-time "eye in the sky" that can remain over a specific region. Purpose and objectives of EOS-05 The primary objective of the EOS-05 satellite is to offer near real-time disaster monitoring. It will track rapidly evolving natural disasters by taking pictures of a specific region every 5 to 30 minutes. This will provide a window for emergency action when storms, cyclones, floods, cloudbursts, and forest fires occur. The satellite will also have defence implications as it can continuously monitor the entire Indian subcontinent. To have a real-time eye in space watching over maritime zones and international borders will allow for specific, timely steps to avert an incursion. EOS-05 will complement existing weather satellites to keep an eye on cloud cover, weather patterns and anomalies on the sea surface. It will also benefit agriculture as it can monitor seasonal crop health, soil moisture, vegetation changes, and land-use dynamics. Upcoming ISRO missions ISRO Chief Dr V. Narayanan said that the EOS-05 satellite was the heaviest satellite to be launched on the GSLV rocket, as it carried a 2,367kg satellite on its 19th flight. The Indian space agency is targeting five more launches for the current financial year, including the Navigation satellite NVS-03 and the Gaganyaan-G1 mission.

ISRO launches EOS-05 satellite: The satellite will serve several purposes, including defence and monitoring natural disasters. It is the first-ever imaging satellite from India that will be placed in a Geosynchronous Orbit at an altitude of 36,000 km.

ISRO launches EOS-05 satellite: How is it different, purpose and objectives

ISRO marks its return to the launch calendar after a seven-month gap, putting India’s space programme back in the spotlight. The mission is being closely watched as ISRO looks to resume a steady pace of launches and advance India’s ambitions in space. 


ISRO launches EOS-05: Rocket lifted off from second launch pad in Sriharikota

Ending an eight-month lull, Indian space agency ISRO delivered a much-needed comeback with the successful launch of the GSLV-F17 rocket carrying the EOS-05 satellite. The 52-meters-tall GSLV rocket that weighed 420-tons lifted off at 2:55am Indian time, from the second launchpad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, carrying the 2,367kg Earth-imaging satellite built by ISRO. In barely 20 minutes, the three-stage rocket placed the satellite in its designated initial orbit. ISRO's launches scheduled for 2026 were halted after repeat mid-flight failures of ISRO's workhorse PSLV rockets: PSLV-C61 in May 2025 and PSLV-C62 in January 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;Announcing the launch outcome, ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan said that the EOS-05 satellite was successfully and precisely injected into the required orbit. He added that the satellite's solar panels have been deployed and that the satellite's health condition is perfectly alright. While ISRO intended to place the satellite in an initial elliptical(egg-shaped) orbit of 170kms perigee (nearest point from Earth) and 28,934kms apogee (farthest point from Earth), the rocket had delivered a better performance and placed the satellite in a 171kms perigee and&nbsp; 31,026kms apogee. He also projected that the EOS-05 satellite would have an operational life of seven to nine years.&nbsp;Tracing the 25-year operational history of the GSLV rocket, Dr. Narayanan pointed out that the EOS-05 was the heaviest satellite to be launched by this vehicle. He recalled and contrasted that GSLV had lifted a satellite weighing 1,356kg during its first launch mission; while it has lifted a 2,367kg satellite in its latest mission, which is its 19th&nbsp;flight. He elaborated that this enhancement of lifting power is a result of ISRO's efforts in constantly modifying and upgrading the the structural elements, propulsion systems of the vehicle. He pointed out that the GSLV rocket had seen almost a 50percent increase in its lifting power over these years. However, he mentioned that further enhancement of this vehicle's lifting power is ruled out.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ganga-nears-danger-mark-in-varanasi-most-ghats-submerged-pm-modi-orders-relief-work-on-war-footing-1788455040726">Ganga nears danger mark in Varanasi, most ghats submerged; PM Modi orders relief work on ‘war footing’</a><h2>Watch ISRO's post here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">LIFT-OFF! GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05 lifts off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota. Livestreaming:<a href="https://t.co/uCaGCKcwuC">https://t.co/uCaGCKcwuC</a> For more information:<a href="https://t.co/VneB2jgZoY">https://t.co/VneB2jgZoY</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/GSLVF17?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSLVF17</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/EOS05?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EOS05</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a>&mdash; ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://x.com/isro/status/2095624179949461607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mission Success! GSLV-F17 has successfully accomplished its mission, placing EOS-05 into the intended orbit. Sharing a few memorable moments from the lift-off. For more information:<a href="https://t.co/VneB2jgZoY">https://t.co/VneB2jgZoY</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/GSLVF17?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSLVF17</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/EOS05?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EOS05</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://t.co/kv0zB6V5Vi">pic.twitter.com/kv0zB6V5Vi</a>&mdash; ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://x.com/isro/status/2095649303251607909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>ISRO targets 6 launches by March 2027</h2>Referring to the back-to-back, mid-flight PSLV failures, Dr. Narayanan said that ISRO had understood the reasons behind them and needed to validate their understanding via experiments. &nbsp;Without elaborating much, the ISRO Chief also mentioned that the agency is targeting six launches in the ongoing Financial year, of which the launch of Navigation satellite NVS-03 and Gaganyaan-G1 mission are planned by December 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;NVS-03 is one among five satellites that are part of India's regional navigation satellite fleet, which urgently requires replenishment of satellites to resume basic functionalities. &nbsp;Gaganyaan-G1 is the first in the series of three unmanned missions that India would carry out, before launching its crew to space on an Indian rocket, astronaut-carrying spacecraft. Gaganyaan is India's ambitious Human Spaceflight programme, which aims to send Indian astronauts to space and return them safely.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yet another outstanding achievement by ISRO and a proud moment for our nation. The successful launch of GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05, India’s first-ever imaging satellite from Geosynchronous orbit is a reflection of the excellence, innovation and growing capabilities that define… <a href="https://t.co/fXzwnSmwAF">https://t.co/fXzwnSmwAF</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2095701099747713393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05 launches from Sriharikota as ISRO aims to enhance Earth observation, disaster warning, cyclone and agriculture monitoring

Ending an eight-month lull, Indian space agency ISRO delivered a much-needed comeback with the successful launch of the GSLV-F17 rocket carrying the EOS-05 satellite. The 52-meters-tall GSLV rocket that weighed 420-tons lifted off at 2:55am Indian time, from the second launchpad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, carrying the 2,367kg Earth-imaging satellite built by ISRO. In barely 20 minutes, the three-stage rocket placed the satellite in its designated initial orbit. ISRO's launches scheduled for 2026 were halted after repeat mid-flight failures of ISRO's workhorse PSLV rockets: PSLV-C61 in May 2025 and PSLV-C62 in January 2026. Announcing the launch outcome, ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan said that the EOS-05 satellite was successfully and precisely injected into the required orbit. He added that the satellite's solar panels have been deployed and that the satellite's health condition is perfectly alright. While ISRO intended to place the satellite in an initial elliptical(egg-shaped) orbit of 170kms perigee (nearest point from Earth) and 28,934kms apogee (farthest point from Earth), the rocket had delivered a better performance and placed the satellite in a 171kms perigee and 31,026kms apogee. He also projected that the EOS-05 satellite would have an operational life of seven to nine years. Tracing the 25-year operational history of the GSLV rocket, Dr. Narayanan pointed out that the EOS-05 was the heaviest satellite to be launched by this vehicle. He recalled and contrasted that GSLV had lifted a satellite weighing 1,356kg during its first launch mission; while it has lifted a 2,367kg satellite in its latest mission, which is its 19th flight. He elaborated that this enhancement of lifting power is a result of ISRO's efforts in constantly modifying and upgrading the the structural elements, propulsion systems of the vehicle. He pointed out that the GSLV rocket had seen almost a 50percent increase in its lifting power over these years. However, he mentioned that further enhancement of this vehicle's lifting power is ruled out. Also Read: Ganga nears danger mark in Varanasi, most ghats submerged; PM Modi orders relief work on ‘war footing’ Watch ISRO's post here

GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05 lifts off from Sriharikota, aiming to boost real-time Earth imaging for disaster, cyclone, agriculture and water monitoring

ISRO stages comeback with GSLV-F17/EOS-05 success; targets six more launches

Five years ago, in August 2021, the Indian space agency ISRO launched India's first agile Earth observation satellite, GISAT-1, from Sriharikota on the GSLV-F10 rocket. The satellite was lost after the mid-flight failure of the rocket. WION has learnt that the 52-meters-tall, three-stage GSLV-F17 rocket, carrying a replacement for the GISAT, has been moved to the second launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre(SDSC), Sriharikota, around 8:00 am, Friday, 28th August. It is a standard practice at ISRO to move its relatively larger rockets (such as PSLV, GSLV, LVM3) to the launchpad a week ahead of the liftoff date. The GSLV-F17 rocket will be carrying a strategic-use Earth-imaging satellite known as GISAT-1A or EOS-05, which is a replacement for the GISAT-1 lost in 2021.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nasa-invites-isro-moon-base-programme-lunar-outpost-1786450433879">NASA invites ISRO to build a base on the Moon</a>This upcoming launch, scheduled for the first week of September, will also mark the end of ISRO's seven-month period of lull. The Government-run ISRO has not launched any of its rockets so far in 2026, after the mid-flight failure of the PSLV-C62 rocket in January this year, which happened to be the second PSLV failure in a row. The PSLV-C61 rocket also failed mid-flight in May 2025. Such back-to-back failures are unprecedented in the 33 years of PSLV flights. While the C-61 carried ISRO's strategic-use Earth-imaging satellite EOS-09, the C-62 carried an Earth-imaging satellite EOS-N1 and more than a dozen customer satellites.&nbsp; Weighing over 2,200kg, the EOS-05/GISAT-1A is an agile Earth observation satellite that is to be placed in Geostationary orbit, about 36,000 km above the Earth. The GSLV rocket will hurl the satellite into an initial elliptical(egg-shaped) orbit, following which the satellite will fire its onboard engines to gradually circularize its orbit and reach its final destination. This satellite is meant to provide near real-time imaging of large-area regions of interest at frequent intervals, for quick monitoring of natural disasters, episodic events, and any short-term events, to obtain spectral signatures for agriculture, forestry, water bodies, as well as for disaster warning, cyclone monitoring, cloud burst/thunderstorm monitoring etc.<h2>Better late than never: A resurrection for GISAT</h2>GISAT-1, India's first agile Earth observation satellite, was launched from Sriharikota on the GSLV-F10 rocket on August 12, 2021. While the first and second stages of the rocket performed normally, the final Cryogenic Stage did not ignite due to a technical anomaly. The mission couldn't be accomplished as intended and the satellite GISAT-1 was lost during the mid-flight failure. GISAT-1A or EOS-05, which ISRO intends to launch next week, is a replacement for the lost GISAT-1.Losses and failures are common in spaceflight. However, the ability to return with a successful mission is the true test of any spacefaring entity. That it has taken five long years for India to replace a satellite lost in 2021, is a sad and pitiable reminder of the pace at which strategic missions are being executed.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-may-need-2-3-years-to-replace-3-strategic-satellites-lost-in-12-months-1768914607847">Also read | India may need 2-3 years to replace 3 strategic satellites lost in 12 months</a>Of the six space launch missions that the Indian space agency ISRO performed from home soil between January 2025 and January 2026, three have failed. These are: GSLV-F15/NVS-02(satellite failure) in Jan 2025, PSLV-C61/EOS-09(mid-flight rocket failure and satellite loss) in May 2025, and PSLV-C62/EOS-N1(mid-flight rocket failure and satellite loss) in January 2026. All three Government-funded satellites lost in these failed missions were critical for India's national security. While it is certain that ISRO will return with successful missions and replace these satellites, this author had estimated that India would need between two to three years to replace all three national security satellites lost in the said period. The five years it took to bring the GISAT back to the launchpad is ample testimony!&nbsp;

Five years after losing GISAT-1 in a GSLV failure, ISRO is preparing to launch its replacement. The GSLV-F17 rocket has now reached Sriharikota's launchpad, setting the stage for a mission with major strategic and disaster-monitoring capabilities.

Five years ago, in August 2021, the Indian space agency ISRO launched India's first agile Earth observation satellite, GISAT-1, from Sriharikota on the GSLV-F10 rocket. The satellite was lost after the mid-flight failure of the rocket. WION has learnt that the 52-meters-tall, three-stage GSLV-F17 rocket, carrying a replacement for the GISAT, has been moved to the second launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre(SDSC), Sriharikota, around 8:00 am, Friday, 28th August. It is a standard practice at ISRO to move its relatively larger rockets (such as PSLV, GSLV, LVM3) to the launchpad a week ahead of the liftoff date. The GSLV-F17 rocket will be carrying a strategic-use Earth-imaging satellite known as GISAT-1A or EOS-05, which is a replacement for the GISAT-1 lost in 2021. Also read | NASA invites ISRO to build a base on the Moon This upcoming launch, scheduled for the first week of September, will also mark the end of ISRO's seven-month period of lull. The Government-run ISRO has not launched any of its rockets so far in 2026, after the mid-flight failure of the PSLV-C62 rocket in January this year, which happened to be the second PSLV failure in a row. The PSLV-C61 rocket also failed mid-flight in May 2025. Such back-to-back failures are unprecedented in the 33 years of PSLV flights. While the C-61 carried ISRO's strategic-use Earth-imaging satellite EOS-09, the C-62 carried an Earth-imaging satellite EOS-N1 and more than a dozen customer satellites. Weighing over 2,200kg, the EOS-05/GISAT-1A is an agile Earth observation satellite that is to be placed in Geostationary orbit, about 36,000 km above the Earth. The GSLV rocket will hurl the satellite into an initial elliptical(egg-shaped) orbit, following which the satellite will fire its onboard engines to gradually circularize its orbit and reach its final destination. This satellite is meant to provide near real-time imaging of large-area regions of interest at frequent intervals, for quick monitoring of natural disasters, episodic events, and any short-term events, to obtain spectral signatures for agriculture, forestry, water bodies, as well as for disaster warning, cyclone monitoring, cloud burst/thunderstorm monitoring etc. Better late than never: A resurrection for GISAT GISAT-1, India's first agile Earth observation satellite, was launched from Sriharikota on the GSLV-F10 rocket on August 12, 2021. While the first and second stages of the rocket performed normally, the final Cryogenic Stage did not ignite due to a technical anomaly. The mission couldn't be accomplished as intended and the satellite GISAT-1 was lost during the mid-flight failure. GISAT-1A or EOS-05, which ISRO intends to launch next week, is a replacement for the lost GISAT-1. Losses and failures are common in spaceflight. However, the ability to return with a successful mission is the true test of any spacefaring entity. That it has taken five long years for India to replace a satellite lost in 2021, is a sad and pitiable reminder of the pace at which strategic missions are being executed. Also read | India may need 2-3 years to replace 3 strategic satellites lost in 12 months Of the six space launch missions that the Indian space agency ISRO performed from home soil between January 2025 and January 2026, three have failed. These are: GSLV-F15/NVS-02(satellite failure) in Jan 2025, PSLV-C61/EOS-09(mid-flight rocket failure and satellite loss) in May 2025, and PSLV-C62/EOS-N1(mid-flight rocket failure and satellite loss) in January 2026. All three Government-funded satellites lost in these failed missions were critical for India's national security. While it is certain that ISRO will return with successful missions and replace these satellites, this author had estimated that India would need between two to three years to replace all three national security satellites lost in the said period. The five years it took to bring the GISAT back to the launchpad is ample testimony!

Five years after losing GISAT-1 in a GSLV failure, ISRO is preparing to launch its replacement. The GSLV-F17 rocket has now reached Sriharikota's launchpad, setting the stage for a mission with major strategic and disaster-monitoring capabilities.

5 years after GSLV-F10 failure, ISRO to replace Earth-imaging GISAT

India's space program has long been praised for delivering ambitious missions at comparatively low costs. But as global competition in the space sector intensifies, questions are emerging about the true economics of satellite launches and space exploration. How do Indian launch vehicles compare with those developed in the United States and other major space powers? As commercial space companies expand and governments invest heavily in next-generation capabilities, the debate over cost efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness is gaining momentum. This report examines the numbers behind space launches and whether India's reputation for low-cost space missions still holds true today.


Are Indian rockets too expensive? Why ISRO costs more than SpaceX

U.S. vs India: What is the cost of space launch?

In today’s top headlines, Israel-Syria tensions are back in focus after reports of a meeting between Israeli and Syrian officials aimed at easing tensions following Israel’s recent strike on a Syrian air base.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also fired a fresh salvo at U.S. President Donald Trump, saying Iran is not Venezuela as Tehran faces what it describes as a full-scale military and economic confrontation.

In North America, the U.S.-Canada trade dispute is escalating, with the U.S. transport secretary dismissing Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s threat of retaliatory tariffs and warning that Canada could suffer significant economic consequences.

The cricket world has united in an appeal to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Twenty-one international cricket icons, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Alan Border, Clive Lloyd and Alastair Cook, have called for court-monitored medical care for former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

India has announced another major milestone in its space programme. ISRO Chairman Dr. V Narayanan says the first module of India’s planned space station has already been approved, with the country aiming to establish its own space station by 2035.

Meanwhile, FIFA is facing a growing governance challenge. Six Nordic football associations have reportedly joined other European associations in expressing a loss of confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino and demanding sweeping reforms within football’s governing body.

Israel-Syria Tensions | Iran Warns Trump | Imran Khan Appeal, | India Space Station | FIFA Crisis

NASA’s plan for a long-term human presence on the Moon is moving beyond brief astronaut visits, with India now potentially playing a role in the effort. The agency is developing a Moon Base near the lunar South Pole, where Chandrayaan-3 has given India valuable experience. The outpost is envisioned as a place where astronauts can live, conduct research and test technologies for deeper-space missions.<h2>What is the real objective of the Moon Base?</h2>The Moon Base is not simply about putting a permanent building on the lunar surface. It is intended to test whether humans can live and work for extended periods away from Earth, while developing systems for power, transportation, communications, resource extraction and construction.NASA is already working with commercial partners on cargo landers, rovers and other infrastructure, with some lunar deliveries targeted for 2028. The technologies being developed include systems to generate and store power, extract water and oxygen from local resources, and build landing pads and other infrastructure.<h2>Why is the lunar South Pole important?</h2>The lunar South Pole is valuable because some permanently shadowed craters are extremely cold and may preserve water ice and other volatiles. Water could become one of the most important resources for a future settlement – for drinking, life support and potentially producing hydrogen and oxygen for fuel.The region also contains areas that receive relatively prolonged sunlight, creating opportunities for solar power, while nearby shadowed regions could harbour ice. India has already contributed important knowledge about this difficult environment.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/gaganyaan-the-mission-that-could-change-how-the-world-sees-india-s-space-ambitions-1783690204848">Gaganyaan: The mission that could change how the world sees India’s space ambitions</a><h2>How does Chandrayaan-3 strengthen India’s position?</h2>Chandrayaan-3 gave ISRO something far more valuable than a successful landing: first-hand experience of operating in the lunar South Polar region.Vikram landed on August 23, 2023, and Pragyan conducted in-situ studies of the terrain. Its instruments measured temperature, seismic activity, plasma conditions and the elemental composition of lunar soil. ISRO says the rover travelled about 101 metres.More recently, ChaSTE data have helped scientists understand the thermal behaviour of the polar regolith, information relevant to future habitat and resource planning.<h2>What could ISRO’s role be – and what could India gain?</h2>NASA invited ISRO to join its Moon Base programme during the India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting in Bengaluru on August 5-6. The two sides also agreed to advance discussions on scientific data sharing.India’s exact role has not yet been announced. But ISRO’s experience could make it a useful partner in robotic exploration, lunar science, landing technologies, surface mobility and resource mapping. Participation could also give Indian scientists and industry access to a much larger international lunar programme while strengthening India’s position in the emerging lunar economy.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-russia-ukraine-war-is-reshaping-energy-flows-food-prices-defence-spending-and-india-s-strategy-wion-decodes-1783337395169">How Russia-Ukraine war is reshaping energy flows, food prices, defence spending and India’s strategy | WION Decodes</a><h2>Could the Moon become a resource hub and Mars launchpad?</h2>The Moon could potentially become a resource hub and Mars launchpad – but that remains a long-term possibility, not an immediate reality.If water ice can be extracted economically, it could support life-support systems and produce propellant. Lunar resources could eventually reduce the need to transport everything from Earth. The Moon’s lower gravity could also make it attractive for launching spacecraft deeper into the solar system.That is why NASA describes the Moon Base as more than a destination. It is a test bed for technologies and operations needed for Mars. The lunar South Pole could ultimately become humanity’s first sustained foothold beyond Earth – and India now has an opportunity to help shape what that foothold becomes. &nbsp;

NASA’s Moon Base plan is opening a new chapter in lunar exploration, with India’s Chandrayaan-3 experience giving ISRO a potential role in the race to establish a long-term presence on the Moon.

NASA’s plan for a long-term human presence on the Moon is moving beyond brief astronaut visits, with India now potentially playing a role in the effort. The agency is developing a Moon Base near the lunar South Pole, where Chandrayaan-3 has given India valuable experience. The outpost is envisioned as a place where astronauts can live, conduct research and test technologies for deeper-space missions. What is the real objective of the Moon Base? The Moon Base is not simply about putting a permanent building on the lunar surface. It is intended to test whether humans can live and work for extended periods away from Earth, while developing systems for power, transportation, communications, resource extraction and construction. NASA is already working with commercial partners on cargo landers, rovers and other infrastructure, with some lunar deliveries targeted for 2028. The technologies being developed include systems to generate and store power, extract water and oxygen from local resources, and build landing pads and other infrastructure. Why is the lunar South Pole important? The lunar South Pole is valuable because some permanently shadowed craters are extremely cold and may preserve water ice and other volatiles. Water could become one of the most important resources for a future settlement – for drinking, life support and potentially producing hydrogen and oxygen for fuel. The region also contains areas that receive relatively prolonged sunlight, creating opportunities for solar power, while nearby shadowed regions could harbour ice. India has already contributed important knowledge about this difficult environment. Also read | Gaganyaan: The mission that could change how the world sees India’s space ambitions How does Chandrayaan-3 strengthen India’s position? Chandrayaan-3 gave ISRO something far more valuable than a successful landing: first-hand experience of operating in the lunar South Polar region. Vikram landed on August 23, 2023, and Pragyan conducted in-situ studies of the terrain. Its instruments measured temperature, seismic activity, plasma conditions and the elemental composition of lunar soil. ISRO says the rover travelled about 101 metres. More recently, ChaSTE data have helped scientists understand the thermal behaviour of the polar regolith, information relevant to future habitat and resource planning. What could ISRO’s role be – and what could India gain? NASA invited ISRO to join its Moon Base programme during the India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting in Bengaluru on August 5-6. The two sides also agreed to advance discussions on scientific data sharing. India’s exact role has not yet been announced. But ISRO’s experience could make it a useful partner in robotic exploration, lunar science, landing technologies, surface mobility and resource mapping. Participation could also give Indian scientists and industry access to a much larger international lunar programme while strengthening India’s position in the emerging lunar economy. Also read | How Russia-Ukraine war is reshaping energy flows, food prices, defence spending and India’s strategy | WION Decodes Could the Moon become a resource hub and Mars launchpad? The Moon could potentially become a resource hub and Mars launchpad – but that remains a long-term possibility, not an immediate reality. If water ice can be extracted economically, it could support life-support systems and produce propellant. Lunar resources could eventually reduce the need to transport everything from Earth. The Moon’s lower gravity could also make it attractive for launching spacecraft deeper into the solar system. That is why NASA describes the Moon Base as more than a destination. It is a test bed for technologies and operations needed for Mars. The lunar South Pole could ultimately become humanity’s first sustained foothold beyond Earth – and India now has an opportunity to help shape what that foothold becomes.

NASA’s Moon Base plan is opening a new chapter in lunar exploration, with India’s Chandrayaan-3 experience giving ISRO a potential role in the race to establish a long-term presence on the Moon.

NASA’s Moon Base: How Chandrayaan-3 could give India an edge in the lunar race

As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day on August 15, the country is also marking a major milestone in its space exploration journey. India has now entered a new phase, with its private space sector making its mark in orbital missions.&nbsp;Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram 1 Test Flight 1 successfully reached orbit on July 18, 2026, marking the maiden flight of India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket. The rocket was built by a team of young Indian engineers with an average age of 28.&nbsp;On its maiden orbital mission, Vikram 1 successfully reached a Low Earth Orbit of about 450 kilometres and deployed its payloads. With this achievement, Skyroot became the first Indian private company to place a rocket into orbit.&nbsp;But India's space journey began with far more humble beginnings.<h2>From bicycles to India's first rocket</h2>In 1962, under the patronage of Vikram Sarabhai and physicist Kalpathi Ramakrishna Ramanathan, the Indian National Committee for Space Research, or INCOSPAR, was established. It marked a pivotal moment in India's space exploration journey.&nbsp;Just a year later, in 1963, India made its debut in space exploration with the launch of its first rocket. The sounding rocket was designed for upper atmospheric studies and was launched from the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station in the fishing village of Thumba, Kerala. The site is now known as the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.&nbsp;Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who was part of the rocket launch team at the time, later recounted the enormous efforts required to prepare for the historic launch. INCOSPAR had to negotiate the acquisition of land from a local church and resettle villagers before preparations could begin.&nbsp;The team also faced basic logistical challenges. Rocket components were initially transported to the launch pad using bicycles.&nbsp;All these efforts culminated on November 21, 1963, when India successfully launched the rocket in the presence of several distinguished scientists, including Dr Homi Bhabha.<h2>Building India's space programme</h2>India's space programme gradually expanded from its early years under INCOSPAR. The organisation later paved the way for the formation of the Indian Space Research Organisation, or ISRO, in 1969.From INCOSPAR in 1962 to ISRO in 1969, India's space programme continued to live up to its motto of "reaching for the stars".&nbsp;Visionaries such as Vikram Sarabhai, regarded as the father of India's space programme, and Satish Dhawan played a key role in shaping the country's space programme.&nbsp;India's journey produced several major milestones, beginning with Aryabhata in 1975 and eventually transforming the country into a major global space technology player.&nbsp;Soviet partnership and the rise of PSLV&nbsp;Collaboration with the erstwhile Soviet Union also played an important role in India's early space programme. This partnership began with the launch of Aryabhata in 1975, India's first satellite, using a Soviet Kosmos 3M rocket. The Soviet Union also provided training to Indian scientists in satellite communications and mission operations during the 1960s and 1970s.&nbsp;A major leap came in the 1990s with the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, or PSLV.&nbsp;Despite an initial setback in 1994 and a couple of partial failures later, the PSLV went on to achieve a streak of more than 50 successful missions.<h2>From Aryabhata to the Moon and Mars</h2>In 1996, India approved its first astronomical satellite, two decades after Sarabhai's death. The satellite was eventually launched in 2015, marking another milestone in India's space programme.&nbsp;India also turned its focus towards lunar exploration in the early 2000s. By 2003, the Chandrayaan project had been officially named.&nbsp;Chandrayaan 1, launched in 2008, marked a critical stage in India's space programme and helped move the country's lunar ambitions forward. The Mars Orbiter Mission, launched in 2013, further demonstrated India's growing capabilities in space exploration and brought global recognition to the country's space programme.&nbsp;However, the Chandrayaan missions remain among India's most significant space achievements. In 2009, Chandrayaan 1 detected water ice on the Moon.&nbsp;Then, on August 23, 2023, Chandrayaan 3 created history by becoming the first spacecraft to successfully land near the Moon's unexplored South Pole. The historic achievement is now commemorated as National Space Day.<h2>A new chapter with private space companies</h2>From transporting rocket components on bicycles to successfully landing a spacecraft near the Moon's South Pole, India's space programme has travelled a remarkable distance.&nbsp;The successful orbital mission of Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram 1 now marks another important chapter in that journey. India's space story, which began with a small sounding rocket in Thumba, has expanded into a growing ecosystem involving both the country's national space agency and private space companies.

India's space journey has evolved from transporting rocket parts on bicycles and launching its first sounding rocket at Thumba to major lunar and Mars missions and the successful orbital flight of the private rocket Vikram 1.

As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day on August 15, the country is also marking a major milestone in its space exploration journey. India has now entered a new phase, with its private space sector making its mark in orbital missions. Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram 1 Test Flight 1 successfully reached orbit on July 18, 2026, marking the maiden flight of India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket. The rocket was built by a team of young Indian engineers with an average age of 28. On its maiden orbital mission, Vikram 1 successfully reached a Low Earth Orbit of about 450 kilometres and deployed its payloads. With this achievement, Skyroot became the first Indian private company to place a rocket into orbit. But India's space journey began with far more humble beginnings. From bicycles to India's first rocket In 1962, under the patronage of Vikram Sarabhai and physicist Kalpathi Ramakrishna Ramanathan, the Indian National Committee for Space Research, or INCOSPAR, was established. It marked a pivotal moment in India's space exploration journey. Just a year later, in 1963, India made its debut in space exploration with the launch of its first rocket. The sounding rocket was designed for upper atmospheric studies and was launched from the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station in the fishing village of Thumba, Kerala. The site is now known as the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who was part of the rocket launch team at the time, later recounted the enormous efforts required to prepare for the historic launch. INCOSPAR had to negotiate the acquisition of land from a local church and resettle villagers before preparations could begin. The team also faced basic logistical challenges. Rocket components were initially transported to the launch pad using bicycles. All these efforts culminated on November 21, 1963, when India successfully launched the rocket in the presence of several distinguished scientists, including Dr Homi Bhabha. Building India's space programme India's space programme gradually expanded from its early years under INCOSPAR. The organisation later paved the way for the formation of the Indian Space Research Organisation, or ISRO, in 1969. From INCOSPAR in 1962 to ISRO in 1969, India's space programme continued to live up to its motto of "reaching for the stars". Visionaries such as Vikram Sarabhai, regarded as the father of India's space programme, and Satish Dhawan played a key role in shaping the country's space programme. India's journey produced several major milestones, beginning with Aryabhata in 1975 and eventually transforming the country into a major global space technology player. Soviet partnership and the rise of PSLV Collaboration with the erstwhile Soviet Union also played an important role in India's early space programme. This partnership began with the launch of Aryabhata in 1975, India's first satellite, using a Soviet Kosmos 3M rocket. The Soviet Union also provided training to Indian scientists in satellite communications and mission operations during the 1960s and 1970s. A major leap came in the 1990s with the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, or PSLV. Despite an initial setback in 1994 and a couple of partial failures later, the PSLV went on to achieve a streak of more than 50 successful missions. From Aryabhata to the Moon and Mars In 1996, India approved its first astronomical satellite, two decades after Sarabhai's death. The satellite was eventually launched in 2015, marking another milestone in India's space programme. India also turned its focus towards lunar exploration in the early 2000s. By 2003, the Chandrayaan project had been officially named. Chandrayaan 1, launched in 2008, marked a critical stage in India's space programme and helped move the country's lunar ambitions forward. The Mars Orbiter Mission, launched in 2013, further demonstrated India's growing capabilities in space exploration and brought global recognition to the country's space programme. However, the Chandrayaan missions remain among India's most significant space achievements. In 2009, Chandrayaan 1 detected water ice on the Moon. Then, on August 23, 2023, Chandrayaan 3 created history by becoming the first spacecraft to successfully land near the Moon's unexplored South Pole. The historic achievement is now commemorated as National Space Day. A new chapter with private space companies From transporting rocket components on bicycles to successfully landing a spacecraft near the Moon's South Pole, India's space programme has travelled a remarkable distance. The successful orbital mission of Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram 1 now marks another important chapter in that journey. India's space story, which began with a small sounding rocket in Thumba, has expanded into a growing ecosystem involving both the country's national space agency and private space companies.

India's space journey has evolved from transporting rocket parts on bicycles and launching its first sounding rocket at Thumba to major lunar and Mars missions and the successful orbital flight of the private rocket Vikram 1.

India @ 80: From carrying rockets on bicycles to first private satellite launch, India's space journey

In a historic expansion of international space cooperation, NASA has formally invited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to collaborate on the development of a sustained human presence on the Moon. Building on the momentum of the Artemis Accords and India's successful lunar missions, the proposed partnership aims to pool expertise in lunar infrastructure, life-support systems, and deep-space communication.


NASA invites ISRO to help build a base on moon

American Space Agency NASA has invited its Indian counterpart, ISRO, to join its Moon Base program, which aims to build humanity's first Lunar outpost: a place where astronauts will live, work, and explore near the Moon’s South Pole(about 400,000 km from Earth). While America's 1969 mission Apollo 11 is the first to land astronauts on the Moon(near the equatorial region), India's 2023 mission Chandrayaan-3 is the first robotic craft to soft-land and explore near the Lunar south pole. NASA's invitation to ISRO was issued during the 9th meeting of the India-U.S. Civil Space Joint Working Group (CSJWG) hosted by India at the ISRO Headquarters in Bengaluru this month.&nbsp;As for Lunar ambitions, America is working to return astronauts to the moon by the end of this decade or by the start of the next, while India hopes to land its own astronauts on the Moon by 2024 or later. India is also working on sending its astronauts to space on a homegrown mission by the end of this decade.&nbsp; Meanwhile, China is working towards a manned lunar landing mission by the end of this decade and has long-term Lunar exploration and habitation goals. In partnership with Russia, China plans to build a permanent robotic and human research base called the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) at the Lunar south pole by 2035.The India-US meet was attended by Dr. V.&nbsp;Narayanan,&nbsp;Chairman, ISRO &amp; Secretary, Department of Space and Sergio&nbsp;Gor, US Ambassador to India. In their address, Narayanan and Gor highlighted the significance of further strengthening the bilateral space cooperation. The meeting was co-chaired on the Indian side by M.&nbsp;Sankaran, Director, UR Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO and on the U.S. side by Dr. Wesley Brooks, Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs and Kathleen&nbsp;Karika, NASA Associate Administrator for International and Interagency Relations.&nbsp;<h2>What is NASA's Moon Base program?</h2>NASA is embarking on one of the most ambitious endeavours in human history: building humanity’s first outpost on another celestial body. Located near the lunar South Pole, the Moon Base will be built step by step through a series of robotic and human missions that help astronauts learn how to live and operate in one of the most demanding and dangerous environments humans have ever set out to explore. The discoveries made and lessons learned there will help shape the future of exploration, from the Moon to Mars.Through a series of crewed and uncrewed missions, NASA and its partners will build the infrastructure needed to support an enduring human presence on the lunar surface while advancing science, technology, and exploration.NASA plans to establish the Moon Base near the lunar South Pole, a region that offers unique opportunities for exploration, discovery, and long-term human presence. Notably, the Lunar South Pole region is known to hold reserves of water ice, which can serve basic human needs and be converted to cryogenic rocket fuels: liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. This remote frontier may hold resources that can help support future explorers and answer important questions about the history of the Moon, Earth, and the solar system.NASA’s Moon Base strategy is built on commercial participation at an unprecedented scale, combining the strengths of government, private innovation, and global collaboration.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-cm-vijay-leads-mass-anti-drug-pledge-for-school-students-1786431072899">Tamil Nadu CM Vijay leads mass anti-drug pledge for school students</a><h2>The timeline of NASA's Lunar Base Program</h2>Until 2029, NASA is looking to gain reliable access to the lunar surface and build a deeper understanding of the harsh environment there. Robotic missions will explore the lunar South Pole, demonstrate new technologies, and gather the knowledge needed to guide future development. By expanding experience landing and operating on the Moon, NASA will identify promising locations for future infrastructure, improve mission capabilities, and reduce risk before astronauts arrive.Between 2029 and 2032, NASA aims to build and expand on what is learned during Phase One. This includes deploying the first infrastructure needed to support long-term operations on the Moon: Early power systems, cargo transportation, logistics, and communications capabilities. These will expand humanity’s footprint on the Moon and enable increasingly complex missions.Beyond 2032, NASA aims to begin assembling a permanent lunar outpost where astronauts can live and work for extended periods. Habitats, power systems, communications, transportation, and other critical capabilities will come together to support an enduring human presence near the Moon’s South Pole. As the Moon Base grows and evolves, it will enable increasingly ambitious scientific research, technology demonstrations, and exploration, while helping prepare humanity for future journeys deeper into the solar system.

NASA has invited ISRO to join its Moon Base programme near the lunar South Pole. Here is what the project aims to achieve and its timeline beyond 2029.

American Space Agency NASA has invited its Indian counterpart, ISRO, to join its Moon Base program, which aims to build humanity's first Lunar outpost: a place where astronauts will live, work, and explore near the Moon’s South Pole(about 400,000 km from Earth). While America's 1969 mission Apollo 11 is the first to land astronauts on the Moon(near the equatorial region), India's 2023 mission Chandrayaan-3 is the first robotic craft to soft-land and explore near the Lunar south pole. NASA's invitation to ISRO was issued during the 9th meeting of the India-U.S. Civil Space Joint Working Group (CSJWG) hosted by India at the ISRO Headquarters in Bengaluru this month. As for Lunar ambitions, America is working to return astronauts to the moon by the end of this decade or by the start of the next, while India hopes to land its own astronauts on the Moon by 2024 or later. India is also working on sending its astronauts to space on a homegrown mission by the end of this decade. Meanwhile, China is working towards a manned lunar landing mission by the end of this decade and has long-term Lunar exploration and habitation goals. In partnership with Russia, China plans to build a permanent robotic and human research base called the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) at the Lunar south pole by 2035. The India-US meet was attended by Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO & Secretary, Department of Space and Sergio Gor, US Ambassador to India. In their address, Narayanan and Gor highlighted the significance of further strengthening the bilateral space cooperation. The meeting was co-chaired on the Indian side by M. Sankaran, Director, UR Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO and on the U.S. side by Dr. Wesley Brooks, Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs and Kathleen Karika, NASA Associate Administrator for International and Interagency Relations. What is NASA's Moon Base program? NASA is embarking on one of the most ambitious endeavours in human history: building humanity’s first outpost on another celestial body. Located near the lunar South Pole, the Moon Base will be built step by step through a series of robotic and human missions that help astronauts learn how to live and operate in one of the most demanding and dangerous environments humans have ever set out to explore. The discoveries made and lessons learned there will help shape the future of exploration, from the Moon to Mars. Through a series of crewed and uncrewed missions, NASA and its partners will build the infrastructure needed to support an enduring human presence on the lunar surface while advancing science, technology, and exploration. NASA plans to establish the Moon Base near the lunar South Pole, a region that offers unique opportunities for exploration, discovery, and long-term human presence. Notably, the Lunar South Pole region is known to hold reserves of water ice, which can serve basic human needs and be converted to cryogenic rocket fuels: liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. This remote frontier may hold resources that can help support future explorers and answer important questions about the history of the Moon, Earth, and the solar system. NASA’s Moon Base strategy is built on commercial participation at an unprecedented scale, combining the strengths of government, private innovation, and global collaboration. Also Read: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay leads mass anti-drug pledge for school students The timeline of NASA's Lunar Base Program Until 2029, NASA is looking to gain reliable access to the lunar surface and build a deeper understanding of the harsh environment there. Robotic missions will explore the lunar South Pole, demonstrate new technologies, and gather the knowledge needed to guide future development. By expanding experience landing and operating on the Moon, NASA will identify promising locations for future infrastructure, improve mission capabilities, and reduce risk before astronauts arrive. Between 2029 and 2032, NASA aims to build and expand on what is learned during Phase One. This includes deploying the first infrastructure needed to support long-term operations on the Moon: Early power systems, cargo transportation, logistics, and communications capabilities. These will expand humanity’s footprint on the Moon and enable increasingly complex missions. Beyond 2032, NASA aims to begin assembling a permanent lunar outpost where astronauts can live and work for extended periods. Habitats, power systems, communications, transportation, and other critical capabilities will come together to support an enduring human presence near the Moon’s South Pole. As the Moon Base grows and evolves, it will enable increasingly ambitious scientific research, technology demonstrations, and exploration, while helping prepare humanity for future journeys deeper into the solar system.