Indian Space agency ISRO commenced a 24-hour countdown at 5:26 pm IST, Saturday, (1st Nov), ahead of the launch of the CMS-03/GSAT-7R communication satellite that is scheduled for 5:26 pm, Sunday (2nd Nov). The satellite is meant to provide connectivity between the Indian Navy’s diverse assets and their bases. The 4,400 kg CMS-03 is the heaviest communication satellite to be launched by ISRO from home soil. This is ISRO’s fourth rocket launch mission of 2025.&nbsp;Sunday’s launch mission will be carried out by the LVM3 rocket, which is India’s largest spacefaring vehicle. This will be the 8th flight of the LVM3 vehicle. Thus far, the LVM3 has had an unmatched track record and has delivered successes in all 7 launches.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/did-isro-s-lvm3-rocket-gain10-lifting-power-to-carry-gsat-7r-1761717211765">Did ISRO's LVM3 rocket gain 10% lifting power to carry GSAT-7R?</a>&nbsp;After lift-off at 5:26 pm on Sunday, the three-stage rocket is expected to complete the mission in about 16 minutes. The satellite will be hurled into a lower initial orbit and then gradually raised into the destined orbit over the next few weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Eventually, all heavy communication satellites are placed in a geostationary orbit, which is about 36,000 km above the Earth’s equator. From there, the satellite will be able to provide coverage for about one-third of the Earth. In this case, the CMS-03 will be placed above India, so that it can provide coverage in the vast maritime region surrounding India.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanzania-president-samia-wins-again-bags-98-votes-hundreds-feared-dead-in-election-unrest-1762002943059">Tanzania President Samia wins again, bags 98% votes; hundreds feared dead in election unrest</a>&nbsp;The CMS-03/GSAT-7R is a replacement for the ageing GSAT-7 that ISRO built for the Indian Navy in 2013. The 2,650 kg GSAT-7 was launched from overseas aboard Europe’s Ariane rocket in August 2013, as ISRO did not possess the capability to lift such a heavy satellite at the time. Therefore, ISRO paid the European firm to ferry the Indian satellite to space.

All heavy communication satellites are placed in a geostationary orbit, 36,000 km above the Earth’s equator, from where they provide coverage for about one-third of the Earth. The CMS-03 will be placed above India so that it can provide coverage in the vast maritime region surrounding India.

Indian Space agency ISRO commenced a 24-hour countdown at 5:26 pm IST, Saturday, (1st Nov), ahead of the launch of the CMS-03/GSAT-7R communication satellite that is scheduled for 5:26 pm, Sunday (2nd Nov). The satellite is meant to provide connectivity between the Indian Navy’s diverse assets and their bases. The 4,400 kg CMS-03 is the heaviest communication satellite to be launched by ISRO from home soil. This is ISRO’s fourth rocket launch mission of 2025. Sunday’s launch mission will be carried out by the LVM3 rocket, which is India’s largest spacefaring vehicle. This will be the 8th flight of the LVM3 vehicle. Thus far, the LVM3 has had an unmatched track record and has delivered successes in all 7 launches. Also Read: Did ISRO's LVM3 rocket gain 10% lifting power to carry GSAT-7R? After lift-off at 5:26 pm on Sunday, the three-stage rocket is expected to complete the mission in about 16 minutes. The satellite will be hurled into a lower initial orbit and then gradually raised into the destined orbit over the next few weeks. Eventually, all heavy communication satellites are placed in a geostationary orbit, which is about 36,000 km above the Earth’s equator. From there, the satellite will be able to provide coverage for about one-third of the Earth. In this case, the CMS-03 will be placed above India, so that it can provide coverage in the vast maritime region surrounding India. Also Read: Tanzania President Samia wins again, bags 98% votes; hundreds feared dead in election unrest The CMS-03/GSAT-7R is a replacement for the ageing GSAT-7 that ISRO built for the Indian Navy in 2013. The 2,650 kg GSAT-7 was launched from overseas aboard Europe’s Ariane rocket in August 2013, as ISRO did not possess the capability to lift such a heavy satellite at the time. Therefore, ISRO paid the European firm to ferry the Indian satellite to space.

All heavy communication satellites are placed in a geostationary orbit, 36,000 km above the Earth’s equator, from where they provide coverage for about one-third of the Earth. The CMS-03 will be placed above India so that it can provide coverage in the vast maritime region surrounding India.

ISRO commences 24-hour countdown to launch of India’s largest military satellite

Indian space agency ISRO is gearing up for the launch of CMS-03 (originally known as GSAT-7R), a 4,400kg communication satellite meant for the Indian Navy. Scheduled for liftoff at 5:26pm Indian time, Sunday, (2nd Nov), the launch mission is to be carried out by India's largest rocket, the LVM3. While the LVM3 is known to lift a maximum of 4,000kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), this mission will witness the rocket lift a 10% heavier payload(weighing 4,400kg) to orbit.&nbsp;&nbsp;GTO is an initial parking orbit into which communication and TV broadcast satellites are launched. Satellites remain in GTO for barely a week, after which they are gradually pushed to their designated orbits. GTO is an elliptical or egg-shaped orbit, where the satellite circles very close above the Earth and then moves very far away from the Earth, all in a single orbit. Typically, a satellite in a GTO orbit would be 200kms above Earth at its nearest approach (perigee) and about 36,000kms above the Earth at its farthest approach (apogee).&nbsp;&nbsp;After successfully completing the initial system checks of the satellite while at GTO, commands are issued to fire the satellite's thrusters to circularize the orbit. This is done to make sure that the satellite is equidistant from the earth - it is placed about 36,000kms above the Earth's equator. This 36,000km circular orbit is known as a Geostationary orbit, which means that the satellite is exactly in sync with the Earth's 24-hour rotation. Therefore, a satellite placed 36,000kms above the Indian landmass would always remain above the Indian landmass, because its rotation is in sync with the Earth. For context, this is why DTH TV antennae are all permanently pointing to a fixed location in the sky- they are oriented towards a specific satellite. A satellite placed in Geostationary orbit can broadcast its signals to about one-third of the Earth.&nbsp;<h2>How did the LVM3 gain 10% lifting power ?&nbsp;</h2>The CMS-03 satellite weighs 4,400kg, which is 10% heavier than the existing lifting capability of 4,000kg. In this mission known as LVM3-M5/CMS-03, ISRO is not adding any additional lifting power, ISRO has not used more powerful engines or other methods to enhance the lifting capability. Instead, ISRO will be attempting to launch the satellite into an orbit slightly lower than GTO. Think of it as efficiency and optimization, instead of raw power.&nbsp;&nbsp;ISRO's LVM3 rocket has not gained any lifting power. ISRO is merely planning and executing the launch in such a way that a heavier load can be carried to a lower orbit, instead of carrying it to the intended GTO orbit. "During the Chandrayaan launches using the LVM3 rocket, the LVM3 carried the 4,000kg satellite well above the designated GTO. That shows that the rocket is capable of lifting a 4,000kg mass well above the intended orbit. In the LVM3-M5/CMS-03 mission, the LVM3 will place the 4,400kg satellite in an orbit that is slightly below the GTO. From there on, we can use the satellite engines to push the satellite into the intended Geostationary orbit," ISRO Chairman Dr. V Narayanan explained to WION.&nbsp;&nbsp;In simple terms, let's say that an elevator can carry 10 people and lift them to the 10th storey of a building. But when 11 people get in, it can only go up to the 7th floor. The passengers will have to get down at the 7th floor and then climb to the 10th floor. The elevator has not become more powerful to lift 11 people, instead, the effort is being distributed differently between the elevator and the passengers. Similarly, the LVM3 has not become more powerful, instead, the rocket and satellite are distributing the effort among themselves.&nbsp;Usually, the apogee(farthest point from Earth) for a GTO satellite would be around 36,000kms. In this mission, the rocket would place the satellite at an apogee of nearly 30,000kms. Thereafter, the satellite will spend its own fuel to fire its engines and raise the orbit to 36,000 and then get into a perfect Geostationary orbit. Owing to the lack of powerful rockets, ISRO has been optimizing its missions for better efficiency. For example, NASA's Apollo 11 took a direct 4-day path to the moon, whereas India's Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 took about 40 days to reach the moon by gradually raising the orbit using satellite thrusters. This was done to compensate for India's lack of a powerful rocket that can hurl the satellite directly on a path to the moon. That is why India undertook a circuitous journey to the moon.&nbsp;<h2>What is CMS-03 ? What purpose does it serve ?&nbsp;</h2>CMS-03 or GSAT-7R is a successor to the GSAT-7, a communication satellite that ISRO built for the Indian Navy. The satellite is meant to enable communications between Indian Naval assets, their bases, headquarters. GSAT-7, a 2,650kg satellite was launched by the European Ariane-5 rocket on a commercial basis for the Indian Government. The launch was carried out from Kourou, French Guiana, on 30th August 2013. The satellite had been designed and built to have a mission life of more than seven years. The launch of GSAT-7R comes 12 years after the launch of GSAT-7.&nbsp;According to ISRO, CMS-03 is a multi-band communication satellite that will provide services over a wide oceanic region including the Indian landmass. ISRO has not explicitly stated that the satellite is meant for use by the Indian Navy. Considering the coverage ranges provided by communication satellites placed 36,000kms above the equator, it would be safe to assume that the CMS-03 offers coverage in the vast region between East Africa and South China Sea.

Did ISRO's LVM3 rocket gain10% lifting power to carry GSAT-7R? 

Indian space agency ISRO is gearing up for the launch of CMS-03 (originally known as GSAT-7R), a 4,400kg communication satellite meant for the Indian Navy. Scheduled for liftoff at 5:26pm Indian time, Sunday, (2nd Nov), the launch mission is to be carried out by India's largest rocket, the LVM3. While the LVM3 is known to lift a maximum of 4,000kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), this mission will witness the rocket lift a 10% heavier payload(weighing 4,400kg) to orbit. GTO is an initial parking orbit into which communication and TV broadcast satellites are launched. Satellites remain in GTO for barely a week, after which they are gradually pushed to their designated orbits. GTO is an elliptical or egg-shaped orbit, where the satellite circles very close above the Earth and then moves very far away from the Earth, all in a single orbit. Typically, a satellite in a GTO orbit would be 200kms above Earth at its nearest approach (perigee) and about 36,000kms above the Earth at its farthest approach (apogee). After successfully completing the initial system checks of the satellite while at GTO, commands are issued to fire the satellite's thrusters to circularize the orbit. This is done to make sure that the satellite is equidistant from the earth - it is placed about 36,000kms above the Earth's equator. This 36,000km circular orbit is known as a Geostationary orbit, which means that the satellite is exactly in sync with the Earth's 24-hour rotation. Therefore, a satellite placed 36,000kms above the Indian landmass would always remain above the Indian landmass, because its rotation is in sync with the Earth. For context, this is why DTH TV antennae are all permanently pointing to a fixed location in the sky- they are oriented towards a specific satellite. A satellite placed in Geostationary orbit can broadcast its signals to about one-third of the Earth. How did the LVM3 gain 10% lifting power ? The CMS-03 satellite weighs 4,400kg, which is 10% heavier than the existing lifting capability of 4,000kg. In this mission known as LVM3-M5/CMS-03, ISRO is not adding any additional lifting power, ISRO has not used more powerful engines or other methods to enhance the lifting capability. Instead, ISRO will be attempting to launch the satellite into an orbit slightly lower than GTO. Think of it as efficiency and optimization, instead of raw power. ISRO's LVM3 rocket has not gained any lifting power. ISRO is merely planning and executing the launch in such a way that a heavier load can be carried to a lower orbit, instead of carrying it to the intended GTO orbit. "During the Chandrayaan launches using the LVM3 rocket, the LVM3 carried the 4,000kg satellite well above the designated GTO. That shows that the rocket is capable of lifting a 4,000kg mass well above the intended orbit. In the LVM3-M5/CMS-03 mission, the LVM3 will place the 4,400kg satellite in an orbit that is slightly below the GTO. From there on, we can use the satellite engines to push the satellite into the intended Geostationary orbit," ISRO Chairman Dr. V Narayanan explained to WION. In simple terms, let's say that an elevator can carry 10 people and lift them to the 10th storey of a building. But when 11 people get in, it can only go up to the 7th floor. The passengers will have to get down at the 7th floor and then climb to the 10th floor. The elevator has not become more powerful to lift 11 people, instead, the effort is being distributed differently between the elevator and the passengers. Similarly, the LVM3 has not become more powerful, instead, the rocket and satellite are distributing the effort among themselves. Usually, the apogee(farthest point from Earth) for a GTO satellite would be around 36,000kms. In this mission, the rocket would place the satellite at an apogee of nearly 30,000kms. Thereafter, the satellite will spend its own fuel to fire its engines and raise the orbit to 36,000 and then get into a perfect Geostationary orbit. Owing to the lack of powerful rockets, ISRO has been optimizing its missions for better efficiency. For example, NASA's Apollo 11 took a direct 4-day path to the moon, whereas India's Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 took about 40 days to reach the moon by gradually raising the orbit using satellite thrusters. This was done to compensate for India's lack of a powerful rocket that can hurl the satellite directly on a path to the moon. That is why India undertook a circuitous journey to the moon. What is CMS-03 ? What purpose does it serve ? CMS-03 or GSAT-7R is a successor to the GSAT-7, a communication satellite that ISRO built for the Indian Navy. The satellite is meant to enable communications between Indian Naval assets, their bases, headquarters. GSAT-7, a 2,650kg satellite was launched by the European Ariane-5 rocket on a commercial basis for the Indian Government. The launch was carried out from Kourou, French Guiana, on 30th August 2013. The satellite had been designed and built to have a mission life of more than seven years. The launch of GSAT-7R comes 12 years after the launch of GSAT-7. According to ISRO, CMS-03 is a multi-band communication satellite that will provide services over a wide oceanic region including the Indian landmass. ISRO has not explicitly stated that the satellite is meant for use by the Indian Navy. Considering the coverage ranges provided by communication satellites placed 36,000kms above the equator, it would be safe to assume that the CMS-03 offers coverage in the vast region between East Africa and South China Sea.

GTO is an initial parking orbit into which communication and TV broadcast satellites are launched. Satellites remain in GTO for barely a week, after which they are gradually pushed to their designated orbits

Did ISRO's LVM3 rocket gain10% lifting power to carry GSAT-7R?

India’s Space Agency ISRO Is Set To Launch The ‘Bluebird 8’ Satellite — A Key Addition To Its Expanding Space Capabilities. While Details Remain Limited, The Mission Is Expected To Support Advanced Communications, Earth Observation, Or Scientific Research. What Is ‘Bluebird 8’, And Why Does It Matter? Stay Tuned For The Latest On ISRO’s Upcoming Launch.

What Is ISRO’s Bluebird 8 Satellite and Why It Matters 

This transition marks a pivotal moment in space exploration, with several countries and companies stepping up to fill the void left by the ISS.

This transition marks a pivotal moment in space exploration, with several countries and companies stepping up to fill the void left by the ISS.

Next-generation space stations: How many countries are racing to replace the ISS?

The first module is slated for launch in 2028, with the complete station expected to be operational by 2035, positioning India alongside the United States, Russia, and China as nations that have independently operated space stations, either currently or in the past.

The first module is slated for launch in 2028, with the complete station expected to be operational by 2035, positioning India alongside the United States, Russia, and China as nations that have independently operated space stations, either currently or in the past.

Bharatiya Antariksha Station: Will India enter the elite space club before ISS retires?

To keep Earth safe, a comet is being closely watched by NASA and ISRO. But do you know what kind of visitor 3I/ATLAS really is? This mysterious interstellar traveller speeds through space, never coming close to Earth, yet holds secrets scientists race to uncover.

To keep Earth safe, a comet is being closely watched by NASA and ISRO. But do you know what kind of visitor 3I/ATLAS really is? This mysterious interstellar traveller speeds through space, never coming close to Earth, yet holds secrets scientists race to uncover.

How NASA and ISRO track comets like 3I/ATLAS to keep Earth safe

American firm AST SpaceMobile has announced that its BlueBird 6 Internet-beaming satellite has completed its final assembly and testing, and is ready for flight. If all goes well, the firm is expected to load the satellite onto an Antonov cargo plane on October 12th and fly it to Chennai in Southern India, from where it would be trucked to the ISRO Spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre, about 85kms north of Chennai. ISRO's largest rocket, the LVM3, is meant to carry the 6,500kg BlueBird 6 to orbit (about 550km above Earth). The 6,500kg satellite would be the heaviest satellite to be carried by an Indian rocket.Once the satellite reaches the Indian spaceport in mid-October, it would be safe to assume that the launch would be carried out in 30-45 days, which means the BlueBird 6 could take to the skies by December. In the intervening 30-45 days, the assembly activities of the rocket, the testing, and fuelling of the satellite, and other pre-launch preparations are carried out.Notably, ISRO is gearing up for the launch of the Indian communications satellite CMS-02 by the end of October. Like the BlueBird 6, CMS-02 would also fly on an LVM3 rocket. As it stands, the CMS-02 would be launched on a rocket designated as LVM-M5, and the BlueBird would fly on LVM3-M6. Therefore, it would be safe to assume that ISRO would be executing two LVM3 launches in 3 months, something that has not been done before.As a launch services provider (rocket builder and operator), the Indian Space Agency launches foreign-origin satellites into space commercially. These commercial space missions (like a taxi ferrying a passenger) are handled by ISRO's commercial arm NSIL, which earns revenue for the Indian government.<h2>AST SpaceMobile and its internet-beaming satellites</h2>AST SpaceMobile is a Texas-based telecom company that aims to build and launch a fleet of satellites that can directly provide internet connectivity to mobile phones. As per reports, the firm presently has a fleet of five first-generation (Block-1) satellites in orbit. The firm plans to launch a fleet of 45-60 second-generation (Block-2) satellites to offer services in major global regions, it is said.The firm has announced that they have a series of satellites that will be launched in the coming months. "BlueBird 7 is expected to ship to the Cape Canaveral launch site in October, BlueBirds 8-16 are in various stages of production, with launches planned every 1-2 months on average during 2025 and 2026," the firm announced. &nbsp;They expect to have 45–60 satellites in orbit by year-end 2026. It is touted that these BlueBird satellites (by size) will be the largest commercial satellites ever deployed in Low Earth orbit (about 600kms above Earth). Each of these satellites would carry a 2,400 sq feet phased array antenna with true direct-to-cell broadband, with a claimed capability of up to 10,000 MHz of processing bandwidth and claimed peak speeds of 120 Mbps per cell.The firm says they have partnered with 50+ mobile network operators serving nearly 3 billion subscribers, supported by a flexible spectrum strategy blending their own licensed spectrum with partner spectrum.<h2>Repeated delays in BlueBird 6 launch</h2>As per the January 2025 announcement by the Indian government, the American satellite was to be launched by India's LVM3-M5 rocket in March 2025. In April, the Indian Government said that the BlueBird launch would take place aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket in July 2025.In July 2025, following the successful launch of the Indo-US NISAR satellite, ISRO Chief Dr V. Narayanan said that ISRO would be launching a CMS-02 satellite aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket. This meant that the rocket originally allocated for BlueBird was being reallocated to a different satellite, known as CMS-02. The reasons for this reallocation were not revealed.In August, in the run-up to the National Space Day celebrations, ISRO Chief Dr V. Narayanan shared an ISRO launch schedule which said that the BlueBird mission would be launched by the LVM3-M6 rocket between January and March 2026.Unconfirmed reports say that the US firm has been facing delays at its end, which has been delaying its planned Block-2 satellite launches from India and abroad.

AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 6 satellite, designed to beam internet directly to mobile phones, has completed assembly and testing and is set for transport to ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India by October 12.

American firm AST SpaceMobile has announced that its BlueBird 6 Internet-beaming satellite has completed its final assembly and testing, and is ready for flight. If all goes well, the firm is expected to load the satellite onto an Antonov cargo plane on October 12th and fly it to Chennai in Southern India, from where it would be trucked to the ISRO Spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre, about 85kms north of Chennai. ISRO's largest rocket, the LVM3, is meant to carry the 6,500kg BlueBird 6 to orbit (about 550km above Earth). The 6,500kg satellite would be the heaviest satellite to be carried by an Indian rocket. Once the satellite reaches the Indian spaceport in mid-October, it would be safe to assume that the launch would be carried out in 30-45 days, which means the BlueBird 6 could take to the skies by December. In the intervening 30-45 days, the assembly activities of the rocket, the testing, and fuelling of the satellite, and other pre-launch preparations are carried out. Notably, ISRO is gearing up for the launch of the Indian communications satellite CMS-02 by the end of October. Like the BlueBird 6, CMS-02 would also fly on an LVM3 rocket. As it stands, the CMS-02 would be launched on a rocket designated as LVM-M5, and the BlueBird would fly on LVM3-M6. Therefore, it would be safe to assume that ISRO would be executing two LVM3 launches in 3 months, something that has not been done before. As a launch services provider (rocket builder and operator), the Indian Space Agency launches foreign-origin satellites into space commercially. These commercial space missions (like a taxi ferrying a passenger) are handled by ISRO's commercial arm NSIL, which earns revenue for the Indian government. AST SpaceMobile and its internet-beaming satellites AST SpaceMobile is a Texas-based telecom company that aims to build and launch a fleet of satellites that can directly provide internet connectivity to mobile phones. As per reports, the firm presently has a fleet of five first-generation (Block-1) satellites in orbit. The firm plans to launch a fleet of 45-60 second-generation (Block-2) satellites to offer services in major global regions, it is said. The firm has announced that they have a series of satellites that will be launched in the coming months. "BlueBird 7 is expected to ship to the Cape Canaveral launch site in October, BlueBirds 8-16 are in various stages of production, with launches planned every 1-2 months on average during 2025 and 2026," the firm announced. They expect to have 45–60 satellites in orbit by year-end 2026. It is touted that these BlueBird satellites (by size) will be the largest commercial satellites ever deployed in Low Earth orbit (about 600kms above Earth). Each of these satellites would carry a 2,400 sq feet phased array antenna with true direct-to-cell broadband, with a claimed capability of up to 10,000 MHz of processing bandwidth and claimed peak speeds of 120 Mbps per cell. The firm says they have partnered with 50+ mobile network operators serving nearly 3 billion subscribers, supported by a flexible spectrum strategy blending their own licensed spectrum with partner spectrum. Repeated delays in BlueBird 6 launch As per the January 2025 announcement by the Indian government, the American satellite was to be launched by India's LVM3-M5 rocket in March 2025. In April, the Indian Government said that the BlueBird launch would take place aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket in July 2025. In July 2025, following the successful launch of the Indo-US NISAR satellite, ISRO Chief Dr V. Narayanan said that ISRO would be launching a CMS-02 satellite aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket. This meant that the rocket originally allocated for BlueBird was being reallocated to a different satellite, known as CMS-02. The reasons for this reallocation were not revealed. In August, in the run-up to the National Space Day celebrations, ISRO Chief Dr V. Narayanan shared an ISRO launch schedule which said that the BlueBird mission would be launched by the LVM3-M6 rocket between January and March 2026. Unconfirmed reports say that the US firm has been facing delays at its end, which has been delaying its planned Block-2 satellite launches from India and abroad.

AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 6 satellite, designed to beam internet directly to mobile phones, has completed assembly and testing and is set for transport to ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India by October 12.

US firm's BlueBird satellite to reach India in mid-Oct; Launch could take place by December

Joint projects, such as the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, demonstrate how collaboration enhances global monitoring of climate change, natural disasters, and other scientific research objectives.

Joint projects, such as the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, demonstrate how collaboration enhances global monitoring of climate change, natural disasters, and other scientific research objectives.

From NASA to ISRO: Top 6 space agencies shaping the future of exploration

ISRO satellites monitor Indian farms daily through colour-pattern imaging. Mobile apps deliver space-based farming advice to smallholders. Early warning systems prevent crop losses. Insurance companies use satellite data for damage assessment.

ISRO satellites monitor Indian farms daily through colour-pattern imaging. Mobile apps deliver space-based farming advice to smallholders. Early warning systems prevent crop losses. Insurance companies use satellite data for damage assessment.

How satellites help Indian farmers predict crop failures

ISRO has launched 9+ student satellites since 2009. 75 new missions planned for 2025. Hyderabad school kids aged 12-15 building CubeSat. Two Odisha students use Rs 700 scrap metal instead of Rs 1.5 crore parts for gamma-ray satellite.


ISRO has launched 9+ student satellites since 2009. 75 new missions planned for 2025. Hyderabad school kids aged 12-15 building CubeSat. Two Odisha students use Rs 700 scrap metal instead of Rs 1.5 crore parts for gamma-ray satellite.

ISRO plans 75 student satellites in 2025: Indian students are building satellites

Indian space tech firms Bengaluru-based Pixxel and Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space have placed a total of four satellites in space via a commercial launch contract with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, the world leader in rocketry. In simple terms, the Indian firms paid for slots on America’s Falcon 9 rocket, which ferried them to space, more like a ride share to space.&nbsp;The launch of these four Indian-origin satellites, among others, was carried out by SpaceX shortly after midnight hour Indian time, Wednesday, 27th August.<h2>What type of satellites did the Indian firms launch?</h2>&nbsp;According to Dhruva Space, their LEAP-1 satellite marks the company’s first commercial mission, featuring advanced AI and hyperspectral payloads from Australia-based Akula Tech and Esper Satellites. These payloads have been hosted on Dhruva’s indigenously developed P-30 satellite structure.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Pixxel, they launched three Firefly hyperspectral Earth-imaging satellites on this SpaceX mission. Pixxel already has three Firefly satellites in space and with this latest launch, their fleet has grown to six.&nbsp;In simple terms, hyperspectral Earth-imaging captures pictures of our home planet using sensors that collect information far beyond what can be seen by human eyes or conventional cameras. Instead of the standard Red, Green, Blue, hyperspectral imaging captures hundreds of colours (wavelengths). This high amount of detail can help identify plants, minerals, water quality, etc. This data can be used to determine crop health, mapping cities, spotting oil spills etc.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Why did Indian firms choose Musk’s SpaceX instead of India’s ISRO?&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;While the firms themselves haven’t revealed why they chose to pay and fly SpaceX, it is widely acknowledged that cost, reliability, launch frequency, rocket availability, and other commercial reasons are stacked up in SpaceX’s favour. SpaceX is a global leader in the space launch business and has completed 134 launches of various kinds in 2024. At the time of writing, SpaceX has launched its workhorse Falcon 9 more than 100 times in 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;In comparison, ISRO has been performing five to seven launches in recent years. Therefore, a customer (Indian or foreigner) who wishes to fly his satellite to space would prefer to fly at the next available rocket, than to wait for an ISRO rocket. Notably, ISRO has not flown a single commercial mission it 2025. While ISRO did announce that it would launch American private firm’s BlueBird satellite this year, that launch has been pushed to January-March 2026, as per ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan.While, ISRO did launch the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite in July, that was a scientific collaboration and not a business venture. NASA and ISRO bore the costs of their respective part of the NISAR mission.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>In the era of SpaceX, Indian rockets are not cost-competitive</h2>&nbsp;It is claimed that Indian rockets and space missions are cheaper than Hollywood films. However, these direct numerical comparisons are neither scientific nor rooted in reality. In the world of commercial rocketry, the real metric is cost-per-kilogramme to orbit. In simple terms, per-kg cost on larger rockets is cheaper than per-kg cost on smaller rockets. This is broadly similar to why a train ticket costs far lesser than undertaking the same journey via car. The larger the rocket, the more it can carry, therefore the per-kg cost reduces.&nbsp;While ISRO’'s commercial arm NSIL does not officially reveal its per-kg cost, it is well established in the market that ISRO’s rockets are not cost competitive in a world dominated by Elon Musk’'s SpaceX. Industry estimates have clearly shown that the per-kg cost on SpaceX’s massive Falcon-series of re-usable rockets are less than half of the per-kg cost charged by India. Naturally, satellite firms would choose the cheaper option offered by SpaceX.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>ISRO’s workhorse PSLV rocket failed in 2025, but we still don’t know why</h2>&nbsp;In May 2025, ISRO launched the PSLV-C61 rocket carrying an advanced Indian Earth-imaging satellite EOS-09. In a rare occurrence, ISRO's workhorse PSLV rocket failed mid-flight, which led to the loss of rocket and the satellite.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a taxpayer-funded space agency, ISRO has had the culture of publicly releasing its Failure Analysis Committee(FAC) reports following mission failures. When the strategic satellite GISAT-1 failed in the year 2021, ISRO had publicly released an FAC report.&nbsp;However, ISRO has not made the PSLV-C61 FAC report public. Space industry veterans say that the FAC reports not being publicly shared affects the image of the space agency, as several foreign entities entrust ISRO to launch their satellites and expect a high level of accountability and transparency from the launching agency.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>ISRO’s sluggish rate of launches and related concerns&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;In the eight months of 2025, ISRO has done only three launches from home soil. The only complete successful outcome in these three was the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite that was launched in July.&nbsp;&nbsp;Last year, the Indian government announced that there would be a total of 30 space launches from India in 15 months (between January 2024 and March 2025). In the said 15 months, only 7 launches were executed. This means that only 23% of the launch target is being met.&nbsp;This affects Indi’'s reputation in the highly-competitive and lucrative launch market.&nbsp;&nbsp;While India has executed three space launches in the eight months of 2025, US has executed 120 launches, China has executed 49, and Russia has executed 11. While India’s launch activity cannot directly be compared with that of global space powers, it must be noted that India’s launch pace is sluggish by even its own standards.&nbsp;&nbsp;Simply put, global commercial space launch industry is quite like the airline industry- the ones that operate more flights get more bookings from customers, the ones that barely/rarely fly don’t get bookings. Therefore, only those who launch rockets frequently can attract customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a recent video message during India's National Space Day on 23rd August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged that there are barely five or six rocket launches from Indian soil in a year. He expressed his wish that the Indian private sector must come forward, develop capability to launch fifty rockets in a year by the year 2030. The Prime Minister, who directly oversees the Department of Space (ISRO’s parent body), envisioned that there must be a launch every week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently acknowledged that there are barely five or six rocket launches from India in a year and expressed the wish that the Indian private sector come forward and develop the capability to launch fifty rockets in a year by the year 2030.

Indian space tech firms Bengaluru-based Pixxel and Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space have placed a total of four satellites in space via a commercial launch contract with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, the world leader in rocketry. In simple terms, the Indian firms paid for slots on America’s Falcon 9 rocket, which ferried them to space, more like a ride share to space. The launch of these four Indian-origin satellites, among others, was carried out by SpaceX shortly after midnight hour Indian time, Wednesday, 27th August. What type of satellites did the Indian firms launch? According to Dhruva Space, their LEAP-1 satellite marks the company’s first commercial mission, featuring advanced AI and hyperspectral payloads from Australia-based Akula Tech and Esper Satellites. These payloads have been hosted on Dhruva’s indigenously developed P-30 satellite structure. According to Pixxel, they launched three Firefly hyperspectral Earth-imaging satellites on this SpaceX mission. Pixxel already has three Firefly satellites in space and with this latest launch, their fleet has grown to six. In simple terms, hyperspectral Earth-imaging captures pictures of our home planet using sensors that collect information far beyond what can be seen by human eyes or conventional cameras. Instead of the standard Red, Green, Blue, hyperspectral imaging captures hundreds of colours (wavelengths). This high amount of detail can help identify plants, minerals, water quality, etc. This data can be used to determine crop health, mapping cities, spotting oil spills etc. Why did Indian firms choose Musk’s SpaceX instead of India’s ISRO? While the firms themselves haven’t revealed why they chose to pay and fly SpaceX, it is widely acknowledged that cost, reliability, launch frequency, rocket availability, and other commercial reasons are stacked up in SpaceX’s favour. SpaceX is a global leader in the space launch business and has completed 134 launches of various kinds in 2024. At the time of writing, SpaceX has launched its workhorse Falcon 9 more than 100 times in 2025. In comparison, ISRO has been performing five to seven launches in recent years. Therefore, a customer (Indian or foreigner) who wishes to fly his satellite to space would prefer to fly at the next available rocket, than to wait for an ISRO rocket. Notably, ISRO has not flown a single commercial mission it 2025. While ISRO did announce that it would launch American private firm’s BlueBird satellite this year, that launch has been pushed to January-March 2026, as per ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan. While, ISRO did launch the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite in July, that was a scientific collaboration and not a business venture. NASA and ISRO bore the costs of their respective part of the NISAR mission. In the era of SpaceX, Indian rockets are not cost-competitive It is claimed that Indian rockets and space missions are cheaper than Hollywood films. However, these direct numerical comparisons are neither scientific nor rooted in reality. In the world of commercial rocketry, the real metric is cost-per-kilogramme to orbit. In simple terms, per-kg cost on larger rockets is cheaper than per-kg cost on smaller rockets. This is broadly similar to why a train ticket costs far lesser than undertaking the same journey via car. The larger the rocket, the more it can carry, therefore the per-kg cost reduces. While ISRO’'s commercial arm NSIL does not officially reveal its per-kg cost, it is well established in the market that ISRO’s rockets are not cost competitive in a world dominated by Elon Musk’'s SpaceX. Industry estimates have clearly shown that the per-kg cost on SpaceX’s massive Falcon-series of re-usable rockets are less than half of the per-kg cost charged by India. Naturally, satellite firms would choose the cheaper option offered by SpaceX. ISRO’s workhorse PSLV rocket failed in 2025, but we still don’t know why In May 2025, ISRO launched the PSLV-C61 rocket carrying an advanced Indian Earth-imaging satellite EOS-09. In a rare occurrence, ISRO's workhorse PSLV rocket failed mid-flight, which led to the loss of rocket and the satellite. As a taxpayer-funded space agency, ISRO has had the culture of publicly releasing its Failure Analysis Committee(FAC) reports following mission failures. When the strategic satellite GISAT-1 failed in the year 2021, ISRO had publicly released an FAC report. However, ISRO has not made the PSLV-C61 FAC report public. Space industry veterans say that the FAC reports not being publicly shared affects the image of the space agency, as several foreign entities entrust ISRO to launch their satellites and expect a high level of accountability and transparency from the launching agency. ISRO’s sluggish rate of launches and related concerns In the eight months of 2025, ISRO has done only three launches from home soil. The only complete successful outcome in these three was the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite that was launched in July. Last year, the Indian government announced that there would be a total of 30 space launches from India in 15 months (between January 2024 and March 2025). In the said 15 months, only 7 launches were executed. This means that only 23% of the launch target is being met. This affects Indi’'s reputation in the highly-competitive and lucrative launch market. While India has executed three space launches in the eight months of 2025, US has executed 120 launches, China has executed 49, and Russia has executed 11. While India’s launch activity cannot directly be compared with that of global space powers, it must be noted that India’s launch pace is sluggish by even its own standards. Simply put, global commercial space launch industry is quite like the airline industry- the ones that operate more flights get more bookings from customers, the ones that barely/rarely fly don’t get bookings. Therefore, only those who launch rockets frequently can attract customers. In a recent video message during India's National Space Day on 23rd August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged that there are barely five or six rocket launches from Indian soil in a year. He expressed his wish that the Indian private sector must come forward, develop capability to launch fifty rockets in a year by the year 2030. The Prime Minister, who directly oversees the Department of Space (ISRO’s parent body), envisioned that there must be a launch every week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently acknowledged that there are barely five or six rocket launches from India in a year and expressed the wish that the Indian private sector come forward and develop the capability to launch fifty rockets in a year by the year 2030.

Why are Indian firms picking, paying SpaceX over ISRO to launch satellites?

The space economy had a gross value of $596 billion in 2024, and according to a McKinsey report, it is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. Explore the list of countries with the highest budget for their space program.

The space economy had a gross value of $596 billion in 2024, and according to a McKinsey report, it is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. Explore the list of countries with the highest budget for their space program.

Global Space Economy : Top countries with highest space budget in 2025

Gaganyaan, meaning "sky craft" in Sanskrit, represents India's ambitious dream of sending Indian astronauts to space for the first time. This historic mission has taken another significant step forward with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completing the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) on August 24, 2025. This crucial test involved an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter carrying a dummy crew capsule weighing approximately 5,000 kg to an altitude of a few kilometers before dropping it into the sea, demonstrating the parachute-based deceleration system that will safely bring Indian astronauts back to Earth.The IADT-01 test was not just ISRO's achievement alone. It showcased the true spirit of collaboration between India's premier institutions – the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Indian Air Force, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard all worked together to make this test successful. This joint effort highlights how different branches of India's defense and space sectors are united in making the Gaganyaan mission a reality.The parachute system tested in IADT-01 is critical for astronaut safety. When Indian astronauts return from their space journey, they will be travelling at extremely high speeds as they re-enter Earth's atmosphere. The parachute deceleration system must work flawlessly to slow down the crew module and ensure a safe landing. This test validated the entire end-to-end process, from the moment the parachutes deploy to the final touchdown, giving engineers confidence that the system will protect India's future space travellers.The Gaganyaan Programme, approved with a substantial budget of approximately ₹20,193 crore, represents India's first indigenous human spaceflight initiative. The mission aims to send Indian astronauts, called "Gaganyatris," to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where they will spend several days conducting scientific experiments and demonstrating India's technological capabilities in human spaceflight. The four selected astronauts for this mission are Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, all highly experienced Indian Air Force test pilots. This achievement will place India among the elite group of nations – currently only Russia, the United States, and China – that have independently sent humans to space.The progress made in the Gaganyaan mission has been remarkable across multiple fronts. The Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3), which will carry Indian astronauts to space, has completed its development and ground testing phases. This powerful rocket has been specially modified to meet the stringent safety standards required for human spaceflight, with additional safety systems and redundancies built in to protect the crew.The Orbital Module, consisting of the Crew Module where astronauts will live and work, and the Service Module that provides power and propulsion, has seen significant advancement. The propulsion systems for both modules have been developed and thoroughly tested. The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), which will maintain breathable air, a comfortable temperature, and proper humidity inside the crew module, has been realised in its engineering model form. The ECLSS is essentially the life-giving system that will keep astronauts alive in the harsh environment of space by providing clean air to breathe, removing carbon dioxide, controlling temperature and humidity, and managing water supply. This complex system has been successfully tested and validated in laboratory conditions.Safety remains the top priority for the Gaganyaan mission, and the Crew Escape System (CES) exemplifies this commitment. Five different types of motors have been developed and static tested for this system, which can quickly pull the crew module away from the launch vehicle in case of any emergency during launch. The successful TV-D1 test flight earlier validated this critical safety system, and preparations are now underway for TV-D2, scheduled for the third quarter of 2025.Infrastructure development for Gaganyaan has been extensive. Specialised facilities, including the Orbital Module Preparation Facility, Gaganyaan Control Centre, crew training facility, and modifications to the second launch pad at Sriharikota have all been established. These facilities will support not only the upcoming test flights but also the operational phase of the mission when Indian astronauts finally journey to space.The mission timeline is taking shape with concrete dates. The second test vehicle mission (TV-D2) is planned for the third quarter of 2025, which will further validate the crew escape system. The first unmanned orbital flight under the Gaganyaan mission (G1) is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2025. This will be followed by two more unmanned orbital flights (G2 and G3) in 2026, each testing different aspects of the spacecraft and mission operations before the final crewed flight.Flight operations and communication networks have been carefully planned and established. The ground network configuration has been finalised, and the Indian Data Relay Satellite System (IDRSS-1) feeder stations along with terrestrial links are in place. This comprehensive communication network will ensure continuous contact with the spacecraft throughout the mission.Recovery operations after the mission are equally important. Recovery assets have been finalised and detailed recovery plans have been worked out. When Indian astronauts return from space, specialised teams will be ready to quickly locate and recover the crew module, whether it lands on land or water.The Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) development has been completed, including extensive qualification testing. For the first uncrewed mission (G1), significant hardware realisation has been achieved. The C32-G stage and CES motors are ready, solid rocket boosters have been stacked, and both crew module and service module structures have been realised.The successful completion of IADT-01 brings India one step closer to its dream of independent human spaceflight. This test, combined with all the other technological achievements in the Gaganyaan programme, demonstrates India's growing capabilities in space technology.The recent achievements of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station in 41 years through the Axiom Mission 4, will prove invaluable to the Gaganyaan programme. Shukla spent about 18 days aboard the ISS conducting scientific experiments and gaining crucial experience in microgravity conditions. ISRO officials have emphasised that his experience in space and the knowledge gained during his mission will be extremely valuable for the Gaganyaan programme planned over the next two years.From the powerful HLVM3 rocket to the sophisticated life support systems, from advanced parachute systems tested at a few kilometers altitude to comprehensive mission control infrastructure, every component is being meticulously tested and validated. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's pioneering journey to the International Space Station has provided invaluable real-world experience that will directly benefit India's own human spaceflight programme.The Gaganyaan mission represents more than just technological achievement – it embodies India's aspirations to be a leading space-faring nation. When Indian astronauts finally journey to space, they will carry with them the dreams and pride of 1.4 billion Indians. The success of IADT-01 and the steady progress across all mission components show that this dream is rapidly becoming reality. India's space program, which began with humble origins, is now preparing to achieve one of humanity's greatest adventures – sending people safely to space and bringing them home.

ISRO has successfully completed the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01), a crucial test that demonstrates the parachute-based deceleration system that will safely bring Indian astronauts back to Earth.

Gaganyaan, meaning "sky craft" in Sanskrit, represents India's ambitious dream of sending Indian astronauts to space for the first time. This historic mission has taken another significant step forward with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completing the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) on August 24, 2025. This crucial test involved an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter carrying a dummy crew capsule weighing approximately 5,000 kg to an altitude of a few kilometers before dropping it into the sea, demonstrating the parachute-based deceleration system that will safely bring Indian astronauts back to Earth. The IADT-01 test was not just ISRO's achievement alone. It showcased the true spirit of collaboration between India's premier institutions – the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Indian Air Force, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard all worked together to make this test successful. This joint effort highlights how different branches of India's defense and space sectors are united in making the Gaganyaan mission a reality. The parachute system tested in IADT-01 is critical for astronaut safety. When Indian astronauts return from their space journey, they will be travelling at extremely high speeds as they re-enter Earth's atmosphere. The parachute deceleration system must work flawlessly to slow down the crew module and ensure a safe landing. This test validated the entire end-to-end process, from the moment the parachutes deploy to the final touchdown, giving engineers confidence that the system will protect India's future space travellers. The Gaganyaan Programme, approved with a substantial budget of approximately ₹20,193 crore, represents India's first indigenous human spaceflight initiative. The mission aims to send Indian astronauts, called "Gaganyatris," to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where they will spend several days conducting scientific experiments and demonstrating India's technological capabilities in human spaceflight. The four selected astronauts for this mission are Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, all highly experienced Indian Air Force test pilots. This achievement will place India among the elite group of nations – currently only Russia, the United States, and China – that have independently sent humans to space. The progress made in the Gaganyaan mission has been remarkable across multiple fronts. The Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3), which will carry Indian astronauts to space, has completed its development and ground testing phases. This powerful rocket has been specially modified to meet the stringent safety standards required for human spaceflight, with additional safety systems and redundancies built in to protect the crew. The Orbital Module, consisting of the Crew Module where astronauts will live and work, and the Service Module that provides power and propulsion, has seen significant advancement. The propulsion systems for both modules have been developed and thoroughly tested. The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), which will maintain breathable air, a comfortable temperature, and proper humidity inside the crew module, has been realised in its engineering model form. The ECLSS is essentially the life-giving system that will keep astronauts alive in the harsh environment of space by providing clean air to breathe, removing carbon dioxide, controlling temperature and humidity, and managing water supply. This complex system has been successfully tested and validated in laboratory conditions. Safety remains the top priority for the Gaganyaan mission, and the Crew Escape System (CES) exemplifies this commitment. Five different types of motors have been developed and static tested for this system, which can quickly pull the crew module away from the launch vehicle in case of any emergency during launch. The successful TV-D1 test flight earlier validated this critical safety system, and preparations are now underway for TV-D2, scheduled for the third quarter of 2025. Infrastructure development for Gaganyaan has been extensive. Specialised facilities, including the Orbital Module Preparation Facility, Gaganyaan Control Centre, crew training facility, and modifications to the second launch pad at Sriharikota have all been established. These facilities will support not only the upcoming test flights but also the operational phase of the mission when Indian astronauts finally journey to space. The mission timeline is taking shape with concrete dates. The second test vehicle mission (TV-D2) is planned for the third quarter of 2025, which will further validate the crew escape system. The first unmanned orbital flight under the Gaganyaan mission (G1) is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2025. This will be followed by two more unmanned orbital flights (G2 and G3) in 2026, each testing different aspects of the spacecraft and mission operations before the final crewed flight. Flight operations and communication networks have been carefully planned and established. The ground network configuration has been finalised, and the Indian Data Relay Satellite System (IDRSS-1) feeder stations along with terrestrial links are in place. This comprehensive communication network will ensure continuous contact with the spacecraft throughout the mission. Recovery operations after the mission are equally important. Recovery assets have been finalised and detailed recovery plans have been worked out. When Indian astronauts return from space, specialised teams will be ready to quickly locate and recover the crew module, whether it lands on land or water. The Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) development has been completed, including extensive qualification testing. For the first uncrewed mission (G1), significant hardware realisation has been achieved. The C32-G stage and CES motors are ready, solid rocket boosters have been stacked, and both crew module and service module structures have been realised. The successful completion of IADT-01 brings India one step closer to its dream of independent human spaceflight. This test, combined with all the other technological achievements in the Gaganyaan programme, demonstrates India's growing capabilities in space technology. The recent achievements of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station in 41 years through the Axiom Mission 4, will prove invaluable to the Gaganyaan programme. Shukla spent about 18 days aboard the ISS conducting scientific experiments and gaining crucial experience in microgravity conditions. ISRO officials have emphasised that his experience in space and the knowledge gained during his mission will be extremely valuable for the Gaganyaan programme planned over the next two years. From the powerful HLVM3 rocket to the sophisticated life support systems, from advanced parachute systems tested at a few kilometers altitude to comprehensive mission control infrastructure, every component is being meticulously tested and validated. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's pioneering journey to the International Space Station has provided invaluable real-world experience that will directly benefit India's own human spaceflight programme. The Gaganyaan mission represents more than just technological achievement – it embodies India's aspirations to be a leading space-faring nation. When Indian astronauts finally journey to space, they will carry with them the dreams and pride of 1.4 billion Indians. The success of IADT-01 and the steady progress across all mission components show that this dream is rapidly becoming reality. India's space program, which began with humble origins, is now preparing to achieve one of humanity's greatest adventures – sending people safely to space and bringing them home.

ISRO has successfully completed the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01), a crucial test that demonstrates the parachute-based deceleration system that will safely bring Indian astronauts back to Earth.

India’s space dream soars: ISRO’s air drop test success marks Gaganyaan milestone

India’s space ambitions reach new heights! ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan has confirmed that the first test flight of Gaganyaan, India’s maiden human spaceflight mission, is set for December 2025.

This uncrewed mission (G1) will carry Vyommitra, a half-humanoid robot, to simulate human presence and prepare for crewed spaceflight. With 80% of testing already completed (7,700 tests), ISRO plans to finish the remaining 2,300 tests by March 2026.

ISRO’s big step toward space: Gaganyaan test flight countdown begins

ISRO’s Gaganyaan to launch first test flight in December | India’s first human space mission update

If weather permits and several other technical parameters align, the Indian space agency ISRO, the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Indian Navy (IN) will be conducting a crucial Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight-related test on Sunday, 24th August, WION has learnt. If all goes well, the test will be conducted around sunrise hour, in the Bay of Bengal, off Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, where India’s spaceport is located.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rehearsals for this test have been going on through this month. On a few occasions this week, the tests were postponed owing to unfavourable weather conditions, as there was a storm brewing off the North Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha coasts.&nbsp;Known as the Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT), the process involves an IAF Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter that will carry an underslung load of 4,000-4500 kg (the Gaganyan astronaut-carrying capsule), lift it to an altitude of about 4,000 metres (4 km), and then drop it into the sea. As the capsule descends rapidly, it is meant to sequentially deploy a series of parachutes and slow itself down for a safe splashdown landing.&nbsp;Such a safe splashdown landing using a series of parachutes is the crucial final step when an astronaut-carrying capsule returns from space. During this test, an empty capsule with a mass of about 4,000-4,500 kg is to be used, to simulate the real mass of the Gaganyaan astronaut-carrying capsule.&nbsp;Once the capsule safely splashes down, Indian Navy’s vessels that are pre-positioned in the region would deploy their smaller boats to approach the capsule, inspect it, and connect the capsule to a shipborne crane. Thereafter, the capsule would be lifted up by the massive shipborne crane and safely placed on the ship’s deck. It is learnt that Indian Naval Ship Anvesh would play a crucial role in the seaborne operations.&nbsp;This operation will be closely monitored from air and sea by a range of assets belonging to ISRO, Navy, and IAF. Parachutes for this test have been developed by India’s Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO). Being a national mission, Gaganyaan requires multi-agency synergy and coordination.&nbsp;IADT is one among thousands of tests related to Gaganyaan&nbsp;In the process of accomplishing the Gaganyaan Human spaceflight mission, ISRO and its partner agencies must conduct thousands of tests spanning various technical domains—electrical, mechanical, chemical, software, materials, navigation, guidance, automation, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp;While thousands of tests have been completed, several thousand still remain, and new technologies are being tested and validated. However, most of the testing happens behind closed doors, and it is only the rare ones like IADT and other rocketry-related tests that happen out in the open and with the involvement of military assets.&nbsp;As for the high-profile tests that happen in the open, ISRO has to accomplish more Integrated Air Drop Tests, more Test Vehicle launches (mid-flight abort and ejection), Pad Abort Tests (ejecting, saving crew capsule from a rocket explosion at launchpad), and multiple unmanned flights of the whole Gaganyaan rocket and spacecraft, using a robot instead of astronaut.&nbsp;Only when all these tests go flawlessly can ISRO put astronauts on its rocket and fly them to space. While it is officially maintained that Gaganyaan launch could happen in 2027, going by the track record so far and the immense complexities involved, a more realistic timeline suggests that the Gaganyaan astronaut mission could happen closer to 2030.

A safe splashdown landing while using a series of parachutes is the crucial final step when an astronaut-carrying capsule returns from space. An empty capsule with a mass of about 4,000-4,500 kg is to be used during this test.

If weather permits and several other technical parameters align, the Indian space agency ISRO, the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Indian Navy (IN) will be conducting a crucial Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight-related test on Sunday, 24th August, WION has learnt. If all goes well, the test will be conducted around sunrise hour, in the Bay of Bengal, off Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, where India’s spaceport is located. The rehearsals for this test have been going on through this month. On a few occasions this week, the tests were postponed owing to unfavourable weather conditions, as there was a storm brewing off the North Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha coasts. Known as the Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT), the process involves an IAF Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter that will carry an underslung load of 4,000-4500 kg (the Gaganyan astronaut-carrying capsule), lift it to an altitude of about 4,000 metres (4 km), and then drop it into the sea. As the capsule descends rapidly, it is meant to sequentially deploy a series of parachutes and slow itself down for a safe splashdown landing. Such a safe splashdown landing using a series of parachutes is the crucial final step when an astronaut-carrying capsule returns from space. During this test, an empty capsule with a mass of about 4,000-4,500 kg is to be used, to simulate the real mass of the Gaganyaan astronaut-carrying capsule. Once the capsule safely splashes down, Indian Navy’s vessels that are pre-positioned in the region would deploy their smaller boats to approach the capsule, inspect it, and connect the capsule to a shipborne crane. Thereafter, the capsule would be lifted up by the massive shipborne crane and safely placed on the ship’s deck. It is learnt that Indian Naval Ship Anvesh would play a crucial role in the seaborne operations. This operation will be closely monitored from air and sea by a range of assets belonging to ISRO, Navy, and IAF. Parachutes for this test have been developed by India’s Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO). Being a national mission, Gaganyaan requires multi-agency synergy and coordination. IADT is one among thousands of tests related to Gaganyaan In the process of accomplishing the Gaganyaan Human spaceflight mission, ISRO and its partner agencies must conduct thousands of tests spanning various technical domains—electrical, mechanical, chemical, software, materials, navigation, guidance, automation, etc. While thousands of tests have been completed, several thousand still remain, and new technologies are being tested and validated. However, most of the testing happens behind closed doors, and it is only the rare ones like IADT and other rocketry-related tests that happen out in the open and with the involvement of military assets. As for the high-profile tests that happen in the open, ISRO has to accomplish more Integrated Air Drop Tests, more Test Vehicle launches (mid-flight abort and ejection), Pad Abort Tests (ejecting, saving crew capsule from a rocket explosion at launchpad), and multiple unmanned flights of the whole Gaganyaan rocket and spacecraft, using a robot instead of astronaut. Only when all these tests go flawlessly can ISRO put astronauts on its rocket and fly them to space. While it is officially maintained that Gaganyaan launch could happen in 2027, going by the track record so far and the immense complexities involved, a more realistic timeline suggests that the Gaganyaan astronaut mission could happen closer to 2030.

A safe splashdown landing while using a series of parachutes is the crucial final step when an astronaut-carrying capsule returns from space. An empty capsule with a mass of about 4,000-4,500 kg is to be used during this test.

Exclusive: ISRO, IAF, Navy to conduct Gaganyaan test on Sunday, 24th August

ISRO spotted a dangerous crack in the Falcon-9’s oxidiser line just hours before lift-off. Their demand for full repair and testing delayed the launch but saved lives. Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission succeeded only because India insisted on safety.


ISRO detected a critical fuel leak SpaceX missed

“Today, we are conceiving a rocket to place 75,000 kg (75 tonnes) in Low Earth orbit (about 400-1000 km above earth),” Dr. V. Narayanan, the Chief of the Indian Space Agency ISRO has revealed. Explaining the scale of this proposed rocket, he said that the first Indian spacefaring rocket SLV-3 was capable of placing a payload of 35 kg in Low Earth Orbit, whereas the envisioned rocket would be able to place 75,000 kg in Low Earth orbit, indicating a 2,100-fold increase in lift capacity. For perspective, the 1980s-era SLV-3 rocket stood 22 metres tall, whereas Dr. Narayanan says that the future rocket would be 40-storeys tall, implying that it would be around 120-140 metres tall.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇮🇳🚀 India&#39;s next-gen rocket... &quot;Today, we are conceiving a rocket to place 75,000kg(75tons) in Low Earth Orbit.. the rocket is 40-storeys tall...&quot; ISRO Chief Dr. Narayanan makes explosive revelation... PS: India&#39;s present proven lift capability is ~5.8tons to LEO <a href="https://t.co/fmOOmYelss">pic.twitter.com/fmOOmYelss</a>&mdash; Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1958032279617564751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>What we know about NGLV</h2>&nbsp;According to the Indian Government, ISRO’s Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), which is under development is about 90 metres tall. It is designed to carry a maximum of 30,000 kg (30 tonnes) to Low Earth orbit. For accommodating such a massive rocket, ISRO is spending Rs. 3985 crore (approx $460 million) to establish a new launchpad and associated infrastructure at the spaceport in Sriharikota. Targeted to be ready in 2029, this would be the third launchpad at Sriharikota.&nbsp;At present, the Indian spaceport at Sriharikota is equipped with two launchpads—the first Launchpad is for launch of smaller rockets such as PSLV and SSLV, and the GSLV Mk2, while the second launchpad is capable of launching all rockets right from the smallest SSLV to the largest LVM3. The first launchpad has served for more than thirty years, whereas the second launchpad has served for more than twenty years.&nbsp;While India’s present rockets, the existing variants of GSLV rockets are 43 metres and 52 metres tall, the NGLV would be 90 metres tall. Therefore, the Third Launchpad will cater to that requirements and enhance the launch capacity for future Indian human spaceflight missions. The TLP will support the more capable semi-cryogenic engine variant of the LVM3 rocket, and also the scaled-up version of India’s proposed NGLV rocket.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-s-cryogenic-engine-successfully-injected-into-its-orbit-1753897445737/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-s-cryogenic-engine-successfully-injected-into-its-orbit-1753897445737/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>What about the rocket that can lift 75,000 kg?</h2>&nbsp;At the time of writing, there are no publicly available documents or government approvals or announcements by the Indian Prime Minister, indicating that ISRO is planning to work on a rocket that can lift 75,000 kg (75 tonnes) to Low Earth orbit. The only reference to this ambitious project is the speech delivered by the ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan. Given the massive lift capacity of this rocket, it could be meant exclusively for crewed moon missions or crewed missions to Mars. However, this has not been publicly revealed by the Indian Government.&nbsp;Further, it is unclear whether this 40-storey rocket is an advanced variant of NGLV or an entirely new rocket. It must be noted that such a massive rocket would also require expensive launch infrastructure and huge investments.&nbsp;In contrast, there are multiple government documents and statements that refer to the NGLV rocket which is meant to lift 30,000 kg (30 tonnes) to Low Earth Orbit.&nbsp;<h2>The global league of giant rockets and where India stands</h2>&nbsp;India has a modest space programme that has evolved over the last 63 years. India’s space programme was envisioned to fulfil national needs, serve the common man of the country by providing benefits of space technology and its application. Therefore, India has always built rockets to only match its modest requirements and not to compete with the dominant space powers such as US, Russia, and China. Here is a broad comparison of the most powerful rockets in the world and where Indian rocketry stands.&nbsp;For reference, India’s most powerful operational rocket LVM3 has lifted close to 5,800 kg (5.8 tonnes) to Low Earth orbit (LEO). It is said to have the capacity to lift up to 8-10 tonnes to LEO. The rocket stands 42 metres tall. Therefore, India would have to progress from the present stated capacity of lifting 8-10 tonnes to LEO using LVM3 to lifting 30 tonnes to LEO using NGLV, and then progress to 75 tonnes to LEO using the 40-storey rocket. Typically, development of large rockets has taken more than a decade in India, sometimes even two decades.&nbsp;America’s Saturn V is the world’s most powerful rocket, and is better known as the “Moon rocket” which ferried the Apollo series of astronaut missions. It is said to have the capacity to lift about 1,18,000 kg(118 tonnes) to Earth orbit.The Saturn V was 111 metres tall. The Saturn V was retired after the Apollo missions.&nbsp;American firm SpaceX’s Starship rocket is undergoing development flights, it is designed to carry 100,000-150,000 kg (100-150 tonnes) to Earth orbit. While the Saturn V has a proven track record and history, the SpaceX Starship rocket is not yet ready to ferry either cargo or humans to space. Once it does so regularly and reliably, it would dethrone the Saturn V and its track record. The SpaceX Starship is 120 metres tall.&nbsp;The erstwhile Soviet Union’s N1 rocket was meant to be a direct competitor to America’s Saturn V, during the peak of the space race and Cold War. The 105 metres tall rocket was meant to carry 95,000 kg (95 tonnes) to Low Earth orbit. There were four launch attempts, but all failed, which ended up in the closure of the programme.&nbsp;SpaceX operates the Falcon Heavy rocket which has the capacity to carry over 63,000 kg(63 tonnes) to Low Earth orbit. Standing 70 metres tall, the Falcon Heavy has flown 11 times and continues to be in service.&nbsp;China is in the process of developing Long March 9, a rocket that is meant to lift 150,000 kg (150 tonnes) to Low Earth orbit. The rocket is envisioned to stand 114 metres tall. The rocket is expected to undertake its maiden flight in 2033.

ISRO is developing a Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) which is about 90 metres tall. It is designed to carry a maximum of 30,000 kg (30 tonnes) to Low Earth orbit, but will need a new launchpad and associated infrastructure at the spaceport in Sriharikota.

“Today, we are conceiving a rocket to place 75,000 kg (75 tonnes) in Low Earth orbit (about 400-1000 km above earth),” Dr. V. Narayanan, the Chief of the Indian Space Agency ISRO has revealed. Explaining the scale of this proposed rocket, he said that the first Indian spacefaring rocket SLV-3 was capable of placing a payload of 35 kg in Low Earth Orbit, whereas the envisioned rocket would be able to place 75,000 kg in Low Earth orbit, indicating a 2,100-fold increase in lift capacity. For perspective, the 1980s-era SLV-3 rocket stood 22 metres tall, whereas Dr. Narayanan says that the future rocket would be 40-storeys tall, implying that it would be around 120-140 metres tall.

ISRO is developing a Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) which is about 90 metres tall. It is designed to carry a maximum of 30,000 kg (30 tonnes) to Low Earth orbit, but will need a new launchpad and associated infrastructure at the spaceport in Sriharikota.

40-storey tall rocket that can lift 75,000 kg: ISRO Chief reveals...

Once reliant on foreign aid but now leading globally, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch a 6,500 kg US-based communication satellite, the Block-2 BlueBird (BlueBird 2), in the next couple of months, the chairman of the space agency, V. Narayanan, said on Sunday. The development comes after the launch of the NISAR satellite, the world’s costliest Earth observation mission in collaboration with NASA.&nbsp;While speaking at an event near Chennai, V. Narayanan stated that this mission will follow the historic launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission onboard a GSLV-F16 rocket on July 30. “In another couple of months, a country that received a tiny rocket from the United States, is going to launch a 6,500 kg communication satellite built by the America using our own launcher from Indian soil. What a significant growth it is,” he said, TOI reported.<h3>What is the US's BlueBird 2 satellite?</h3>Block-2 BlueBird, developed by the US-based company AST SpaceMobile, is a next-generation satellite that is built to revolutionise global connectivity. As per V. Narayanan, this satellite has large communication range measuring up to 2,400 sq ft. Block-2 BlueBird is specially designed with an aim to achieve a data transmission speed of up to 12 Mbps, prompting hassle-free voice, data, and video communication for end users. Interestingly, this satellite will also facilitate direct-to-smartphone broadband connectivity, without the need for specialised terminals.&nbsp;India will receive this next-generation satellite in September, and it will be launched from the Sriharikota spaceport aboard the heaviest rocket in ISRO’s fleet, the LMV-3-M5. The interesting part of the Block-2 BlueBird satellite is that it uses AST &amp; Science’s patented technologies to connect directly to cellphones in the space environment for the SpaceMobile Constellation.&nbsp;The satellite features a 64.38 sq m communication array, enabling direct mobile connectivity through 3GPP-standard frequencies. It has forged partnerships with leading telecom operators worldwide.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-10-space-missions-of-2025-and-beyond-1751524325156">From NASA to ISRO: Who’s exploring what? Here are the top 10 space missions of 2025 and beyond</a><h3>NASA's foreign aid to global leader</h3>Narayanan recalled that when ISRO was established in 1963, India lagged six to seven years behind advanced spacefaring countries. That same year, the United States donated a tiny rocket, marking the beginning of the Indian Space Programme. "It was on November 21, 1963," he said.&nbsp;He added that leveraging satellite data given by the US in 1975, ISRO showcased 'mass communication' by installing 2,400 television sets across 2,400 villages of 6 Indian states.&nbsp;"From that (kind of humble beginnings), the 30th of July was a historical day for the Indian space programme. We have launched the NISAR satellite. The costliest satellite ever built in the world. The L Band SAR payload from the USA and S Band payload provided by ISRO. The satellite was placed in orbit precisely by Indian launcher (GSLV). And today, we are shoulder to shoulder with advanced countries," Narayanan remarked.&nbsp;Narayanan also reiterated ISRO’s commitment to completing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India’s own space station, by 2035. The 52-tonne facility will be set up in five modules, with the first module likely to be placed in orbit in 2028.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

After the NISAR mission, ISRO is set to launch a 6,500 kg US-based communication satellite, the Block-2 BlueBird (BlueBird 2), in the next couple of months. This is a next-generation satellite that is built to revolutionise global connectivity.

Once reliant on foreign aid but now leading globally, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch a 6,500 kg US-based communication satellite, the Block-2 BlueBird (BlueBird 2), in the next couple of months, the chairman of the space agency, V. Narayanan, said on Sunday. The development comes after the launch of the NISAR satellite, the world’s costliest Earth observation mission in collaboration with NASA. While speaking at an event near Chennai, V. Narayanan stated that this mission will follow the historic launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission onboard a GSLV-F16 rocket on July 30. “In another couple of months, a country that received a tiny rocket from the United States, is going to launch a 6,500 kg communication satellite built by the America using our own launcher from Indian soil. What a significant growth it is,” he said, TOI reported. What is the US's BlueBird 2 satellite? Block-2 BlueBird, developed by the US-based company AST SpaceMobile, is a next-generation satellite that is built to revolutionise global connectivity. As per V. Narayanan, this satellite has large communication range measuring up to 2,400 sq ft. Block-2 BlueBird is specially designed with an aim to achieve a data transmission speed of up to 12 Mbps, prompting hassle-free voice, data, and video communication for end users. Interestingly, this satellite will also facilitate direct-to-smartphone broadband connectivity, without the need for specialised terminals. India will receive this next-generation satellite in September, and it will be launched from the Sriharikota spaceport aboard the heaviest rocket in ISRO’s fleet, the LMV-3-M5. The interesting part of the Block-2 BlueBird satellite is that it uses AST & Science’s patented technologies to connect directly to cellphones in the space environment for the SpaceMobile Constellation. The satellite features a 64.38 sq m communication array, enabling direct mobile connectivity through 3GPP-standard frequencies. It has forged partnerships with leading telecom operators worldwide. Also read: From NASA to ISRO: Who’s exploring what? Here are the top 10 space missions of 2025 and beyond NASA's foreign aid to global leader Narayanan recalled that when ISRO was established in 1963, India lagged six to seven years behind advanced spacefaring countries. That same year, the United States donated a tiny rocket, marking the beginning of the Indian Space Programme. "It was on November 21, 1963," he said. He added that leveraging satellite data given by the US in 1975, ISRO showcased 'mass communication' by installing 2,400 television sets across 2,400 villages of 6 Indian states. "From that (kind of humble beginnings), the 30th of July was a historical day for the Indian space programme. We have launched the NISAR satellite. The costliest satellite ever built in the world. The L Band SAR payload from the USA and S Band payload provided by ISRO. The satellite was placed in orbit precisely by Indian launcher (GSLV). And today, we are shoulder to shoulder with advanced countries," Narayanan remarked. Narayanan also reiterated ISRO’s commitment to completing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India’s own space station, by 2035. The 52-tonne facility will be set up in five modules, with the first module likely to be placed in orbit in 2028.

After the NISAR mission, ISRO is set to launch a 6,500 kg US-based communication satellite, the Block-2 BlueBird (BlueBird 2), in the next couple of months. This is a next-generation satellite that is built to revolutionise global connectivity.

What is Block-2 BlueBird? US-based satellite to be launched by ISRO using India’s heaviest rocket

Let’s say that a popular automobile company introduces a new type of small, cost-efficient car. This car is meant to be built and operated in large numbers, and over the years it is projected to ferry a significant number of passengers and bring in big bucks. However, after doing three mandatory development rides in three years, this car has never been started again; it isn’t even being talked about much in the relevant global market, while its competition does very well. The aforementioned car analogy refers to the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), an ISRO-built rocket funded by the Indian taxpayer.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>What is the SSLV rocket?&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Launched for the first time on August 7th, 2022, SSLV was meant to be a new addition to India’s fleet of PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3 mainstay rockets. In the Indian context, think of the PSLV as a hatchback, GSLV as a crossover, and LVM3 as an SUV. The SSLV can be thought of as a two-seater car. Many rockets in the global market can be compared to large vans and buses; Indian rockets do not come close in size or capability.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to ISRO, SSLV is capable of launching a 500 kg satellite in a 500 km planar orbit from the Indian spaceport in Sriharikota. The features of SSLV are easy-to-manufacture, low-cost, can accommodate multiple satellites, launch-on-demand feasibility, minimal launch infrastructure requirements, etc. It has been said SSLV could be assembled and readied for launch in less than a week and could be launched multiple times in a month.&nbsp;Typical ISRO rockets like PSLV and GSLV require more than a month to assemble and be readied for launch. SSLV was touted as a rocket that could be readied for launch on short notice, based on customer orders. SSLV was also seen as a strategic spacefaring capability that would help India launch small satellites during emergency scenarios or crises.&nbsp;Based on such features, the SSLV was projected as a rocket that could earn revenue for the Indian government. Together, India’s PSLV and LVM3 rockets have launched more than 400 foreign-origin satellites and brought in millions of dollars to the Indian exchequer. SSLV was expected to do the same and increase India’s share in a billion-dollar market where there are only a handful of government agencies and private firms competing consistently. Estimates say that India’s share in the $20 billion global space launch market is barely 2-3%.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>In 3 flights, SSLV failed once, succeeded twice&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The first three flights of a rocket are known as developmental flights, these are opportunities to launch the rocket and test, validate all its systems. Which is why there is a high chance of failure or unexpected errors. Shortly after reaching space, SSLV failed on its first launch that took place on 7th August 2022. Both satellites were lost due to the rocket failure in the final moments.&nbsp;ISRO rectified the errors identified in the maiden mission, and SSLV’s second launch was successfully carried out on February 10th, 2023. SSLV’s third launch was successfully carried out on August 16th, 2024. Overall, based on its three launches till date, the SSLV has a success rate of 66%.&nbsp;<h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Why has the SSLV not been flying? Here’s what insiders say</h2>&nbsp;Insiders say that the Indian government had only approved and funded three launches of the SSLV rocket. Generally, a rocket has to be launched multiple times by its maker to prove its reliability and performance. As a rocket accomplishes more successful missions, its track record becomes globally recognised and satellite companies would be willing to charter the rocket to ferry their expensive satellites to space. In SSLV’s case, the rocket has a success rate of 66%(2 successes in 3 launches). In contrast, the Indian LVM3 rocket has a success rate of 100%(all seven launches successful). ISRO’s famed workhorse PSLV rocket has a success rate of over 93% (59 successes in 63 missions).&nbsp;<h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>In the era of SpaceX, Indian rockets are not the first choice of customers</h2>&nbsp;It is claimed that Indian rockets and space missions are cheaper than Hollywood films. However, these direct numerical comparisons are neither scientific nor rooted in reality. In the world of commercial rocketry, the real metric is cost-per-kilogramme to orbit. In simple terms, per-kg cost on larger rockets is cheaper than per-kg cost on smaller rockets. This is broadly similar to why a train ticket costs far lesser than undertaking the same journey via car. The larger the vehicle, the more it can carry, therefore the per-kg cost reduces.&nbsp;&nbsp;While ISRO’s commercial arm NSIL does not officially reveal its per-kg cost, it is well established in the market that ISRO’s rockets are not cost competitive in a world dominated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. For various reasons, many Indian startups have chosen to launch their satellites on SpaceX rockets instead of choosing the homegrown ISRO rockets.&nbsp;As the world’s leading rocket firm, SpaceX does well over 120 launches a year, compared to less than seven launches that ISRO does annually. Industry estimates have clearly established that the per-kg cost on SpaceX’s massive Falcon-series of re-usable rockets is less than half of the per-kg cost charged by India. Naturally, satellite firms would choose the cheaper option offered by SpaceX.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>SSLV’s global peers are flying high</h2>&nbsp;In India, SSLV enjoys a monopoly as it is the only operational small rocket and it is developed by the reputed ISRO. Indian startups are in the process of building similar small rockets, but they have not launched to space. Therefore, if a foreign firm or Indian startup wishes to launch a small satellite, SSLV is among the few options available globally.&nbsp;&nbsp;For sake of comparison, a relatively small American firm Rocket Lab operates the Electron rocket, which is similar to the Indian SSLV. Rocket Lab accomplished 16 rocket launch missions for its customers in 2024, and is on track to execute 16 or more launches in 2025. Though a small firm when compared to industry giants like SpaceX, Rocket Lab has been consistently increasing its number of launches with every passing year. Critics also say that India government agency NSIL has not been working hard enough to attract customers for the SSLV.&nbsp;<h2>SSLV may fly again in 2025-end or 2026?</h2>&nbsp;In July 2025, ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan mentioned that “a couple of SSLV missions” are among the nine launches that are scheduled to happen by March 2026.&nbsp;In 2024, it was announced that a 450 kg Australian satellite ‘Optimus’ would be launched by SSLV in the year 2026.NSIL had also said that it is building 15 SSLV rockets, but even these missions are expected to take to the skies in 2026 or later.In early 2024, Indian government agency projected that two SSLVs would be launched before March 2025, and none of those launches happened.&nbsp;<h2>SSLV is now HAL’s rocket. Can they deliver?</h2>&nbsp;In June 2025, the Indian Government announced that the SSLV rocket would be owned, marketed, and flown by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Government firm HAL had bid for the SSLV rocket and its technology transfer, and would pay Rs 511 crore in a phased manner for it.&nbsp;In about two years from now, HAL would be entirely building the SSLVs. This would mean that the SSLV rocket is going to be HAL’s property, they can launch it to ferry customers’ satellites and demand a price for providing the launch services.&nbsp;However, HAL also faces harsh public criticism from India’s defence establishment for its slow rollout of Tejas fighter jets, and unresolved technical issues that led to the ongoing grounding of variants of ALH (Dhruv) helicopters. Officials from HAL’s Aerospace division had outlined that their capability for space manufacturing is different from that of fighter planes. They added that a different manufacturing capacity exists for the space programme and for the fighter jet programme.

In about two years from now, HAL would be entirely building the SSLVs. This would mean that the SSLV rocket is going to be HAL’s property, they can launch it to ferry customers’ satellites and demand a price for providing the launch services.

Let’s say that a popular automobile company introduces a new type of small, cost-efficient car. This car is meant to be built and operated in large numbers, and over the years it is projected to ferry a significant number of passengers and bring in big bucks. However, after doing three mandatory development rides in three years, this car has never been started again; it isn’t even being talked about much in the relevant global market, while its competition does very well. The aforementioned car analogy refers to the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), an ISRO-built rocket funded by the Indian taxpayer. What is the SSLV rocket? Launched for the first time on August 7th, 2022, SSLV was meant to be a new addition to India’s fleet of PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3 mainstay rockets. In the Indian context, think of the PSLV as a hatchback, GSLV as a crossover, and LVM3 as an SUV. The SSLV can be thought of as a two-seater car. Many rockets in the global market can be compared to large vans and buses; Indian rockets do not come close in size or capability. According to ISRO, SSLV is capable of launching a 500 kg satellite in a 500 km planar orbit from the Indian spaceport in Sriharikota. The features of SSLV are easy-to-manufacture, low-cost, can accommodate multiple satellites, launch-on-demand feasibility, minimal launch infrastructure requirements, etc. It has been said SSLV could be assembled and readied for launch in less than a week and could be launched multiple times in a month. Typical ISRO rockets like PSLV and GSLV require more than a month to assemble and be readied for launch. SSLV was touted as a rocket that could be readied for launch on short notice, based on customer orders. SSLV was also seen as a strategic spacefaring capability that would help India launch small satellites during emergency scenarios or crises. Based on such features, the SSLV was projected as a rocket that could earn revenue for the Indian government. Together, India’s PSLV and LVM3 rockets have launched more than 400 foreign-origin satellites and brought in millions of dollars to the Indian exchequer. SSLV was expected to do the same and increase India’s share in a billion-dollar market where there are only a handful of government agencies and private firms competing consistently. Estimates say that India’s share in the $20 billion global space launch market is barely 2-3%. In 3 flights, SSLV failed once, succeeded twice The first three flights of a rocket are known as developmental flights, these are opportunities to launch the rocket and test, validate all its systems. Which is why there is a high chance of failure or unexpected errors. Shortly after reaching space, SSLV failed on its first launch that took place on 7th August 2022. Both satellites were lost due to the rocket failure in the final moments. ISRO rectified the errors identified in the maiden mission, and SSLV’s second launch was successfully carried out on February 10th, 2023. SSLV’s third launch was successfully carried out on August 16th, 2024. Overall, based on its three launches till date, the SSLV has a success rate of 66%. Why has the SSLV not been flying? Here’s what insiders say Insiders say that the Indian government had only approved and funded three launches of the SSLV rocket. Generally, a rocket has to be launched multiple times by its maker to prove its reliability and performance. As a rocket accomplishes more successful missions, its track record becomes globally recognised and satellite companies would be willing to charter the rocket to ferry their expensive satellites to space. In SSLV’s case, the rocket has a success rate of 66%(2 successes in 3 launches). In contrast, the Indian LVM3 rocket has a success rate of 100%(all seven launches successful). ISRO’s famed workhorse PSLV rocket has a success rate of over 93% (59 successes in 63 missions). In the era of SpaceX, Indian rockets are not the first choice of customers It is claimed that Indian rockets and space missions are cheaper than Hollywood films. However, these direct numerical comparisons are neither scientific nor rooted in reality. In the world of commercial rocketry, the real metric is cost-per-kilogramme to orbit. In simple terms, per-kg cost on larger rockets is cheaper than per-kg cost on smaller rockets. This is broadly similar to why a train ticket costs far lesser than undertaking the same journey via car. The larger the vehicle, the more it can carry, therefore the per-kg cost reduces. While ISRO’s commercial arm NSIL does not officially reveal its per-kg cost, it is well established in the market that ISRO’s rockets are not cost competitive in a world dominated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. For various reasons, many Indian startups have chosen to launch their satellites on SpaceX rockets instead of choosing the homegrown ISRO rockets. As the world’s leading rocket firm, SpaceX does well over 120 launches a year, compared to less than seven launches that ISRO does annually. Industry estimates have clearly established that the per-kg cost on SpaceX’s massive Falcon-series of re-usable rockets is less than half of the per-kg cost charged by India. Naturally, satellite firms would choose the cheaper option offered by SpaceX. SSLV’s global peers are flying high In India, SSLV enjoys a monopoly as it is the only operational small rocket and it is developed by the reputed ISRO. Indian startups are in the process of building similar small rockets, but they have not launched to space. Therefore, if a foreign firm or Indian startup wishes to launch a small satellite, SSLV is among the few options available globally. For sake of comparison, a relatively small American firm Rocket Lab operates the Electron rocket, which is similar to the Indian SSLV. Rocket Lab accomplished 16 rocket launch missions for its customers in 2024, and is on track to execute 16 or more launches in 2025. Though a small firm when compared to industry giants like SpaceX, Rocket Lab has been consistently increasing its number of launches with every passing year. Critics also say that India government agency NSIL has not been working hard enough to attract customers for the SSLV. SSLV may fly again in 2025-end or 2026? In July 2025, ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan mentioned that “a couple of SSLV missions” are among the nine launches that are scheduled to happen by March 2026. In 2024, it was announced that a 450 kg Australian satellite ‘Optimus’ would be launched by SSLV in the year 2026. NSIL had also said that it is building 15 SSLV rockets, but even these missions are expected to take to the skies in 2026 or later. In early 2024, Indian government agency projected that two SSLVs would be launched before March 2025, and none of those launches happened. SSLV is now HAL’s rocket. Can they deliver? In June 2025, the Indian Government announced that the SSLV rocket would be owned, marketed, and flown by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Government firm HAL had bid for the SSLV rocket and its technology transfer, and would pay Rs 511 crore in a phased manner for it. In about two years from now, HAL would be entirely building the SSLVs. This would mean that the SSLV rocket is going to be HAL’s property, they can launch it to ferry customers’ satellites and demand a price for providing the launch services. However, HAL also faces harsh public criticism from India’s defence establishment for its slow rollout of Tejas fighter jets, and unresolved technical issues that led to the ongoing grounding of variants of ALH (Dhruv) helicopters. Officials from HAL’s Aerospace division had outlined that their capability for space manufacturing is different from that of fighter planes. They added that a different manufacturing capacity exists for the space programme and for the fighter jet programme.

In about two years from now, HAL would be entirely building the SSLVs. This would mean that the SSLV rocket is going to be HAL’s property, they can launch it to ferry customers’ satellites and demand a price for providing the launch services.

3 years after its debut, India’s SSLV rocket doesn’t have a market?

India’s strategic NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) series of satellites, built and maintained by the space agency ISRO, are nearly defunct, with only a bare minimum of four among 11 satellites fulfilling their core purpose, government data shows. Of these four operational satellites, one (IRNSS-1B) has already exceeded its planned life of 10 years and could stop functioning anytime, while another (IRNSS-1F) has less than a year to complete its decade in service and has suffered partial equipment failure. NAVIC is India’s own version of America’s GPS, Russia’s GLONASS, China’s Beidou and Europe’s Galileo systems. According to ISRO, India’s NAVIC constellation is meant to have five or seven operational satellites. At present, the depleted and near-defunct fleet of NAVIC satellites requires urgent replacement, given that they serve India’s strategic forces and are meant to augment warfighting capabilities.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">India&#39;s desi-GPS satellites known as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> NAVIC are near-defunct.. Of 11 satellites launched, only 4 are providing core PNT services. Of these 4, 1 has completed end of planned life, 1 has partial equipment failure. Govt admitted this in Parliament, &amp; RTI by <a href="https://twitter.com/SolidBoosters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SolidBoosters</a> <a href="https://t.co/WDvm6kaTfg">pic.twitter.com/WDvm6kaTfg</a>&mdash; Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1948350953335185867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

While GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo provide global coverage, India’s NAVIC provides services only in the Indian neighbourhood (Indian mainland and 1,500 km beyond Indian borders). The Indian Government decided to fund and operationalise the NAVIC series of satellites, after precise GPS services were denied to the Indian military amid the 1999 war against neighbour Pakistan. It is well established that all operators of GPS-like satellite constellations use them for civilian and military purposes.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the Indian space agency ISRO, which builds and operates NAVIC, the constellation of satellites serves terrestrial, aerial, and maritime navigation, precision agriculture, emergency services, and fleet management, Location-based services in mobile devices, marine fisheries, timing services for financial institutions, power grids, and other government agencies, Internet-of-Things (IoT) based applications, and strategic applications.&nbsp;As is the case with GPS and other foreign services, NAVIC is also meant for use by the Indian armed forces for navigation, assigning targets to and guiding drones, missiles, smart bombs, precision-guided munitions, among others. It is learnt that NAVIC-based systems are in active use and are also being integrated with more warfighting systems of the Indian Armed Forces.&nbsp;<h2>Five of eight First-generation NAVIC satellites failed</h2>&nbsp;Between the year 2013 and 2018, ISRO launched a total of nine NAVIC satellites, which were then known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). These satellites in the first-generation series were designated as IRNSS1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I.&nbsp;Of these nine, IRNSS 1H failed to reach orbit, due to a rocket-related failure. Therefore, only eight IRNSS satellites were successfully placed in orbit.&nbsp;Of these eight IRNSS satellites in orbit, over the years, five satellites (1A, 1C, 1D, 1E,1G) have experienced a total failure of all three atomic clocks. Each satellite carries three onboard atomic clocks and all of them failed, government data sourced via RTI shows. Further, the 1F satellite has witnessed the failure of two of three atomic clocks. According to ISRO, these atomic clocks have been sourced from Swiss firm SpectraTime, a leading provider of such high-precision atomic clocks.&nbsp;As per government data, of the eight first generation satellites only three—1B, 1F, 1I—satellites are fully functional and providing Position, Navigation, Timing Services. Among these three, 1B has already exceeded its planned life of 10years (which means it could become defunct soon), while 1F has less than a year to complete its planned decade in service, but it also faces partial atomic clock failure. 1I was launched it 2018 and it expected to work till 2028, but doubts remain given the other five premature failures.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>One of two Second Generation NAVIC satellites failed</h2>&nbsp;In order to replace the ageing fleet of IRNSS (first gen NAVIC) satellites, ISRO began launching the NVS-series of satellites. NVS is meant to be a constellation of five satellites. ISRO launched NVS-01 in May 2023 and that satellite has been working as designed, but the successor satellite NVS-02 which launched in January 2025 failed to reach its destined orbit. The satellite remains stuck in its initial orbit, as the satellite’s onboard engine could not fire to lift it higher. Stuck in the initial orbit, NVS-02 cannot provide Position, Navigation, Timing services. So far, ISRO has not publicly revealed the exact cause that led to the engine not firing.&nbsp;<h2>NAVIC satellites need urgent replacement; ISRO must speed up</h2>&nbsp;With only four operational satellites (1B, 1F, 1I, NVS-01), another failure could render NAVIC completely ineffective and inaccurate, which also affects Indian Armed Forces and their warfighting capabilities. Therefore, ISRO needs to urgently launch NVS-03, NVS-04, NVS-05. The Indian government has said in Parliament that all three remaining NVS satellites would be launched by the end of 2026. However, this seems like an unrealistic timeline, given ISRO’s pace so far.&nbsp;&nbsp;ISRO launched NVS-01 in May 2023; NVS-02 was launched in January 2025, which shows a gap of 19 months between the two launches. With NVS-02 having failed, ISRO would have to conduct thorough studies and work towards preventing similar failures in subsequent missions, and this whole process could take time. Further, the flaws identified must be corrected and software/hardware changes must be implemented in the upcoming NVS satellites.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the time of writing, ISRO has conducted only two launches in seven months of 2025 and both these missions have failed. In the first mission, NVS-02 satellite failed to reach orbit, and in the second mission the PSLV-C61 rocket failed mid-flight and the EOS-09 Earth-imaging satellite was also destroyed in the process.&nbsp;In recent years, ISRO has been performing a maximum of five or seven launches in a calendar year. Therefore, ISRO needs to work on both the rocketry front and the satellite front to ramp up its launch activity, ensure a higher rate of mission success and reliability, so that India's public-funded NAVIC can get back on track, in addition to a host of other critical missions.

India’s depleted and near-defunct fleet of NAVIC satellites requires urgent replacement since they serve India’s strategic forces and play a major role in augmenting warfighting capabilities. The NAVIC constellation is meant to have five or seven operational satellites.

India’s strategic NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) series of satellites, built and maintained by the space agency ISRO, are nearly defunct, with only a bare minimum of four among 11 satellites fulfilling their core purpose, government data shows. Of these four operational satellites, one (IRNSS-1B) has already exceeded its planned life of 10 years and could stop functioning anytime, while another (IRNSS-1F) has less than a year to complete its decade in service and has suffered partial equipment failure. NAVIC is India’s own version of America’s GPS, Russia’s GLONASS, China’s Beidou and Europe’s Galileo systems. According to ISRO, India’s NAVIC constellation is meant to have five or seven operational satellites. At present, the depleted and near-defunct fleet of NAVIC satellites requires urgent replacement, given that they serve India’s strategic forces and are meant to augment warfighting capabilities.

India’s depleted and near-defunct fleet of NAVIC satellites requires urgent replacement since they serve India’s strategic forces and play a major role in augmenting warfighting capabilities. The NAVIC constellation is meant to have five or seven operational satellites.

India’s desi-GPS NAVIC is near-defunct; satellites need urgent replacement

Just like the Indian Government's space mission Gaganyaan aims to develop technology to send its astronauts to earth orbit and return them safely, the Samudrayaan mission aims to develop technology to send a crewed capsule 6kms (6,000meters) beneath the ocean. While the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission is entirely the Indian Space agency ISRO's domain, ISRO is using its design, engineering, and materials expertise to contribute towards the Earth Sciences Ministry's Samudrayaan, which aims to travel deep into the ocean. ISRO's contribution includes the development and testing of Matsya-6000, a submersible spherical vessel that is meant to execute Samudrayaan.&nbsp;The Chennai-based National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) and ISRO had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO for designing and fabricating the spherical vessel Matsya-6000. A sphere of 2.26 meters diameter with a wall thickness of 0.8meters, Matysa-6000 is made out of Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V - ELI grade) and is expected to withstand an external pressure up to 600bar, under low temperature conditions of -3°C.&nbsp;&nbsp;This has the capability to carry a three-member crew into the deep ocean. For context, 1 bar is the standard atmospheric pressure felt at sea level, whereas Matsya-6000 is supposed to withstand 600-times as much. According to ISRO, the major challenge in fabricating the spherical vessel is the development of reliable, high penetration (80-102mm thick) Electron Beam Welding (EBW) process and the high-energy (7.5MeV) X-ray radiography facility for the Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE), which is essential for the certification of the human-rated product.&nbsp;&nbsp;ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) was responsible for developing the process and infrastructure for the welding process and Non-Destructive Evaluation. LPSC-Bengaluru had the facility and expertise to carry out welding up to 20mm thick. To meet the high power demand for welding, the Electron Beam Welding machine was augmented from 15kW to 40kW rating along with additional facilities for chemical cleaning and handling equipment for the higher size and mass.&nbsp;For Non-Destructive Evaluation, the existing X-ray facility in kV range was augmented to 7.5MeV range. Multiple NDE techniques were employed which complement each other in ascertaining weld quality, based on various parameters. Subsequent to the process development and process optimization by ISRO, the first welding on the actual hardware and detailed evaluation have been successfully completed, ISRO said. High penetration welding of 80mm weld scale, thickness over 7100mm length with 32 minutes of weld duration, was carried out for the first time in the country, the space agency added.

ISRO supports development of Indias deep ocean capsule 

Just like the Indian Government's space mission Gaganyaan aims to develop technology to send its astronauts to earth orbit and return them safely, the Samudrayaan mission aims to develop technology to send a crewed capsule 6kms (6,000meters) beneath the ocean. While the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission is entirely the Indian Space agency ISRO's domain, ISRO is using its design, engineering, and materials expertise to contribute towards the Earth Sciences Ministry's Samudrayaan, which aims to travel deep into the ocean. ISRO's contribution includes the development and testing of Matsya-6000, a submersible spherical vessel that is meant to execute Samudrayaan. The Chennai-based National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) and ISRO had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO for designing and fabricating the spherical vessel Matsya-6000. A sphere of 2.26 meters diameter with a wall thickness of 0.8meters, Matysa-6000 is made out of Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V - ELI grade) and is expected to withstand an external pressure up to 600bar, under low temperature conditions of -3°C. This has the capability to carry a three-member crew into the deep ocean. For context, 1 bar is the standard atmospheric pressure felt at sea level, whereas Matsya-6000 is supposed to withstand 600-times as much. According to ISRO, the major challenge in fabricating the spherical vessel is the development of reliable, high penetration (80-102mm thick) Electron Beam Welding (EBW) process and the high-energy (7.5MeV) X-ray radiography facility for the Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE), which is essential for the certification of the human-rated product. ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) was responsible for developing the process and infrastructure for the welding process and Non-Destructive Evaluation. LPSC-Bengaluru had the facility and expertise to carry out welding up to 20mm thick. To meet the high power demand for welding, the Electron Beam Welding machine was augmented from 15kW to 40kW rating along with additional facilities for chemical cleaning and handling equipment for the higher size and mass. For Non-Destructive Evaluation, the existing X-ray facility in kV range was augmented to 7.5MeV range. Multiple NDE techniques were employed which complement each other in ascertaining weld quality, based on various parameters. Subsequent to the process development and process optimization by ISRO, the first welding on the actual hardware and detailed evaluation have been successfully completed, ISRO said. High penetration welding of 80mm weld scale, thickness over 7100mm length with 32 minutes of weld duration, was carried out for the first time in the country, the space agency added.

The Chennai-based National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) and ISRO had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO for designing and fabricating the spherical vessel Matsya-6000

ISRO supports development of India's deep ocean capsule

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, jointly built by the American and Indian space agencies, will be capturing an unprecedented amount of Earth-imaging data as it circles 747 kms above the Earth’s surface. “NISAR would be capturing 4.37 Terabytes (over 4,300 GB) of data per day,” Dr. Sanghamitra Dutta, NISAR Program Executive, NASA Headquarters, told WION’s Sidharth M.P. For context, an average consumer laptop comes with 512 GB of storage space. Therefore, NISAR would capture enough imagery to fill up at least eight laptops in a single day.&nbsp;&nbsp;Weighing nearly 2,400 kg, NISAR is meant to carry out high-resolution Earth imaging for at least three years. NISAR would generate a whopping 1569 Terabytes (over 1.5 million GB) of imaging data, considering its minimal operational life of three years. Over this period of three years, NISAR would generate enough data to fill up at least 2,900 laptops. The first-ever satellite to be built jointly by space agencies of India and the US, NISAR is meant to monitor Earth’s vital signs and help understand the impact of climate change and natural disasters, among others.&nbsp;If everything goes according to plan, the GLSV-F16 rocket carrying the NISAR satellite will lift off from the Indian Spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at around 5:40 pm Indian time, on 30th July, Wednesday. ISRO has officially announced the launch date and time for the mission.&nbsp;<h2>24/7 Earth-monitoring for several years</h2>&nbsp;Typically, an Earth-imaging satellite would have to only capture images when passing over its area of interest or region of study. When not flying over the area of interest, the imaging equipment can be turned off and put to rest. That’s where NISAR stands out—its job is to capture earth imaging data round-the-clock over its operational life of more than three years. NASA says NISAR will be capable of mapping the Earth’s land and ice-covered surface twice in a period of twelve days. While NISAR is expected to have a minimum mission life of three years, it is likely to perform its duties for five years or longer. Satellite life depends on how much fuel it carries on board, the design life of its electronic components, and other technical parameters.&nbsp;NISAR is the first satellite mission to collect radar data in two microwave bandwidth regions, called the L-band and the S-band, to measure changes of our planet’s surface, including movements as small as a centimetre. This allows the mission to observe a wide range of Earth processes, from the flow rates of glaciers and ice sheets to the dynamics of earthquakes and volcanoes. NISAR will map the entire globe in 12 days.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>How scientists would manage such vast amount of data from NISAR</h2>&nbsp;Given how NISAR would generate over 4,300 GB of data daily, scientists face a major challenge in managing this vast trove of Earth-imaging information. Like all our gadgets, the Solid State Data recorder on the NISAR satellite has a limited capacity, which is why NASA and ISRO are working on quick methods to downlink the data (send the data from the satellite to Earth) as frequently as possible. Think of it like rapidly downloading all photos and videos from a camera’s memory card before deleting them to free up space for the next use.&nbsp;NASA’s Dr. Dutta says that NISAR could generate the highest-ever amount of data from a single-satellite mission. “There has never been so much data coming from a mission on a daily basis, and we have prepared the downlink stations (Earth-based stations that receive data from satellites) for such high data rates. This would also help NASA in getting ready for future missions, when there would be a much higher volume of data transfers.” Notably, all of NISAR’s data would be archived and shared with the science community.&nbsp;<h2>How a radar-imaging satellite works</h2>&nbsp;Conventional Earth-imaging satellites click detailed colour photos of Earth, very similar to what a high-end camera does. In comparison, a radar-imaging satellite works in a totally different manner. Instead of giving an optics-based picture (like a photograph), radar satellites constantly beam radar waves onto the Earth. The features on Earth’s surface (buildings, trees, mountains, water bodies, roads, and glaciers) reflect these radar waves back to the satellite. By collecting and processing the reflected radar waves, radar-imaging satellites deliver imagery during day and night, during all weather conditions.&nbsp;Typically, conventional satellites’ ability to deliver images is obstructed by clouds and weather-related phenomena. While conventional optical satellite images are in colour, radar satellite images are inherently black-and-white. However, these black-and-white radar satellite images can be processed to deliver false-colour images for analysis.&nbsp;<h2>Is NISAR a spy satellite?&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Synthetic Aperture Radar technology is widely used for military and strategic purposes, as it can delivery imagery during day and night conditions, even amid weather conditions that hinder traditional camera-based satellite imaging. During his time at the helm of ISRO, when asked if NISAR was a spy satellite, Dr. S. Somanath categorically stated, “NISAR is not a spy satellite.” He elaborated that the data generated by NISAR would be shared in a free and open manner with the entire scientific community. He said that it was purely a science mission and aimed at studying the Earth in high detail, which would help draw better conclusions on various phenomena that are affecting our planet.&nbsp;Dr. Datta from NASA highlighted that the first civilian SAR satellite in history, called SEASAT, was launched by NASA in 1978. SEASAT led to a series of NASA space shuttle-based radar missions and inspired the development of spaceborne SAR systems worldwide. She added that Japan and Europe also have SAR satellites for Earth-imaging purposes.&nbsp;&nbsp;All NISAR science data, L-band and S-band, will be freely available and open to the public, consistent with the long-standing NASA Earth Science open data policy. NASA has chosen the Alaska Satellite Facility Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) to host the mission’s data and products, said the American space agency.

The first-ever satellite to be built jointly by space agencies of India and the US, NISAR is meant to monitor Earth’s vital signs and help understand the impact of climate change and natural disasters, among others.

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, jointly built by the American and Indian space agencies, will be capturing an unprecedented amount of Earth-imaging data as it circles 747 kms above the Earth’s surface. “NISAR would be capturing 4.37 Terabytes (over 4,300 GB) of data per day,” Dr. Sanghamitra Dutta, NISAR Program Executive, NASA Headquarters, told WION’s Sidharth M.P. For context, an average consumer laptop comes with 512 GB of storage space. Therefore, NISAR would capture enough imagery to fill up at least eight laptops in a single day. Weighing nearly 2,400 kg, NISAR is meant to carry out high-resolution Earth imaging for at least three years. NISAR would generate a whopping 1569 Terabytes (over 1.5 million GB) of imaging data, considering its minimal operational life of three years. Over this period of three years, NISAR would generate enough data to fill up at least 2,900 laptops. The first-ever satellite to be built jointly by space agencies of India and the US, NISAR is meant to monitor Earth’s vital signs and help understand the impact of climate change and natural disasters, among others. If everything goes according to plan, the GLSV-F16 rocket carrying the NISAR satellite will lift off from the Indian Spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at around 5:40 pm Indian time, on 30th July, Wednesday. ISRO has officially announced the launch date and time for the mission. 24/7 Earth-monitoring for several years Typically, an Earth-imaging satellite would have to only capture images when passing over its area of interest or region of study. When not flying over the area of interest, the imaging equipment can be turned off and put to rest. That’s where NISAR stands out—its job is to capture earth imaging data round-the-clock over its operational life of more than three years. NASA says NISAR will be capable of mapping the Earth’s land and ice-covered surface twice in a period of twelve days. While NISAR is expected to have a minimum mission life of three years, it is likely to perform its duties for five years or longer. Satellite life depends on how much fuel it carries on board, the design life of its electronic components, and other technical parameters. NISAR is the first satellite mission to collect radar data in two microwave bandwidth regions, called the L-band and the S-band, to measure changes of our planet’s surface, including movements as small as a centimetre. This allows the mission to observe a wide range of Earth processes, from the flow rates of glaciers and ice sheets to the dynamics of earthquakes and volcanoes. NISAR will map the entire globe in 12 days. How scientists would manage such vast amount of data from NISAR Given how NISAR would generate over 4,300 GB of data daily, scientists face a major challenge in managing this vast trove of Earth-imaging information. Like all our gadgets, the Solid State Data recorder on the NISAR satellite has a limited capacity, which is why NASA and ISRO are working on quick methods to downlink the data (send the data from the satellite to Earth) as frequently as possible. Think of it like rapidly downloading all photos and videos from a camera’s memory card before deleting them to free up space for the next use. NASA’s Dr. Dutta says that NISAR could generate the highest-ever amount of data from a single-satellite mission. “There has never been so much data coming from a mission on a daily basis, and we have prepared the downlink stations (Earth-based stations that receive data from satellites) for such high data rates. This would also help NASA in getting ready for future missions, when there would be a much higher volume of data transfers.” Notably, all of NISAR’s data would be archived and shared with the science community. How a radar-imaging satellite works Conventional Earth-imaging satellites click detailed colour photos of Earth, very similar to what a high-end camera does. In comparison, a radar-imaging satellite works in a totally different manner. Instead of giving an optics-based picture (like a photograph), radar satellites constantly beam radar waves onto the Earth. The features on Earth’s surface (buildings, trees, mountains, water bodies, roads, and glaciers) reflect these radar waves back to the satellite. By collecting and processing the reflected radar waves, radar-imaging satellites deliver imagery during day and night, during all weather conditions. Typically, conventional satellites’ ability to deliver images is obstructed by clouds and weather-related phenomena. While conventional optical satellite images are in colour, radar satellite images are inherently black-and-white. However, these black-and-white radar satellite images can be processed to deliver false-colour images for analysis. Is NISAR a spy satellite? Synthetic Aperture Radar technology is widely used for military and strategic purposes, as it can delivery imagery during day and night conditions, even amid weather conditions that hinder traditional camera-based satellite imaging. During his time at the helm of ISRO, when asked if NISAR was a spy satellite, Dr. S. Somanath categorically stated, “NISAR is not a spy satellite.” He elaborated that the data generated by NISAR would be shared in a free and open manner with the entire scientific community. He said that it was purely a science mission and aimed at studying the Earth in high detail, which would help draw better conclusions on various phenomena that are affecting our planet. Dr. Datta from NASA highlighted that the first civilian SAR satellite in history, called SEASAT, was launched by NASA in 1978. SEASAT led to a series of NASA space shuttle-based radar missions and inspired the development of spaceborne SAR systems worldwide. She added that Japan and Europe also have SAR satellites for Earth-imaging purposes. All NISAR science data, L-band and S-band, will be freely available and open to the public, consistent with the long-standing NASA Earth Science open data policy. NASA has chosen the Alaska Satellite Facility Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) to host the mission’s data and products, said the American space agency.

The first-ever satellite to be built jointly by space agencies of India and the US, NISAR is meant to monitor Earth’s vital signs and help understand the impact of climate change and natural disasters, among others.

Exclusive: NASA-ISRO satellite to capture 4,300 GB of Earth imagery daily

India’s Chandrayaan-4 mission aims to bring Moon samples back to Earth, a big leap after Chandrayaan-3. If successful, it could boost India’s space rank globally, support human missions, and will also unlock lunar secrets, marking a turning point in ISRO’s deep space journey.

India’s Chandrayaan-4 mission aims to bring Moon samples back to Earth, a big leap after Chandrayaan-3. If successful, it could boost India’s space rank globally, support human missions, and will also unlock lunar secrets, marking a turning point in ISRO’s deep space journey.

5 reasons why ISRO's Chandrayaan-4 could push India ahead in the global space race

Shubanshu Shukla, after spending 3 weeks aboard the ISS on Axiom Mission 4, marking India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years. He led key experiments, making history and boosting India’s role in global space exploration.

Shubanshu Shukla, after spending 3 weeks aboard the ISS on Axiom Mission 4, marking India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years. He led key experiments, making history and boosting India’s role in global space exploration.

Shubanshu Shukla returns after 3-week journey on the ISS: How India’s star pilot made history aboard Axiom Mission 4

 To date, 636 people have travelled to space, with women comprising just over 11 per cent of that total. 

&nbsp;To date, 636 people have travelled to space, with women comprising just over 11 per cent of that total.&nbsp;

From NASA's Neil Armstrong to Rakesh Sharma: 7 legendary astronauts who redefined space exploration

There are around 12,952 satellites currently orbiting Earth, according to the reports. These satellites are placed in different types of orbits such as Low Earth Orbit, Medium Earth Orbit and Geostationary Orbit. Here's a look at top ten countries with highest number of satellites in space.

There are around 12,952 satellites currently orbiting Earth, according to the reports. These satellites are placed in different types of orbits such as Low Earth Orbit, Medium Earth Orbit and Geostationary Orbit. Here's a look at top ten countries with highest number of satellites in space.

Top 10 countries with highest number of satellites in space (2025)

Despite meticulous engineering and rigorous protocols, several missions have ended in tragedy. This list examines seven of the most serious accidents and disasters in the history of space exploration.

Despite meticulous engineering and rigorous protocols, several missions have ended in tragedy. This list examines seven of the most serious accidents and disasters in the history of space exploration.

Apollo, Columbia, Challenger: The 7 deadliest spaceflight accidents that changed history

A series of upcoming missions will further strengthen international collaboration, scientific ambition, and commercial capabilities in the space sector.

A series of upcoming missions will further strengthen international collaboration, scientific ambition, and commercial capabilities in the space sector.

After Axiom-4: 7 defining space missions set to take place in 2025 and beyond

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a video interaction with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, marking a historic moment as the Indian Air Force officer became the first Indian astronaut to board the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, serving as mission pilot on Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on June 25 aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. The Prime Minister also shared a video of the exchange on social media platform X, calling it a ‘wonderful conversation’ and praising Shukla for his milestone achievement in India’s space journey. Highlighting the symbolic value of Shukla's name, the Prime Minister remarked that the word 'Shubh' (auspicious) in his name marks a ‘shubh-aarambh’, an auspicious beginning for a new era of space exploration and scientific aspiration for India’s youth. The conversation also included a light-hearted moment about ‘gajar ka halwa’, a traditional Indian dessert. PM Modi asked, “Did you and the other astronauts eat the gajar ka halwa there?” to which Shukla responded that they enjoyed the sweet, along with other Indian treats he had carried aboard the ISS.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I had a wonderful conversation with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he shared his experiences from the International Space Station. Watch the special interaction! <a href="https://t.co/MoMR5ozRRA">https://t.co/MoMR5ozRRA</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1938945641528643735?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;When asked about his well-being and how it felt to be in space, Shukla replied: “This journey isn’t just mine, it belongs to the entire nation. As a child, I couldn’t have imagined becoming an astronaut.”&nbsp;The Prime Minister offered heartfelt congratulations, saying, “My voice carries the collective enthusiasm of all Indians. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you for raising India’s presence in space."&nbsp;Earlier, pictures of the interaction were shared by the Prime Minister's Office on its official X handle.&nbsp;The post read: “PM @narendramodi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is aboard the International Space Station."&nbsp;During their 14-day stay on the ISS, Shukla and his Ax-4 crewmates, mission commander Peggy Whitson (USA), and specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary)—will conduct more than 60 scientific and outreach experiments. These include studies in cancer research, DNA repair, and advanced manufacturing. Shukla will lead seven of the projects, contributing to what Axiom describes as its most ambitious research agenda yet.&nbsp;The mission also highlights growing international partnerships in space. The Ax-4 mission was made possible through collaboration between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), following a commitment by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi to deepen cooperation in human spaceflight. It marks a key step in commercial space engagement and India’s expanding space diplomacy.

Highlighting the symbolic value of Shukla's name, the Prime Minister remarked that the word 'Shubh' (auspicious) in his name marks a ‘shubh-aarambh’, an auspicious beginning for a new era of space exploration and scientific aspiration for India’s youth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a video interaction with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, marking a historic moment as the Indian Air Force officer became the first Indian astronaut to board the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, serving as mission pilot on Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on June 25 aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. The Prime Minister also shared a video of the exchange on social media platform X, calling it a ‘wonderful conversation’ and praising Shukla for his milestone achievement in India’s space journey. Highlighting the symbolic value of Shukla's name, the Prime Minister remarked that the word 'Shubh' (auspicious) in his name marks a ‘shubh-aarambh’, an auspicious beginning for a new era of space exploration and scientific aspiration for India’s youth. The conversation also included a light-hearted moment about ‘gajar ka halwa’, a traditional Indian dessert. PM Modi asked, “Did you and the other astronauts eat the gajar ka halwa there?” to which Shukla responded that they enjoyed the sweet, along with other Indian treats he had carried aboard the ISS.

Highlighting the symbolic value of Shukla's name, the Prime Minister remarked that the word 'Shubh' (auspicious) in his name marks a ‘shubh-aarambh’, an auspicious beginning for a new era of space exploration and scientific aspiration for India’s youth.

'All well up there?': PM Modi speaks to Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla aboard the International Space Station

Jahnavi Dangeti, a 23-year-old from Palakollu in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district, has been selected as an Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) for a 2029 space mission led by Titan Space Industries, a US-based private space research agency. The mission, set to launch in 2029, will be commanded by retired NASA astronaut Colonel William McArthur Jr. It will involve orbiting the Earth twice, with nearly three hours of continuous zero gravity, designed for scientific research and human spaceflight advancement. Jahnavi’s selection is an important step in India’s growing presence in international private space efforts.&nbsp;<h2>Who is she?</h2>Jahnavi, who studied Electronics and Communication Engineering at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab, was the first Indian to complete NASA’s International Air and Space Program (IASP). She was also the youngest foreign Analog Astronaut at the Analog Astronaut Training Centre in Poland. Her past work includes contributions to asteroid discovery through the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), and public engagement in STEM outreach, including talks at ISRO events and NITs. Her astronaut training begins in 2026 and will span spacecraft systems, simulations, survival drills, and medical evaluations.

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&nbsp;<h2>Path to Titan Orbital Port Space Station</h2>The 2029 mission is tied to the Titan Orbital Port, an advanced space infrastructure project by Titan Space Industries. The five-hour flight will allow crew members to experience two sunrises and two sunsets while in orbit. Jahnavi’s participation will make her one of the few Indians to be directly involved in building future off-Earth habitats. She has previously trained in zero-gravity simulations, space suit operations, and planetary mission conditions, part of her wider preparation for long-duration missions.&nbsp;Jahnavi's parents, Padmasri and Srinivas reside in Kuwait. With a profile that spans research, outreach, and international collaborations, she represents a new wave of Indian professionals in global space exploration. She acknowledged the opportunity on social media, “This mission is for all of us who look up and imagine the impossible,” she wrote. Jahnavi has received multiple awards, including the People’s Choice Award at the NASA Space Apps Challenge and the Young Achiever Award at ISRO's World Space Week celebrations.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The five-hour flight will allow crew members to experience two sunrises and two sunsets while in orbit. Jahnavi’s participation will make her one of the few Indians to be directly involved in building future off-Earth habitats. 

Jahnavi Dangeti, a 23-year-old from Palakollu in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district, has been selected as an Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) for a 2029 space mission led by Titan Space Industries, a US-based private space research agency. The mission, set to launch in 2029, will be commanded by retired NASA astronaut Colonel William McArthur Jr. It will involve orbiting the Earth twice, with nearly three hours of continuous zero gravity, designed for scientific research and human spaceflight advancement. Jahnavi’s selection is an important step in India’s growing presence in international private space efforts. Who is she? Jahnavi, who studied Electronics and Communication Engineering at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab, was the first Indian to complete NASA’s International Air and Space Program (IASP). She was also the youngest foreign Analog Astronaut at the Analog Astronaut Training Centre in Poland. Her past work includes contributions to asteroid discovery through the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), and public engagement in STEM outreach, including talks at ISRO events and NITs. Her astronaut training begins in 2026 and will span spacecraft systems, simulations, survival drills, and medical evaluations.

The five-hour flight will allow crew members to experience two sunrises and two sunsets while in orbit. Jahnavi’s participation will make her one of the few Indians to be directly involved in building future off-Earth habitats.&nbsp;

Who is Jahnavi Dangeti? The 23-year-old set to join Titan’s 2029 space flight

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