ISRO's Space Plans for the Next 10 Years: Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan, and More

The future space mission strategy for India was presented by V Narayanan, the recently appointed Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). As the Secretary of the Department of Space, rocket scientist, and aerospace engineer, Narayanan discussed India's expanding space capabilities and its ambitious upcoming missions. 

Narayanan offered perspectives on a wide range of topics, including space station advancements, human spaceflight, interplanetary missions, and launch vehicle technologies. Here is a thorough explanation of what ISRO's future holds, provided by Narayanan.

ISRO’S Future Plans for Space

A key part of the discussion focused on ISRO’s upcoming launch vehicles. Narayanan explained how ISRO's launch vehicle capabilities have evolved, starting with the SLV 3 in 1979, which could deliver 40 kg of payload to LEO. Today, ISRO has achieved important milestones, including its 100th launch, and can send up to 8,500 kg to LEO.

With an eye towards the future, ISRO is working on a next-generation launch vehicle that will be 1,000 times more powerful than the SLV 3 and able to lift a whopping 30,000 kg payload to LEO. This rocket will have nine engines in the first stage, each of which will produce 110 tons of thrust, three stages, and two solid strap-on boosters. The vehicle also improves cost-efficiency and sustainability in space operations by introducing reusability through the recovery of the first stage after launch.

Gaganyaan Mission: India’s First Human Spaceflight

Narayanan also talked about the 2026 launch date of the Gaganyaan mission. Three Indian astronauts are to be launched into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 400 kilometers as part of this mission. The human-rated LVM 3 (HLVM 3) spacecraft, which has been improved with improved thermal and structural margins to guarantee astronaut safety, will be used for the mission.

The first of six uncrewed test flights for the Gaganyaan mission is planned to depart Sriharikota later this year. In order to get ready for this momentous voyage, astronauts are undertaking intense technical and physical training as part of the ongoing astronaut training program.

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Chandrayaan-4: India’s Attempt for Moon’s South Pole

Narayanan discussed Chandrayaan-4, stating that the 2027 mission will represent a significant improvement over the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. Chandrayaan-4 will target the Moon's south pole, an uncharted area, and will entail sample collection and additional experiments, whereas Chandrayaan-3 concentrated on the Moon's surface.

The 9,200 kg satellite, Chandrayaan-4, will be launched on two Mark III rockets. Five modules will be put together, two of which will dock in lunar orbit and two of which will land on the moon's surface to carry out experiments. Once its missions in lunar orbit are finished, the sample return module will head back to Earth.

ISRO’s NavIC for Better Navigation

Narayanan discussed ISRO's navigation satellite system, NavIC, which is essential for both India's military and civilian uses. Phase I of the system is currently in place, and Phase II will see the launch of five more satellites. Within the next two years, the satellite deployment is expected to be finished, greatly improving India's ability to navigate the world.

ISRO’s Vision for the Next Decade

Looking to the future, ISRO’s main goals for the next ten years include:

• Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan-4 missions for human space travel and lunar exploration.
• Next-generation launch vehicles with higher payload capacity and reusability.
• Building a space station for conducting scientific experiments and exploring other planets.
• Improving India’s satellite network to support communication, navigation, and disaster management.