ISRO Aims to Launch 7 Space Missions by 2026: Chairman Reveals Gaganyaan Progress and Future Plans

V Narayanan addressed reporters following the successful deployment of communication satellite CMS-03, announcing ISRO's ambitious plans for the future.

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan revealed on Sunday that the space agency has established a target to execute seven space missions before the conclusion of March 2026, including the significant first uncrewed mission under the prestigious Gangayaan programme.

The space agency, headquartered in Bengaluru, has outlined a comprehensive strategy that includes conducting three uncrewed missions prior to attempting the crewed mission within the Gaganyaan programme framework. According to Narayanan, the initial uncrewed launch, designated as the 'G1 Mission', is scheduled to occur by March 2026.

"Our Gaganyaan programme is making excellent progress and has reached advanced development stages. All necessary hardware has been delivered to Sriharikota, and the integration process is currently underway. We have strategically planned three uncrewed missions, with the first uncrewed mission, 'G1 Mission', targeted for completion before the current financial year ends," he explained.

Narayanan made these statements while addressing media representatives following the successful launch of the communication satellite CMS-03, which was carried into orbit by an LVM3-M05 rocket from the Sriharikota spaceport.

Discussing upcoming mission schedules, Narayanan, who also serves as Secretary of the Department of Space, confirmed that seven missions have been carefully planned for execution before March 2026 concludes.

He emphasized that this ambitious initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strategic vision for ISRO to accomplish 50 rocket launches over the next five-year period.

"We have strategically planned seven launches to be executed before this financial year concludes, which means by March 2026," he stated.

Providing additional details about the planned missions, Narayanan explained that following Sunday's LVM3-M05 launch, ISRO would proceed with another LVM3 rocket launch designed to transport a 'commercial communication satellite' for a client.

"Subsequently, we have scheduled three additional PSLV missions. One of these is specifically for an NSIL customer satellite," he added.

NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) functions as the commercial division of ISRO.

Narayanan further revealed that ISRO has designed another technology development mission, PSLV-N1, which is targeted for launch before the current financial year concludes.

"Numerous developments are occurring simultaneously. We have also scheduled a GSLV-F17 rocket mission to take place before March 2026," he stated.

Acknowledging the complexity of ISRO's planned mission schedule through March 2026, he remarked, "I recognize this is not a simple undertaking. It presents significant challenges. However, I am confident that we will successfully complete these activities in the future."

"Team ISRO is fully prepared to fulfill the Prime Minister's vision of launching 50 missions within the next 5 years," he concluded.