The country’s space agency has launched its 100th mission since 1969 and aims to send the same number within five years
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is planning to launch 100 rockets in the next five years, according to the agency’s new chairman, V. Narayanan. He made the remarks after ISRO reached the milestone of its 100th mission since its inception in 1969.
The landmark mission took off from the launch center at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, with the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F15) rocket carrying the NVS-02 satellite, which is part of India’s growing network of navigation systems. Narayanan said that in 56 years, ISRO has carried 548 satellites into orbit with a total of 120 tonnes of payload, including 433 foreign satellites with a total payload of 23 tonnes.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the 100th launch an “incredible milestone” and expressed confidence that the nation will continue to reach new landmarks in space exploration.
ISRO has transformed from a time when rocket components were transported on bicycles and bullock carts to becoming one of the world’s leading space agencies. This evolution includes India’s recent successful missions to the Moon and the Sun, as well as successful commercial launches for international clients.
In 2024, New Delhi allowed up to 100% investment in the manufacturing of components and systems for satellites without official permission. To build satellites in India, foreign companies can invest up to 74%, or 49% for launch vehicles, without special authorization, the government said. This has given a much-needed fillip for India’s ambitious efforts to set up its own space station by 2035 and send its first manned mission to the Moon by 2040 – deadlines set by Modi.
Last year, India made strides in its human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. ISRO began assembling the Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3) for Gaganyaan’s first uncrewed flight, slated for early 2025. Earlier this year, ISRO successfully conducted an unmanned docking, setting the stage for its own space station development.
ISRO’s future plans include the launch of the $1.5 billion NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), a low Earth orbit observatory being developed by NASA and the ISRO. Narayanan said it was “likely to be launched in a couple of months.”
The space agency has received approvals from the government to develop Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) capable of carrying payloads weighing 20 tonnes to low Earth orbit or 10 tonnes to Geostationary Transfer Orbit. NGLVs can be used in the next lunar missions, Chandrayaan 4 and 5, and also in deep space missions, officials said.
