The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has planned seven space launch missions by March 2026, encompassing strategic, commercial, and technology demonstration objectives. These launches will utilise various vehicles, including LVM3, PSLV, GSLV Mk II, and SSLV.
Major Missions and Highlights
| Sl. No. | Mission / Satellite | Launch Vehicle | Primary Objective | Key Features / Technologies |
| 1 | Uncrewed Gaganyaan Mission (HLVM3 G1/ OM1) | Human-rated LVM3 | First uncrewed flight to demonstrate end-to-end mission capability. | Aerodynamics characterisation, Orbital Module operations, Crew Module re-entry and recovery, carrying humanoid robot Vyommitra . |
| 2 | PSLV C63 / TDS-01 | PSLV | Technology Demonstration Satellite. | High Thrust Electric Propulsion System (enables lighter, all-electric satellites), Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Indigenous Travelling Wave Tube (TWT) Amplifier. |
| 3 | LVM3 M6 / Bluebird-6 | LVM3 | Dedicated commercial launch for US-based AST SpaceMobile. | Commercial launch via NSIL. |
| 4 | PSLV N1 / Oceansat (EOS-10) | Industry-built PSLV | Earth Observation Satellite for oceanographic studies. | First PSLV built by a consortium led by HAL-L&T, also carrying Indo-Mauritius Joint Satellite and LEAP-2 satellite. |
| 5 | PSLV C62 / EOS N1 | ISRO-built PSLV | Earth Observation Satellite for a strategic user. | Also carries 18 smaller co-passenger satellites (Indian and International). |
| 6 | GSLV F17 / EOS-05 (GISAT-1A replacement) | GSLV Mk II | Launch of Earth Observation Satellite for strategic user. | Replacement for GISAT-1. |
| 7 | SSLV L1 / NSIL | SSLV | Dedicated commercial mission for a small satellite. | Boosts India’s small satellite launch capabilities. |
Key Takeaways
- Human Spaceflight Preparation: The first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission is a critical milestone, set for early 2026, testing the human-rated LVM3 and recovery systems. A second uncrewed mission is planned later in 2026 before the crewed mission in 2027.
- Technological Advancement: The TDS-01 mission (PSLV-C63) is crucial for validating next-generation technologies like Electric Propulsion (reducing satellite fuel mass from $\text{2+}$ tonnes to $\sim \text{200 kg}$) and Quantum Key Distribution for secure communication.
- Commercialisation and Industry: A significant focus is on expanding commercial launch capabilities through New Space India Limited (NSIL), including launching the US-based Bluebird-6 satellite and the deployment of the first PSLV rocket manufactured by a private industry consortium (HAL-L&T).