By A Correspondent

New Delhi: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is heading into one of its most ambitious phases yet, with Chairman and Department of Space Secretary V. Narayanan confirming that seven more launches are lined up before the end of the current financial year.

The accelerated schedule signals a transformative moment for India’s space programme as it scales up science missions, commercial launches, and human-spaceflight initiatives.

According to Indian media reports on Nov. 16, 2025, Narayanan said ISRO is entering a period of rapid expansion, driven by major industry partnerships and mission demand.

Among the upcoming launches is a landmark achievement: the first PSLV fully built by the Indian industry, marking a big leap in India’s growing private-sector participation in space.

Chandrayaan-4 Cleared: India’s Most Complex Moon Mission Yet

Narayanan confirmed that the government has approved Chandrayaan-4, a lunar sample-return mission targeted for 2028. If successful, India will join an elite club — the US, Russia, and China — capable of bringing back material from the Moon.

Another major international collaboration gaining momentum is LUPEX, the India-Japan mission to explore the Moon’s south pole and investigate water ice deposits. These missions fall under ISRO’s plan to triple spacecraft production in the next three years.

India’s Own Space Station by 2035

Narayanan revealed that work on the Indian Space Station is already underway. The first module will be launched by 2028. The full station will be operational by 2035.

With this, India would become one of only three nations — alongside the US and China — operating a dedicated orbital station, especially as the ISS nears retirement.

Gaganyaan on Track for 2027 Crewed Mission

Addressing speculation, Narayanan clarified that India’s first crewed spaceflight schedule remains unchanged: uncrewed missions from 2025; and crewed Gaganyaan mission in 2027.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has further directed ISRO to work toward landing Indian astronauts on the Moon by 2040.

India currently holds 2% of the global space market, aiming for 8% by 2030. The domestic sector, valued at USD 8.2 billion, is projected to grow to USD 44 billion by 2033, driven by reforms that have expanded participation from just three startups to over 330 today.

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