ISRO Chairman V Narayanan outlined the roadmap, highlighting infrastructure expansion, private-sector partnerships and upcoming space missions. India is preparing to expand its space launch capabilities to meet growing demand for satellite deployment, with plans to have 4 functional launch pads by 2029.
A key part of the plan is a dedicated 2,000-acre Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin district. The facility is intended to support the growing global demand for satellite launches.
Narayanan clarified that ISRO would not be privatised. However, he stressed that partnerships with private companies would be essential to meet rising domestic and global demand for thousands of satellites.
“To handle this expanding ecosystem, ISRO will handhold startups and private enterprises, transferring technological expertise to foster economic growth and generate thousands of high-tech jobs,” he said at a graduation ceremony at a private university on Saturday.
“India will expand its space operations significantly with four functional launch pads by 2029, supported by an increasing reliance on private industry partnerships to handle commercial operations,” Narayanan said.
The upcoming Kulasekarapattinam spaceport will include integration buildings, launch pads, rail-track systems, and telemetry, tracking and command infrastructure to support launch operations.
On the human spaceflight programme, Narayanan said ISRO plans to conduct the 1st uncrewed Gaganyaan test within the next 2 months, followed by 2 more uncrewed tests before the crewed mission.
“These tests will evaluate environmental control, safety systems, crew escape mechanisms, and module interiors under varying pressure, temperature, and humidity conditions,” he said.
ISRO has also completed approximately 8,000 ground-based experiments for the Gaganyaan mission. Meanwhile, 4 astronaut-designates are undergoing specialised training.
Looking ahead, Narayanan outlined plans for Chandrayaan-5, a joint lunar mission with Japan’s space agency. The mission will feature a 350-kg rover designed to conduct scientific experiments on the lunar surface over 100 days.
The planned expansion reflects ISRO’s focus on strengthening launch infrastructure, increasing private-sector participation and advancing India’s human spaceflight and lunar exploration programmes.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.