The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced plans for an impressive total of seven space launch missions by March 2026. This marks a significant phase for India's space agency, highlighting its commitment to advancing both national and global space capabilities. Among these missions is the much-anticipated Gaganyaan unmanned mission, part of the human space flight initiative. This comprehensive launch schedule showcases ISRO's dual objectives: conducting strategic national missions while contributing to the global space economy.
ISRO's schedule includes seven launches within a condensed timeline, with the initial mission set to take place as early as next week. These missions will utilize various launch vehicles, such as LVM3, PSLV, GSLV Mk II, and SSLV. The primary goals of these missions encompass communication, earth observation, navigation, technology demonstration, and human spaceflight.
The Gaganyaan uncrewed mission represents the first step in India's human spaceflight program, featuring the robot Vyommitra onboard. The objectives of this mission include:
Furthermore, a second uncrewed mission is scheduled before the first Indian astronaut flight, anticipated in 2027.
The PSLV-C63 mission aims to carry TDS-01, showcasing several critical technologies:
The upcoming LVM3-M5 mission will launch Bluebird-6 for AST Spacemobile in the U.S. under a commercial contract with NSIL. Additionally, the GSLV-Mk II will deploy EOS-5/GISAT-1A, which replaces the previously failed GISAT-1 mission from 2021. PSLV missions are also set to launch several satellites, including:
Moreover, a dedicated small satellite launch is planned via the SSLV mission before March 2026.
In a significant step towards enhancing India’s commercial launch capabilities, the NSIL-HAL-L&T consortium will manufacture five PSLV rockets. This initiative emphasizes technology transfer and encourages private-sector engagement, leading to cost-effective and frequent satellite launches.
Q1. What is ISRO's Gaganyaan mission?
Answer: The Gaganyaan mission is India's first human spaceflight initiative, aimed at sending astronauts into space. The initial uncrewed mission will test critical technologies and systems before the crewed flight in 2027.
Q2. How many missions does ISRO plan before March 2026?
Answer: ISRO plans a total of seven space launch missions by March 2026, covering various objectives including technological advancements and human spaceflight.
Q3. What are the key technologies demonstrated in the PSLV-C63 mission?
Answer: The PSLV-C63 mission will showcase high thrust electric propulsion, quantum key distribution for secure communication, and an indigenous travelling wave tube amplifier for satellite technologies.
Q4. What types of satellites will be launched in ISRO's upcoming missions?
Answer: The launches will include communication satellites like Bluebird-6, earth observation satellites such as EOS-5, and several smaller satellites for various applications.
Q5. How is ISRO promoting commercialisation in space launches?
Answer: ISRO is enhancing commercial capabilities through collaborations like the NSIL-HAL-L&T consortium, which focuses on manufacturing PSLV rockets and engaging the private sector for cost-effective satellite launches.
Question 1: What is the main objective of the Gaganyaan mission?
A) To test human-rated launch vehicle performance
B) To launch commercial satellites
C) To establish a permanent space station
D) To develop new rocket technologies
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: How many space missions does ISRO plan to conduct by March 2026?
A) Five
B) Seven
C) Ten
D) Twelve
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which vehicle will launch the Bluebird-6 satellite?
A) PSLV
B) GSLV Mk II
C) LVM3
D) SSLV
Correct Answer: C
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