India is preparing for a major new phase in space exploration, with human spaceflight, deep-space missions and advanced launch technologies forming the core of its roadmap.
The government's fact sheet outlines a series of programmes aimed at strengthening India's capabilities in human spaceflight, planetary exploration and advanced space infrastructure.
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The Gaganyaan programme, which was approved in January 2019, received an expanded scope in September 2024. The programme now has a total outlay of Rs 20,193 crore and covers eight missions, according to IANS. It also includes precursor missions linked to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
Gaganyaan aims to carry three Indian astronauts to a 400-km orbit for a three-day mission. The first uncrewed experimental flight is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026 and will validate key technologies, including the Vyommitra half-humanoid.
The crewed mission is targeted for 2027.
India Plans Space Station By 2035
The five-module Bharatiya Antariksh Station is targeted for operationalisation by 2035. Its first module, BAS-01, is planned for launch by 2028.
The station will support long-duration human spaceflight, microgravity research and advanced space operations.
India is also studying SPADEX-2 and SPADEX-3 to advance orbital docking technologies. These capabilities are expected to support future Chandrayaan-4, Gaganyaan and BAS missions.
The technologies could enable spacecraft docking, sample transfer, crew transfer, and the transfer of power, fluids and propellant.
Venus Mission Planned For March 2028
India is also preparing to explore Venus, with the Venus Orbiter Mission targeted for launch in March 2028.
The mission will study Venus' geology, atmosphere and ionosphere. It will also demonstrate advanced aerobraking and thermal-management technologies.
Push For Reusable And More Powerful Rockets
Alongside its exploration missions, ISRO is developing technologies aimed at increasing launch capacity and reducing costs.
A 200-tonne-thrust semi-cryogenic engine is under development to support more powerful launch vehicles. A semi-cryogenic booster stage for LVM3 is also being developed to increase its payload-carrying capability.
ISRO is demonstrating Vertical Take-off and Vertical Landing technology for rocket-stage recovery. The technology is aimed at enabling rocket-stage reusability and reducing future launch costs.
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The agency is also developing a partially reusable Next Generation Launch Vehicle using LOX-Methane propulsion. The vehicle is expected to offer higher payload capacity and support frequent, cost-effective launches.
Meanwhile, the Reusable Launch Vehicle programme includes a winged orbital re-entry vehicle designed to demonstrate orbital re-entry and runway landing.
ISRO is also developing air-breathing propulsion and a technology demonstrator vehicle, adding another layer to India's push towards more efficient and reusable space systems.
Together, these programmes signal a wider expansion of India's space ambitions, spanning human spaceflight, planetary exploration, orbital infrastructure and next-generation launch technology.
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