Indian Space Program: News & Discussion

[drnayar]

https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why- ... 6294391252

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently acknowledged that there are barely five or six rocket launches from India in a year and expressed the wish that the Indian private sector come forward and develop the capability to launch fifty rockets in a year by the year 2030.

News or narrative?

[uddu]

https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why- ... 6294391252

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently acknowledged that there are barely five or six rocket launches from India in a year and expressed the wish that the Indian private sector come forward and develop the capability to launch fifty rockets in a year by the year 2030.

News or narrative?

5 unicorns in 5 years – PM Modi's challenge for India's Space StartUps

As India marks National Space Day, PM Modi highlighted the country’s transformative 11-year journey in the space sector, showcasing reforms that empowered 350+ startups to drive innovation. He outlined upcoming milestones like India’s first private PSLV rocket and communication satellite, challenged startups to create five unicorns in five years, and envisioned 50 rocket launches annually, assuring full government support.

PM emphasized on the upcoming production of PSLV by private players. Also urged private players also participate in ensuring that in 5 years, we reach a target of 50 launches per year. Every week a launch.

[A_Gupta]

https://www.livemint.com/news/pm-modi-i ... 23201.html

29 AUG 2025, 07:44:23 PM IST
PM Modi Japan Visit LIVE: What technological support could be expected from Japan for Chandrayaan-5 mission? Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri shares
“The idea behind the Chandrayaan-5 mission is to look together for signs that might support human habitation on the moon. Our space collaboration is not just limited to this one expedition. It also includes plans to explore other planets together by synergising our strengths,” Misri said, according to ANI.'

He added, “The Chandrayaan-5 LUPEX mission will be a major short-term milestone in India's lunar exploration odyssey, which also incidentally envisions Indian astronauts landing on the moon by the year 2040. The signing of the implementation arrangement today will fast-track progress on this particular issue in the coming time.”

[SSridhar]

India unveils its space vision to 2040 - Ajay Lele, The Space Review

India became the fourth country to land on the Moon and the first to reach its south polar region on August 23, 2023, now celebrated as National Space Day. The second celebration was marked by the presence of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian in space and the first to visit the ISS during the Axiom-4 mission. This mission, launched on June 25, also enabled the Indian space agency ISRO to conduct microgravity experiments aboard the ISS.

During National Space Day, key leaders, including the prime minister, space minister, and ISRO chairman outlined India’s bold space vision. ISRO unveiled a 15-year roadmap with tight timelines, aiming to position India as a leading spacefaring nation. The prime minister hailed the progress made by ISRO in fields of semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion and emphasized the need for India to increase the number of rocket launches per year.

It is important to place this space sector roadmap in the context of a prime minister’s speech delivered on National Space Day. This would help in understanding India’s strategic vision for space sector.

What India wants to achieve

India is pushing for indigenous space technology under the mantra “Reform, Perform, and Transform”. Its space vision looks beyond the stars, built around three key horizons:

• Using space technologies for societal development: For improving efficiency in various government sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, and disaster management.
• Advancing space science and technology: Undertake human space missions including a human mission to the Moon by 2040 and establishing its own space station. Explore deep space with missions to other planets such as Venus. ISRO has already carried out missions like dedicated astronomy mission called AstroSat (2015) and a solar mission called Aditya-L1, its first dedicated space-based solar observatory (2023). India is expected to expand on such ideas further in coming years.
• Fostering a vibrant commercial space ecosystem: Over 350 startups are already active in the space sector, with a goal of creating at least five unicorns in five years. ISRO is transferring launch technology to the private sector, enabling future satellite launches via PSLV and SSLV.

India is planning to launch more than 100 satellites during the next 15 years. There is a proposal to launch 12 to 15 satellites annually, mainly for Earth observation, ocean studies, and meteorological observations, and for strategic surveillance applications. The focus would remain towards leveraging space technology for food and water security, disaster management, environmental sustainability, and inclusive growth. There are also plans to launch a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to provide satellite-based internet. Around 140 satellites would be launched under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

India has outlined an ambitious lunar roadmap for the next 15 years. The goal is to land an Indian astronaut on the lunar surface by 2040. To achieve this, India must pursue a systematic and continual approach to its Moon program, building competence step by step. India’s Moon program began with the successful launch of the Chandrayaan-1 mission during 2008, when an orbiter was put into lunar orbit. India’s third mission to the Moon in 2023 was about a lander and a rover unit on the lunar surface and undertaking observations for one lunar day. Chandrayaan-4, a msaple return mission, could be launched during 2027–2028. Chandrayaan-5 is scheduled for launch in 2028–2029. This would be a joint mission with Japan and will explore the Moon’s south pole using a 350-kilogram lunar rover built by Japan, while India will provide the lander and scientific instruments. The Chandrayaan-6, 7, and 8 missions are currently in the planning phase. ISRO is also keen to establish a lunar navigation satellite system.

ISRO has already started developing a launch vehicle for undertaking human Moon missions, called the Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV), formerly known as the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). This rocket will serve both Earth observation and planetary exploration needs. It would be a multi-utility vehicle capable of carrying about 27 tonnes to the Moon and 80 tonnes to LEO.

Regarding India's human mission to LEO, the Gaganyaan program is making rapid progress. By the end of 2025, India is expected to launch the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission to LEO, with the first crewed mission expected to happen during 2027. ISRO has also started working on its space station program. This station, called Bharat Antariksh Station, is expected to become a reality by 2035.

Reality check

Space agendas are often launched with lot of ambitions and motivations. They are often driven by scientific curiosity, national pride, promise of technological advancement, and commercial interests. Universally, it has been observed that various space projects do face significant delays due to mission failures, unforeseen engineering challenges, budgetary limitations, and disproportionate political priorities. Ambitious planning is essential to push the boundaries, but at the same time, it is also important to maintain a realistic outlook. Hence, it is important to look at ISRO’s future plans with realistic expectations and careful evaluation.

During his speech, the prime minister expressed a desire for the private sector to step forward so that India reaches a stage where 50 rockets are launched every year within the next five years. Major space players like the US and China are npw routinely undertaking such volume (or more) of launches. However, in case of India, ISRO conducted three space launches in 2020, two in 2021, five in 2022, seven in 2023, and five in 2024. So, would India be able to leapfrog in launch activity?

India currently has one spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, with two launch pads; a third will be ready by March 2029. A second spaceport for SSLV is being built at Kulasekarapattinam, expected to operational by 2027–2028. Hence, there are limitations in regards to launch capacity.

According to India’s 15-year space plan, the country is expected to launch approximately 10 to 15 satellites annually. To support around 50 rocket launches per year, this would necessitate conducting roughly 35 to 40 launches on a commercial basis. Achieving this objective will depend on several critical factors, including the volume of commercial launch orders, the capabilities of India’s domestic industry, and the ability to reduce turnaround times for satellite launches. Much of this responsibility will fall on companies such as Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and the public sector enterprise Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), to whom ISRO is transferring launch vehicle technology.

ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is designed to enable rocket assembly and launch within approximately one week. Reaching this level of operational efficiency will require significant advancements in key areas, such as first-stage reusability, rapid booster refurbishment, and enhanced flexibility throughout all stages of launch operations. On the private sector front, Indian start-up Skyroot Aerospace successfully developed and launched a suborbital rocket called Vikram-S in 2022. This company is now developing orbital-class rockets.

All of these developments highlight the considerable effort required to meet the ambitious target of around 50 launches per year.

ISRO has been working on the concept of a human spaceflight mission since around 2006. Initially conceived under the generic name “Orbital Vehicle”, the plan was to design a simple capsule capable of carrying two astronauts into space for about a week, followed by a splashdown landing upon reentry. The project was formally commissioned in 2007 and, that same year, ISRO successfully conducted the Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE). An experimental capsule (SRE) was placed in orbit and later recovered from the Bay of Bengal after re-entering from an altitude of 635 kilometers. The primary objectives were to test the thermal protection system and validate other critical technologies. Due to various challenges, possibly financial and otherwise, the project went into dormancy.

Currently, this project is known by the name Gaganyaan and the government approval for this project was received during 2017. Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching crew of three to an orbit of 400 kilometers and bring them back safely to Earth by landing in Indian sea waters. There were indications that India’s first crewed space mission could happen in 2022, to coincide with the 75th anniversary of Indian independence. However, the Covid-19 pandemic and other unforeseen setbacks pushed the timeline further. As of now, the first human spaceflight under Project Gaganyaan is expected to take place by 2027. Globally, space programs often face timeline overruns, and in missions involving human lives, the utmost caution and rigorous safety measures are essential. During the recent Axiom-4 mission, ISRO insisted on implementing all necessary corrective measures after oxygen leak issues were identified in the Falcon 9 rocket prior to launch.

Another future plan involves the upgrade of India’s indigenous navigation system, NAVIC. Developed by ISRO as a regional navigation system with seven satellites, the first satellite in this system was launched on July 1, 2013. The proposal now is to expand the system by adding 11 satellites in geostationary orbit and an additional 24 satellites in medium Earth orbit to enhance its coverage. However, in its current form, NAVIC has faced several challenges and has underperformed relative to expectations. ISRO must learn from these setbacks as it works to expand NAVIC, with the aim of establishing a global navigation footprint.

ISRO is expected to complete the development of a semi-cryogenic engine shortly. This engine is necessary for the existing LVM3 and forthcoming heavy-lift and super-heavy-lift launch vehicles. Around 2005, ISRO entered into a collaboration with Ukraine for the development of this rocket engine. The project was approved by the government during 2009. While this technology is difficult to master, it could be said ISRO has taken a long time to complete this project.

There is an important piece of history that needs to be mentioned in this regard. This project was actually initiated by the first chairman of ISRO, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, shortly before his death in 1971, but it was inexplicably dumped soon afterwards. There is a view that people connected with Vikas engine (whose design was based on the licensed version of the Viking engine) and the proponents of other propellants pulled this project down. The Vikas engine is used in powering the second stage of PSLV, which is the most reliable workhorse of ISRO and has played a role in ISRO’s success. However, it also could be said that timely investments in semi-cryogenic technology would have helped India to have a world-class launch capability for launching various categories of satellites, some four decades back.

Roughly every 26 months there is an opportunity to visit Mars. The next launch window for Mars would be in late 2026. However, there is no clarity about when the second Mars mission would happen. Some reports indicate that the second mission to Mars may happen around 2031. This means there could be a gap of at least 15 years between two successive missions to Mars.

During India’s lunar program, it was observed that there was a gap of around ten years between the first and second mission. It is important to recognize that such long gaps between two missions are not advisable, as they can lead to a loss of momentum and expertise, and risk eroding institutional memory. The technology used in earlier missions may become outdated, requiring additional technological and financial investments. Additionally, gaps can disrupt data continuity, making it difficult to build upon previous findings. This can hamper the development of accurate numerical models, confusing data analysis and planning for future uncrewed or crewed missions.

In closing

India has unveiled an ambitious space agenda from 2025 to 2040. While it includes some fresh proposals, the overall thrust appears to be on consolidating past achievements and systematically building upon existing initiatives. However, to translate this vision into reality, it is critical that India minimizes the gap between ambition and execution. Drawing lessons from past experiences would help in assessing the feasibility of proposed missions and timelines. If required, ISRO needs to make timely mid-course corrections to adjust to various technological or financial challenges which may emerge in the future. For next 15 years, ISRO needs to maintain a realistic, flexible, and performance-driven adaptation plan.

[Suraj]

For the active space watchers, what is your level of confidence in ISRO's NGLV effort ? What are they due to deliver and on what likely schedule ?

[pravula]

For the active space watchers, what is your level of confidence in ISRO's NGLV effort ? What are they due to deliver and on what likely schedule ?

Low. I am not an avid watcher, but these kind of generational jumps only happen if there is an external stressor. There is no usecase for ISRO to go NGLV other than some small cost savings. Now, if India wants to launch a StarLink competitor and funds it...

[gakakkad]

I think it'll happen in 3 years . I am pretty sure . I don't think it would be needed for starlink type of stuff . Lvm3 in fact launched a portion of oneweb constellation which is a starlink competitor. Interestingly a part of it was launched by SpaceX .

W.r.t nglv3 semicryo is critical importance. Here is time line (compiled with AI help but manually source verified ).

Dedicated semi-cryogenic test infrastructure is up and firing. The Semi-cryogenic Integrated Engine & Stage Test (SIET) facility at IPRC–Mahendragiri was inaugurated (Feb 2024) and has since supported a run of ignition/hot-fire milestones.
(Press Information Bureau)

Key semi-cryogenic engine milestones achieved.

Successful pre-burner ignition (a core part of the engine “powerhead”) on May 2, 2024. (Isro website )

First hot test of the Engine Power-Head Test Article (PHTA) on Mar 28, 2025, followed by additional short-duration hot tests in April–June to tune ignition/start sequences—i.e., the engine is now repeatedly lighting and running on the stand at IPRC.

If they want to give it top priority they could do it next year .

[Amber G.]

^^^ FWIW schedule looks very believable..
Some comments: (Again FWIW):

-India doesn’t need to copy Starlink to justify NGLV. Strategic autonomy (not depending on foreign heavy launchers), lunar/space station goals, and keeping Indian industry engaged are already strong drivers.

On “no use case other than small cost savings”
– That’s a bit too dismissive. NGLV isn’t just about marginal savings: its 30-ton LEO class capability would enable Indian ambitions like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, crewed lunar missions, and large interplanetary payloads. These are strategic, not just commercial, use cases.

-ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan has expressed enthusiasm about the NGLV's development, highlighting its potential to enhance India's space capabilities and noting NGLV aligns with India's broader space ambitions, ... establishing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and supporting human spaceflight missions by 2040.

- From what I see: Discussions in public forums and academic circles have been generally positive, ... many acknowledging the NGLV's potential to bolster India's position in the global space arena. Of course some are pointing out the challenges .., associated with the technical complexities of developing reusable systems

- NGLV is still in the development phase, the commentary from various stakeholders indicates a strong belief in its potential. The success will depend on continued innovation, rigorous testing, and effective collaboration between ISRO and the Indian industry.

- For space watchers: confidence may be cautious but not “low.”.. India has delivered before on ambitious goals. NGLV will need sustained funding.. to stay on track. If this holds, expect a first launch around 2031, with operational use in the mid-2030s.. ..gravity willing.

[SSridhar]

India-US Eye Moon and Mars Missions - PTI

India and the US signalled the beginning of a new phase of space partnership at a special event hosted by the Embassy of India in Washington DC, with officials and astronauts highlighting how decades of cooperation are now paving the way for missions to the Moon and Mars.

An event, titled "India-USA Space Collaboration: The Frontiers of a Futuristic Partnership", was held at India House on Monday and celebrated recent milestones, including the joint NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite and the Axiom Mission-4, which carried Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station.

Ambassador of India to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, described the partnership as "a dynamic platform for advancing scientific exploration, technology development and commercial cooperation."

He said India's space programme has emerged as a global leader in cost-effective exploration, and joint efforts with the US could "push the boundaries of human spaceflight in the decades ahead."

Dr Karen St Germain, Director of NASA's Earth Science Division, in her address called the NISAR mission a "model of international collaboration" that demonstrated how pooling expertise could accelerate scientific breakthroughs.

In one of the highlights of the evening, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Nick Hague and Butch Wilmore joined a virtual panel alongside Shukla. During the panel discussion titled, "Moments in Orbit", they shared candid stories of training, life aboard the International Space Station and the changing face of human spaceflight.

Shukla said his journey was "a testament to the strength of international partnerships and India's growing role in global space exploration."

The event, according to an embassy press release, drew representatives from government, space agencies, industry, academia and think tanks. Discussions underscored how India-US collaboration has moved beyond satellite launches and data sharing to opening new frontiers in commercial space ventures and crewed missions.

Analysts say the deepening space ties also carry strategic weight, as both countries seek to counter China's growing ambitions in outer space, while broadening opportunities for private industry.

For India, experts note, the partnership brings recognition of its rapidly advancing capabilities-from Chandrayaan's Moon landing to its upcoming Gaganyaan mission-as New Delhi positions itself as a major player in the global space economy.

[uddu]

https://x.com/aravind/status/1969054180544561280
@aravind
Imagine: What if large foreign AI models from OpenAI, which Microsoft uses, and others have hidden system prompts that can get activated using just small, specific signals on the sensors they are monitoring?

That is, imagine if a country uses software from MS with embedded AI running its powergrid. A small electromagnetic pulse on the grid, detected by the AI monitoring it, unleashes the hidden system prompt that overrides all other commands by the end user.

All it will take for a "Skynet" satellite, like from Terminator, to get control of a country's powergrid with the AI or cause a blackout will be it going across the sky beaming this small EM signal into the powergrid.

Sounds far fetched I know. Some may even make fun of such ideas. But we can be certain some countries think far ahead and far crazier than what I have imagined here.

They may already be shipping all AI embedded software, from desktop office to powergrid & train signalling AI software, with such hidden prompts to get control when there is a need. And they will use middlemen in supply chain to keep their hand hidden.

Simple signal pattern in the sensors a system uses to monitor networks are all that will be needed to unleash a backdoor AI system prompt, that will make the AI take control of the network. Not so far fetched actually.

My post is to emphasise the need for own soverign AI for countries like India and to be cautious when adopting AI to monitor and control key infra like powegrids.

Relying on foreign OS and software was already risky but at least they could be shutdown, patched, and locally controlled.

AI enabled systems makes the risk many fold, as local controls will fail and it can autonomously override all commands by end users, only enabling its masters to control it. We need to be that master.

https://x.com/iamkrishradha/status/1969020018709959083

@iamkrishradha
The world is baby-stepping into Space Warfare. Last week we saw China and USA imaging each other’s satellites and today UK and US space command did a Joint military operation.

UK Space Command and US Space Command have conducted the first UK-US joint military operation in space, moving two satellites close together, at an altitude of nearly 36,000 kilometres above the Earth.

From 4-12 September 2025, a satellite operated by US Space Command was used to check whether SKYNET 5A, a UK military communications satellite, was operating in orbit as intended.

This type of operation, called a ‘Rendezvous Proximity Operation’, involves meticulous and careful planning, with both satellites travelling at around 11,000 kilometres per hour, or about three kilometres per second.

This operation was delivered under ‘Multinational Force – Operation Olympic Defender’, a US-led space coalition, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and New Zealand, alongside the UK and the USA.

Both the US satellite and SKYNET 5A operate in orbit around the planet in ‘geostationary orbit’. This is a precise orbit, 35,786 kilometres above the Earth’s equator. Operating at this specific altitude allows satellites to remain directly above a particular location on the Earth.

Geostationary orbit is often used for communications satellites, so that satellite dishes on Earth can be pointed permanently towards them at a fixed location in the sky. The UK’s first SKYNET communications satellite, SKYNET 1A, was launched in 1969.

They also released a press-release. Space is no more “Peaceful” as the world Military starts to show itself multiple times in the missions of the future.