ISRO’s Upcoming Projects: Key Announcements by Chairman Dr. S. Somanath on Chandrayaan-5 with Japan, Gaganyaan and NISAR
ISRO's Upcoming Projects: Key Announcements by Chairman Dr. S. Somanath on Chandrayaan-5 with Japan, Gaganyaan and NISAR
New Delhi: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Dr. S. Somanath announced upcoming launch dates and mission updates for several high-profile ISRO projects, during the Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture at Akashvani (All India Radio) on Saturday. This report by The Indian Express highlights ISRO’s ambitious plans, including manned space missions, lunar exploration, and advancements in satellite technology.
Key Missions and Expected Launch Dates
Gaganyaan Mission: Approved in December 2018, this mission will be India’s first human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), laying the groundwork for future human space exploration. Dr. Somanath revealed that the manned mission is anticipated to launch in 2026.
Chandrayaan-4 Mission: ISRO’s next lunar mission, aimed at sample collection and return, is planned for 2028.
NISAR Mission: This long-awaited India-US joint Earth observation mission, originally delayed, is now scheduled for launch in 2024.
Chandrayaan-5 Mission: The collaborative lunar mission with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), previously known as LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration), has been renamed as Chandrayaan-5. Though initially slated for 2025, it is now expected to launch after 2028, following the Chandrayaan-4 mission. This science-intensive mission will feature a heavy 350-kg rover, provided by Japan, while the lander will be Indian-built.
“It would be a very heavy mission where the lander would be provided by India, and the rover by Japan. This mission would take us a step closer to landing humans on the moon,” said Dr. Somanath.
Technological Advancements and Future Plans
In a further boost to India’s satellite technology, Dr. Somanath announced the launch of the Technology Demonstrator Satellite (TDS-01) in December. This satellite will utilize indigenously developed electric propulsion, making spacecraft lighter and more efficient. TDS-01 will also include traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs), essential for communication and remote sensing payloads, to demonstrate India’s self-reliance in advanced satellite technology.
Vision for India’s Space Economy
Dr. Somanath emphasized the importance of private enterprise in bolstering India’s space sector. He highlighted the new policies fostering private participation and noted the enthusiasm among young entrepreneurs. “Our contribution to the global space economy is about 2 percent. Our aim is to increase this to 10 percent over the next 10-12 years,” he said, urging collaboration from startups to large companies in the evolving space ecosystem.
ISRO’s roadmap also includes the ambitious goal of a manned mission to the moon by 2040.
