ISRO's Ambitious Plans: Seven Launches Scheduled This Financial Year!

ISRO has ambitious plans for the current financial year, targeting seven launches, including the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission. Chairman V Narayanan announced that the next launch is set to occur within two months, with several satellites already in the final stages of preparation. The successful launch of Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket marks a significant milestone for India's private space sector. Narayanan expressed pride in the achievements of the young team behind Vikram-1 and highlighted the growth of the domestic space ecosystem, which has seen a surge in startups since policy reforms were introduced. With plans for a second launch complex underway, ISRO is poised for a transformative year in space exploration.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 18, 2026, 16:34 IST

ISRO's Launch Plans Unveiled

Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh): ISRO has set an ambitious target of executing seven launches in the current financial year, with the next mission expected to take place within the upcoming two months, as announced by ISRO Chairman V Narayanan on Saturday.

During a press briefing after the successful inaugural orbital launch of Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket, Narayanan revealed that two satellites are already completed, while an additional five to six are nearing the final stages of integration.

He stated, "This financial year, we aim for at least seven launches. We will initiate the launch process within two months."

The upcoming schedule for the space agency includes the first uncrewed mission as part of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight initiative, in addition to the planned satellite launches.

Narayanan praised the successful flight of Vikram-1 by the private firm Skyroot Aerospace as a significant achievement, commending the young team—averaging 28 years in age—for accomplishing a successful orbital mission on their first attempt. He emphasized that this achievement brings great pride to the domestic space community and significantly contributes to the vision of "Bharat 2047."

Notably, both co-founders of Skyroot Aerospace, Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharat Daka, are former scientists from ISRO.

In a conversation with PTI Videos, Narayanan compared ISRO's pride to that of parents witnessing their children excel academically.

"We feel like parents who are thrilled and proud to see their children perform well and achieve top ranks," he remarked.

Reflecting on the growth of the domestic space sector, the ISRO Chairman pointed out the positive effects of recent policy reforms. He noted, "In 2020, reforms in the space sector were introduced, allowing startups and the private sector to engage in space activities. For the first time in India, a private rocket has successfully placed a satellite into orbit," adding that this milestone will significantly boost economic growth and inspire a scientific mindset among the youth.

He highlighted that when these policies were implemented, there was only one startup in the sector. "Today, we have 400 startups," he noted.

When asked about India's infrastructure capacity to support frequent private and commercial launches, Narayanan revealed that ISRO is set to establish its second launch complex at Kulasekarapattinam within the next six months.

He explained that while Sriharikota has extensive capabilities, using large launch pads for small satellites weighing between 300 kg and 350 kg is not the most efficient approach.

"Initial launches will occur from here. We are also constructing the second launch complex in Kulasekarapattinam, which is nearing completion. We plan to commission it within this financial year," Narayanan stated, adding that the facility is in its final stages. Once operational, launch tracking and distribution will be optimized between both spaceports based on specific payload needs.