ISRO Targets Seven Launches by March 2026

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has set an ambitious target to complete seven space missions by March 2026, including the first uncrewed test flight under the Gaganyaan programme. Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed the roadmap after the successful launch of India’s heaviest satellite, CMS-03, aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket from Sriharikota.

First Gaganyaan Uncrewed Mission by March 2026

The Bengaluru-based agency has planned three uncrewed missions ahead of India’s maiden human spaceflight under Gaganyaan. The first of these, “G1 Mission”, is scheduled before the end of the current financial year. Narayanan stated that hardware integration for the G1 mission is underway at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. These flights will validate critical systems such as crew module safety, environmental control, and re-entry procedures, paving the way for India’s first crewed space mission.

Seven Missions on the Launchpad

ISRO’s roadmap includes a total of seven missions by March 2026 as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to achieve 50 rocket launches in the next five years. Following the CMS-03 mission, another LVM3 launch will carry a commercial communication satellite. Three Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) missions are also planned—one dedicated to a NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) client satellite and another for technology demonstration under PSLV-N1. Additionally, a GSLV-F17 launch is slated to take place before the fiscal year ends.

Industry Applauds ISRO’s Progress

India’s space industry leaders hailed the CMS-03 mission, calling it a major leap for the country’s heavy-lift capabilities. The 4,410 kg satellite, replacing the Navy’s GSAT-7, was successfully placed in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, demonstrating India’s growing self-reliance in strategic communication technology. Lt Gen (Retd) Anil K. Bhatt, Director General of the Indian Space Association, described the mission as a “monumental achievement” that strengthens India’s maritime and national security network.

Exam Oriented Facts

• ISRO aims to launch seven missions by March 2026, including the first uncrewed Gaganyaan test flight (G1 Mission).
• The Gaganyaan programme involves three uncrewed missions before the crewed launch.
• CMS-03, launched on November 2, 2025, is India’s heaviest satellite at 4,410 kg.
• Upcoming missions include one LVM3 commercial launch, three PSLV flights, one PSLV-N1 tech mission, and GSLV-F17.

Boosting India’s Space Ambitions

Chairman Narayanan reaffirmed that “Team ISRO is geared up” to meet the Prime Minister’s five-year vision of 50 missions. Private players like Ananth Technologies have played a pivotal role, contributing to both the CMS-03 satellite and LVM3 rocket systems. The upcoming G1 mission under Gaganyaan will mark a historic milestone, positioning India among the few nations capable of human spaceflight—an achievement that would underscore India’s growing prowess as a global space power.