ISRO Space Missions 2026: Gaganyaan, BAS and Solar Exploration

Profile & Intelligence Breakdown

Executive Overview

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) continues to drive one of the world's most capable, cost-efficient, and scientifically impactful national space programmes.

From landing on the lunar south pole (Chandrayaan-3) and studying the Sun at the L1 Lagrange point (Aditya-L1), ISRO's roadmap is now focused on human spaceflight (Gaganyaan), establishing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), and developing reusable launch vehicles.

Landmark Flagship Missions

1. Gaganyaan: India's Human Spaceflight Programme

• Developing indigenous crew modules, environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS), and human-rated launch vehicle (HLVM3).
• Preparing for uncrewed test flights with the humanoid robot Vyommitra ahead of the historic crewed orbital mission.

2. Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)

• India's sovereign orbital space station planned for initial module deployment by 2028 and full operational capacity by 2035.
• Designed for long-duration microgravity research, space biology, and astronaut habitat.

3. Planetary & Deep Space Exploration

• Chandrayaan-4 / LUPEX: Lunar sample return and exploration in partnership with JAXA.
• Shukrayaan (Venus Orbiter Mission): Studying the atmospheric dynamics and volcanic geology of Venus.

Launch Vehicle Evolution

• LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3): Heavy-lift workhorse for commercial satellites and Gaganyaan.
• SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle): Rapid turnaround launcher for commercial constellations.
• NGLV (Next Generation Launch Vehicle): High-payload, methane-fuelled, partially reusable rocket for future lunar and space station logistics.

Primary Sources

• ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) — Official Mission Manifests & Technical Bulletins.
• Department of Space, Government of India — Annual Space Policy Reports.