Gaganyaan Test Flight, NISAR Satellite, Commercial Launch And More: ISRO Set To Launch Key Missions In 2025

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for a series of launches in 2025, including significant missions aimed at advancing India’s space capabilities.

Highlights include the Gaganyaan uncrewed orbital test mission, two GSLV launches, a commercial LVM3 mission, and the ISRO-NASA collaboration on the NISAR Earth observation satellite.

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Thursday (9 January) chaired a high-level meeting to review these missions alongside outgoing ISRO chairman S Somnath, incoming chairman V Narayanan, and other senior officials.

Gaganyaan Uncrewed Orbital Test Mission

The centerpiece of ISRO’s 2025 programme is the uncrewed orbital test flight under the Gaganyaan mission.

This mission will validate crucial systems related to crew safety and recovery, laying the foundation for India’s human spaceflight programme.

The success of this mission will mark a significant milestone in India’s journey to send astronauts into space.

GSLV-F15 to Enhance NavIC Navigation Capabilities

In January, the GSLV-F15 mission will launch the NVS-02 satellite to augment the NavIC navigation system.

This satellite, equipped with indigenously developed atomic clocks, will enhance positioning accuracy and reduce India’s dependence on global navigation systems, supporting both civilian and defence applications.

NISAR Launch on GSLV-F16: A Landmark ISRO-NASA Collaboration

The GSLV-F16 mission, scheduled for February, will carry the NISAR satellite developed jointly by ISRO and NASA.

With its advanced radar imaging technology, NISAR will provide critical data on agriculture, natural disasters, and climate monitoring, addressing pressing global challenges through cutting-edge research.

Commercial LVM3-M5 Mission with AST SpaceMobile

The month of March will witness the LVM3-M5 mission, which will deploy BlueBird Block-2 satellites under a commercial agreement with AST SpaceMobile, a US-based company.

This launch reflects ISRO’s growing presence in the global commercial space market, showcasing its capability as a reliable satellite launch provider.

Strategic Vision and Leadership Transition

During the meeting, outgoing ISRO chairman Dr Somnath expressed confidence in the agency’s preparedness for these ambitious missions, while incoming chairman Dr V Narayanan outlined a strategic roadmap for expanding ISRO’s global footprints.

Also Read: Indian Railways Achieves Major Milestone, Develops Indigenous 1,200 HP Hydrogen Engine, Most Powerful In The World