ISRO's Upcoming Satellite Launch Plans
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced significant plans to launch over 100 satellites in the next 15 years. These launches are intended to meet India's needs for earth-observation data, satellite-based communication, and navigation.
Planned Satellite Missions
- ISRO aims to conduct seven to eight missions annually until 2040.
- This is apart from space exploration missions, including those to the Moon, Mars, and Venus, as well as human spaceflight missions under the Gaganyaan programme.
- The current average is five to six launches a year, with a record of nine launches in 2016.
Focus on Private Industry
- ISRO is relying on private space companies to play a crucial role in achieving its 2047 roadmap goals.
- There are currently around 350 private space companies in India, involved in innovative projects.
- The space sector needs rapid indigenisation to reduce dependence on imports, such as certain crucial satellite parts and atomic clocks.
Future Mission Roadmap
- The roadmap includes Chandrayaan missions 4 to 8, with Chandrayaan-4 and 5 being sample return missions scheduled around 2027-28.
- Chandrayaan-5 will be a joint mission with the Japanese space agency, JAXA.
- Plans for a Mars lander mission are also in place, although no specific timeline is provided.
Earth-Observation and Technology Demonstration
- Out of the planned 100-plus satellite launches, about 80 will focus on land-based applications.
- Other satellites will cater to ocean and atmospheric applications.
- ISRO plans 16 technology demonstration missions to showcase new capabilities.
ISRO's Vision for the Future
ISRO Chairman emphasized the transformative phase of the space sector, highlighting the necessity for aligning mission timelines with the country's requirements and the potential benefits these missions could bring.