India’s human spaceflight program is entering a pivotal stage, as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) gears up for the Gaganyaan mission set for 2027, with subsequent crewed lunar missions, Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5, expected by 2028. This was detailed by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan in recent statements.
Narayanan outlined a clear roadmap for the Gaganyaan initiative, which will include three uncrewed missions prior to sending astronauts into space. He emphasized the significance of this endeavor under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, stating, “We are working on the Gaganyaan program targeted for 2027. Three uncrewed missions are to occur, and we are diligently progressing towards them.”
While an official date for the first uncrewed launch remains pending, preparations continue to advance. Narayanan assured, “The date is not yet finalized, but we are working towards it.”
He also confirmed the approval of the Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5 missions, which are designed to be crewed lunar explorations. “Both programs are approved, and if everything follows the planned timeline, we anticipate that by 2028, they will be realized,” he noted, adding, “all activities are moving forward as scheduled.”
A significant focus for ISRO is the development of reusable launch vehicle technology, highlighted by Narayanan as vital for cost reduction. He stated, “Choosing a reusable launcher will be economically beneficial. We are currently developing reusable launch vehicle technology as part of an experimental program.”
In response to inquiries about international competition, particularly with companies like SpaceX, Narayanan clarified that ISRO does not perceive its mission as competitive. “We don’t consider this a competition with anyone because the Indian space program is fundamentally for India,” he remarked, asserting that “a strength only respects strength.”
Further, he stressed the broader economic targets tied to India’s space initiatives, aiming to elevate the country’s share of the space economy from 2% to 8%. “Our focus is on serving the common man across the nation, and under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister, we have set this target,” Narayanan said.
He dismissed concerns over setbacks, framing ongoing technical reviews as integral to the learning process. “We don’t view anything as a setback; everything is an opportunity for learning,” he explained, mentioning that teams are actively analyzing data from PSLV missions to inform future efforts.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/national/story/gaganyaan-set-for-2027-as-isro-targets-crewed-lunar-missions-by-2028-1341965-2026-02-06?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-02-06 09:35:00
