ISRO Sets Target of Seven Launches by March 2026, Including First Gaganyaan Test Flight

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has outlined an ambitious plan to complete seven space missions by March 2026 , marking a crucial phase in India’s growing space programme. The announcement came after the successful launch of CMS-03 , India’s heaviest communication satellite, from Sriharikota aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket .

First Uncrewed Gaganyaan Mission on Track

• ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed that the agency’s priority is to conduct the first uncrewed test flight (G1 Mission) under the Gaganyaan programme before the end of the current financial year. The mission will test key systems such as the crew module, environmental control, and re-entry safety , which are vital for India’s maiden human spaceflight. Hardware integration for the G1 module is underway at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre , and two more uncrewed missions will follow before the final crewed launch.

Seven Missions Planned

ISRO’s launch roadmap includes:

• One LVM3 commercial satellite launch ,

• Three PSLV missions —including one for NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and another technology demonstration flight (PSLV-N1) ,

• One GSLV-F17 mission , and

• The G1 uncrewed Gaganyaan mission .

These launches align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India to achieve 50 rocket launches within the next five years , expanding India’s capabilities in both commercial and strategic space applications.

Strategic Importance of CMS-03

• The recently launched CMS-03 satellite , weighing 4,410 kg, replaces GSAT-7 and enhances India’s defence communication network , particularly for the Navy. Industry experts hailed the mission as a key step in achieving technological self-reliance. Lt Gen (Retd) Anil K. Bhatt , Director General of the Indian Space Association , termed it a “monumental achievement” for India’s space sector.

Exam-Oriented Facts

• ISRO targets seven missions by March 2026 , including the first Gaganyaan uncrewed flight (G1) .

• CMS-03 , launched on November 2, 2025 , is India’s heaviest satellite at 4,410 kg.

• Planned missions include one LVM3 , three PSLVs , PSLV-N1 , and GSLV-F17 .

• Gaganyaan involves three uncrewed flights before the human mission.