Isro chief reveals multiple big missions up next after textbook GSLV launch

The Indian Space Research Organisation, or Isro, is gearing up for a busy second half of the financial year, with five more launches planned, including the first uncrewed mission under the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.Speaking after the successful launch of the GSLV-F18 rocket carrying navigation satellite NVS-03 on Friday night, Isro Chairman V Narayanan said the space agency was moving closer to its goal of sending Indian astronauts into space.The announcement comes after a successful mission that strengthened India's independent navigation capabilities and marked another milestone for Isro's heavy-lift launch vehicle.GSLV-F18/NVS-03 Mission: Watch highlights of the journey from lift-off to spacecraft separation. Mission details: https://t.co/wtZ6TmjUhc #GSLVF18 #NVS03 #ISRO #NavIC https://t.co/wstykeeMK9— ISRO (@isro) October 31, 2026FIVE MORE LAUNCHES ARE COMINGNarayanan said Isro was targeting at least five more launches before the end of the current financial year, with plans including two launches of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), two of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and a private-sector launch. The overall target stands at six launches, though accomplishing at least five remains the priority, he said.The PSLV is Isro's workhorse rocket, used to launch satellites into different orbits, including those used for Earth observation. The SSLV, meanwhile, is a smaller rocket developed to carry lightweight satellites into space, offering a quicker and more economical launch option.The planned missions will add to an already significant year for Isro, which has been working to increase launch frequency while strengthening India's capabilities in space. Isro's PSLV-C62 is seen after liftoff from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. (Photo: PTI) A STEP CLOSE TO THE MOONOne of the biggest missions on the upcoming schedule is Gaganyaan-1 (G1), the first uncrewed flight in India's human spaceflight programme.The mission will be a crucial step towards sending Indian astronauts into space aboard an Indian rocket and bringing them safely back to Earth.Narayanan said Isro has completed more than 8,000 tests so far.However, before astronauts can fly, the agency must successfully carry out three uncrewed missions to demonstrate that the rocket, spacecraft and safety systems can work reliably without putting human lives at risk. A picture of the GSLV-F18 sitting on the launch pad before the key launch on October 30, 2026. (Photo: Isro) He said preparations were progressing well, with teams working on critical systems and conducting simulations. The focus, he stressed, remains on astronaut safety.The successful GSLV-F18 mission, meanwhile, has restored NavIC to its minimum operational configuration of four satellites, strengthening India's independent positioning, navigation and timing services.- Ends