From the Aryabhata launch in 1975 to the historic Axiom-4 mission in 2025, ISRO has quickly developed into a major space power by striking a balance between its own accomplishments and partnerships with other countries. With the help of strong government reforms, a rise in private sector involvement, and an increase in foreign investment, this trajectory has put India at the forefront of both space and deep-sea exploration.
The Gaganyaan mission, which will be India’s first autonomous human spaceflight, is ISRO’s most anticipated project. Using the GSLV MK-III (LVM-3) rocket, the humanoid robot Vyommitra will make its first uncrewed test flight into Low Earth Orbit in December 2025.
In order to prepare for future uncrewed tests in 2026 and the first crewed Indian mission in 2027, which aims to launch three astronauts into orbit, this mission will validate critical systems for human spaceflight. Prior to Gaganyaan’s crewed launch, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation in the 2025 Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station will offer crucial operational experience and training.
The Samudrayaan Mission, which is slated for 2026, is ISRO’s first attempt at deep-sea exploration. In a specialized submersible created by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), a three-person crew will descend to 6,000 meters. In order to support India’s Blue Economy vision and technological advancement in ocean sciences, the mission will investigate marine biodiversity, seabed ecosystems, and mineral resources.
The first lunar sample return mission from India is Chandrayaan-4, scheduled for 2027. Two launches and the assembly of four modules—Transfer, Lander, Ascender, and Re-entry—in lunar orbit are part of this intricate operation. Its objective is to gather and return samples of rock and soil from the Moon, possibly working with foreign partners like NASA or Russia.
After Chandrayaan-4, ISRO and JAXA (Japan) will work together on the Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX mission, which will target the permanently shadowed areas of the lunar south pole. In order to prepare for future lunar exploration and habitation, the mission will concentrate on studying lunar water and volatiles.
The Venus Orbiter Mission, which is scheduled to launch in 2028, will investigate Venus’ surface and atmosphere, launching India’s foray into planetary exploration beyond the Moon and Mars.
Mangalyaan-2, which is scheduled for 2031, will build on the achievements of India’s first mission to Mars. In order to demonstrate sophisticated interplanetary landing and exploration capabilities, it is anticipated to include a lander, rover, and even a helicopter.
ISRO intends to build a 20-ton space station that will orbit at 400 km altitude by 2028–2035. The station will enable astronauts to stay for 15–20 days, enhancing India’s capacity for autonomous human spaceflight.
AstroSat-2, a successor to India’s first multi-wavelength space observatory, is in the proposal stage and will advance astrophysics research with new instruments and capabilities.
An important turning point in India’s scientific and technological landscape is represented by these upcoming missions. By encouraging innovation, bolstering the blue economy, and opening up access to vital resources, they promise not only technological advancements and increased global prestige but also strategic and financial advantages. A new era of exploration and cooperation is being ushered in by ISRO’s ambitious roadmap, which highlights India’s dedication to being a global leader in space and ocean exploration.
