ISRO Unveils 2026 Launch Roadmap Including Gaganyaan Crew Flight and Private SSLV Debut

ISRO presented its 2026 launch roadmap on National Space Day, detailing the crewed Gaganyaan mission, multiple PSLV flights for Earth observation, and the debut of a privately operated SSLV, all intended to expand India’s low‑cost access to orbit.

BlueBird Block‑2, a US communications satellite, rode aboard ISRO’s heavy‑lift LVM3 vehicle, becoming the heaviest payload ever placed by the rocket and showcasing the agency’s growing role in commercial launch services for international customers.

Bahubali launch successfully delivered the CMS‑03 communications satellite, marking a milestone as the mission carried one of the most massive Indian‑built satellites to date, reinforcing ISRO’s capability to handle larger payloads with its indigenous launchers.

V Narayanan urged “innovation, collaboration and global leadership” during his speech, noting that a newly tested ship‑borne tracking system will follow the Gaganyaan crew in space, underscoring ISRO’s push for self‑reliant mission support and real‑time telemetry.