India’s human spaceflight programme is entering a crucial phase, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) targeting the Gaganyaan mission for 2027 and planning to follow it up with Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5 by 2028, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said.
Outlining the roadmap, Narayanan stated that the Gaganyaan programme will involve three uncrewed missions before astronauts are sent into space. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are working towards the Gaganyaan mission scheduled for 2027. Three uncrewed flights will precede the crewed mission, and preparations are underway,” he said.
Although the exact date of the first uncrewed launch is yet to be announced, Narayanan indicated that progress is steady. “The date has not been finalised, but work is progressing in that direction,” he noted.
He also confirmed that Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5 have received formal approval and are planned as crewed lunar missions. If timelines are met, both missions are expected to be carried out by 2028. “All activities are moving forward as per the targeted schedule,” he said.
A major thrust area for ISRO is the development of reusable launch vehicle (RLV) technology, which Narayanan described as essential for bringing down mission costs. He said the organisation is currently working on experimental programmes aimed at advancing reusable systems that would make space access more economical in the long run.
On comparisons with global players such as SpaceX, Narayanan made it clear that ISRO does not see its programme as a race. “The Indian space programme is designed to serve national interests. We do not view it as competition with anyone,” he said, adding that strength naturally commands respect.
He also highlighted the economic dimension of India’s space ambitions. ISRO has set a goal of increasing India’s share in the global space economy from the current 2 per cent to 8 per cent in the coming years. “Our focus is on serving the people of the country while expanding India’s space economy,” he said.
Addressing concerns about technical challenges, Narayanan dismissed the idea of setbacks. He described ongoing reviews and data analysis — including studies of PSLV missions — as part of a continuous learning and improvement process. “We treat every experience as an opportunity to learn and strengthen our capabilities,” he said.