The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently revealed its roadmap for the next five years, which includes an ambitious plan for a series of satellite launches and the uncrewed Gaganyaan mission. The roadmap provides insights into the direction of Indian space exploration and research until 2026.
One of the most anticipated projects in the roadmap is the Gaganyaan mission. Originally planned as a crewed mission, the first phase will now be uncrewed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to launch in late 2023 or early 2024. The Gaganyaan mission will be a significant milestone for ISRO as it will be the first time the organisation will send a spacecraft into orbit without a crew. The mission aims to further the understanding of space environments and test technologies for future crewed missions.
In addition to Gaganyaan, the roadmap outlines a series of satellite missions. These include the launch of the GSAT-24 communication satellite, planned for December 2022, and the launch of the GSAT-22, also a communication satellite, which will be launched in November 2022. Additionally, GSAT-20, another communication satellite, is expected to be launched in October 2022.
ISRO also plans to launch a range of earth observation satellites, including the Resourcesat-3/3S, Oceansat-3, and RISAT-1A, which are vital for resource management, ocean studies, and radar imaging respectively.
In terms of lunar exploration, the much-awaited Chandrayaan-3 mission is expected to be launched in the second half of 2022. The mission aims to land a rover on the moon to collect valuable data for further exploration.
ISRO is also collaborating with various international organisations for joint ventures. For instance, it is working with the French space agency CNES on the Trishna mission, which will provide unprecedented high-temperature thermal infrared observations of the Earth’s surface. This collaboration highlights the global relevance of ISRO’s work and its contributions to global space research and exploration.
In conclusion, ISRO’s roadmap for 2022-2026 reflects its ambitious goals for space exploration. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, ISRO continues to push the boundaries of space research and exploration, with a special focus on satellite technology, lunar exploration, and uncrewed missions. The success of these missions is expected to enhance India’s position in the global space community and contribute significantly to our understanding of space.
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