The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for the first uncrewed flight of the Gaganyaan programme while planning an ambitious slate of 27 missions during the current fiscal year. The roadmap, detailed in the Department of Space Annual Report 2025-26, reflects India’s growing confidence in launch capability, satellite deployment and human spaceflight readiness.
The first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission is expected to test critical systems needed before astronauts are sent into orbit. These include crew escape mechanisms, avionics, environmental controls and recovery procedures. Reports also indicate that humanoid robot Vyommitra is being integrated for upcoming validation exercises.
Gaganyaan is India’s flagship human spaceflight programme and aims to send Indian astronauts to low-Earth orbit. Before any crewed launch, multiple uncrewed missions are required to establish reliability and safety. Recent successful tests, including air-drop validations, have strengthened preparations.
Apart from Gaganyaan, ISRO’s 27-mission calendar is expected to include PSLV, GSLV and commercial launches, earth observation satellites and communication payloads. The packed schedule underlines India’s increasing strategic and commercial role in the global space economy.
