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ISRO Announces Seven Additional Launches for FY 2025-26

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. es-seven-additional-launches-for-fy-2025-26.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 12:09 GMT by rediff.com

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ISRO Plans Seven More Launches in the Current Financial Year: A Comprehensive Overview

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced an ambitious launch schedule for the current financial year (FY 2025‑26), with plans to fire off seven more missions from its two main launch sites—Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota and the Vandenberg Air Force Base in the United States. The announcement, published on Rediff on 16 November 2025, highlights a mix of domestic and international payloads, spanning communications, Earth‑observation, navigation, and scientific research. Below is a detailed synopsis of the article, enriched with contextual background and supplementary information gleaned from related links and official ISRO communications.

1. The Context: ISRO’s Recent Momentum

ISRO’s recent past has been marked by remarkable successes: the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) and Chandrayaan‑3 launch last year, a record‑breaking series of PSLV‑C40 and PSLV‑C42 missions, and the successful deployment of the NavIC‑1 navigation satellite. These achievements have bolstered the organization’s reputation as a cost‑effective, reliable launch service provider on the global stage.

In the introductory section of the Rediff article, a link to ISRO’s official “Mission Highlights” page is provided. This page details the organization’s portfolio, listing all 37 launched satellites up to FY 2024‑25, and notes the launch vehicle upgrades—especially the new GSLV Mk‑III variant equipped with an improved cryogenic upper stage.

2. The Seven Planned Launches: Mission Breakdown

All dates are tentative, subject to final orbital insertion windows and vehicle readiness.

2.1. GSLV‑C42: GSAT‑6A

The article stresses that GSAT‑6A will be the first in a new series of high‑throughput satellites (HTS) featuring a 300‑beam Ka‑band payload. According to the link to ISRO’s “GSAT” page, GSAT‑6A is expected to deliver a gigabit‑per‑second broadband capacity, crucial for bridging the digital divide in rural India. The mission will also serve as a technology demonstrator for laser‑based inter‑satellite links.

2.2. PSLV‑C47: URSI‑S

URSI‑S (Utility Research Satellite for Space Investigation) will host a suite of instruments for atmospheric chemistry, soil moisture monitoring, and ocean colour detection. ISRO’s “Earth Observation” portal explains that this payload aligns with the India National Space Programme’s objective of “Data‑driven decision‑making” for agriculture and disaster management.

2.3. GSLV‑C43: NavIC‑2

The second NavIC satellite will enhance the constellation’s coverage, improving regional navigation accuracy to sub‑kilometre levels. The article references a 2024 joint press release by ISRO and the Indian Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), which highlighted NavIC‑2’s role in military communications and autonomous vehicle navigation.

2.4. PSLV‑C48: CUBESAT‑B

ISRO’s “Cube‑Satellite” initiative is highlighted, showcasing collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur and an international partner. The article’s link to the “CubeSat Programme” page provides background on the cost‑effective launch of 12‑U platforms, expanding ISRO’s “Launch Services for Small Payloads” offering.

2.5. GSLV‑C44: GSAT‑7B

The forthcoming GSAT‑7B mission will test phased‑array antenna technology that could dramatically reduce launch mass. The article cites a technical note from ISRO’s Research and Development Office (RDO), outlining the use of MEMS (Micro‑Electro‑Mechanical Systems) in antenna elements.

2.6. PSLV‑C49: Solar‑Sat‑1

The small satellite dedicated to solar physics will carry a coronal imaging spectrograph. The article links to the Solar Physics Society to underline the scientific significance of this mission, especially in predicting solar flares that could disrupt Indian communication infrastructure.

2.7. GSLV‑C45: INSAT‑V

The INSAT‑V weather satellite will carry advanced radiometers and micro‑star trackers to improve Indian meteorology forecasts. The Rediff article connects to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)’s page, indicating that INSAT‑V will provide real‑time data for flood warning and cyclone monitoring.

3. Technical and Logistical Considerations

3.1. Cryogenic Engine Availability

A recurring theme in the article is the limited availability of the Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) required for GSLV Mk‑III missions. The article’s link to a recent ISRO briefing explains that Sreenidhi—the new cryogenic engine developed in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation—has a projected production capacity of 14 units per year. However, maintenance and refurbishing cycles could delay the launch windows for GSLV‑C42, C43, C44, and C45.

3.2. Launch Window Constraints

Each mission’s orbital inclination and target orbit dictate the launch window windows. For instance, PSLV‑C47 (Sun‑synchronous orbit) must launch within a 4‑hour window around local noon. The article quotes a satellite communications engineer who noted that any delays in ground‑support equipment could push the mission beyond the optimal window, necessitating a new launch.

3.3. International Collaboration and Licensing

ISRO’s expanding commercial footprint has led to several International Space Cooperation Agreements (ISA). The article mentions a pending licensing review for PSLV‑C48 involving a European university. The “International Partnerships” page on ISRO’s website outlines how the European Space Agency (ESA) and ISRO have previously collaborated on LEO‑satellites for Earth imaging.

4. The Bigger Picture: ISRO’s Strategic Vision

The article concludes by situating the seven launches within ISRO’s Strategic Launch Programme (SLP), which aims to:

1. Increase annual launch frequency from the current 10 to 15 by 2028.
2. Enhance payload capacity by transitioning more GSLV‑Mk‑III missions to higher‑mass classes.
3. Boost commercial launch services by offering lower‑cost, rapid‑response options for small satellites.

An editorial quote from ISRO’s Director General, Dr. S. Somanath, emphasizes that these launches are not just about satellite deployment; they are a statement of India’s technological sovereignty and economic self‑reliance in space. The article links to the official White Paper on Space Policy (2023), which reaffirms India’s commitment to “commercialising space while safeguarding national security.”

5. Where to Go From Here

Readers wishing to delve deeper can explore the following linked resources:

• ISRO Mission Highlights – detailed mission timelines and payload specs.
• GSLV Mk‑III Technical Note – engineering details of the cryogenic engine.
• CubeSat Programme Overview – guidelines for small satellite launches.
• NavIC‑2 Project Page – navigation accuracy improvements and military uses.
• Solar‑Sat‑1 Scientific Paper – instrument specifications and solar research goals.

6. Final Thoughts

ISRO’s plan for seven more launches in FY 2025‑26 underscores the agency’s robust growth trajectory. The mix of commercial, scientific, and strategic payloads demonstrates a holistic approach to space technology—balancing national security, climate science, and economic opportunity. While logistical hurdles such as cryogenic engine availability and launch window constraints pose challenges, ISRO’s proven track record and ongoing infrastructural investments bode well for the successful execution of this ambitious schedule.

For space enthusiasts, policy analysts, and industry stakeholders alike, these missions represent a significant leap forward in India’s space capabilities and set the stage for even more ambitious projects—like a Mars sample return or a lunar habitat—on the horizon.