ISRO prepares for 100th rocket launch: Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan set to steal spotlight in 2025

Chandrayaan-3 (Image: ISRO)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has an exciting year ahead. With a packed schedule of missions, the space agency promises a milestone-filled 2025. The highlight is the much-anticipated 100th mission, provisionally planned for January.

ISRO plans to launch the NVS-02 satellite aboard GSLV this month. This mission will deploy a second-generation NavIC satellite, enhancing regional navigation capabilities. The launch is a significant step in strengthening India’s satellite navigation system.

Key Missions on ISRO’s 2025 Agenda
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath outlined the roadmap for 2025. Among the priorities is Chandrayaan-4, with docking operations scheduled for 7 January. The announcement follows the successful PSLV-C60 mission, which deployed SpaDeX and other payloads.

Uncrewed test flights for the Gaganyaan mission are also on the horizon. These flights, set for the first quarter, are crucial for ISRO’s human spaceflight ambitions. If successful, the first crewed mission could launch by the third quarter. This mission aims to position India as the fourth nation to achieve independent human spaceflight.

Focus on Earth Observation and Communication
ISRO will also launch EOS-05, or GISAT-2, this year. This Earth observation satellite will enhance geospatial imaging and aid disaster monitoring. Another important initiative is the Indian Data Relay Satellite System (IDRSS). The first two satellites, IDRSS-1 and IDRSS-2, are scheduled for 2025 and 2026. IDRSS will enable real-time communication between spacecraft and ground stations, essential for missions like Gaganyaan.

With these ambitious missions, ISRO continues to advance India’s presence in space exploration. The year 2025 promises to be a defining chapter for the nation’s space programme.