ISRO Upcoming Missions List [2024 Updated]

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has a track record of proving its space technology proficiency through several successfully executed missions. While expanding space boundaries, ISRO has developed a series of ambitious missions that promise to contribute to national and global development.

This article will give you an extensive look at some of these forthcoming missions, outlining their aims, expected results and the innovative technologies being worked on. From human spaceflight to solar exploration, India's future ISRO missions will ensure that it maintains its status as a leader in the international space community.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has several ambitious space missions planned for the coming years, to enhance its capabilities and contribute significantly to space science and exploration. Here are some of the major upcoming missions:

1. Gaganyaan-1

• Mission Type: Human Spaceflight
• Launch Date: 2024

Gaganyaan-1 will be the first test flight of ISRO's Gaganyaan spacecraft, designed to carry three astronauts. This mission aims to test the spacecraft's systems, including life support, avionics, and safety mechanisms. It will feature rendezvous and docking capabilities, ensuring the spacecraft's readiness for human spaceflight.

This mission marks a significant milestone in India's human spaceflight program, laying the groundwork for future missions.

2. NISAR

• Mission Type: Earth Observation
• Launch Date: 2024

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission is a collaborative project with NASA to launch the first dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar satellite. NISAR will provide high-resolution imagery for remote sensing applications, including monitoring natural disasters, mapping the Earth's surface, and studying environmental changes.

The mission's advanced radar imaging capabilities will offer unprecedented insights into Earth's dynamics.

3. Gaganyaan-2

• Mission Type: Human Spaceflight
• Launch Date: Mid-2025

Gaganyaan-2 is the second test flight of the Gaganyaan program, serving as a crucial precursor to the first crewed mission. This mission will further validate the spacecraft's systems, focusing on life support, avionics, and safety mechanisms. Ensuring the spacecraft's readiness for human spaceflight is essential for the success of future missions.

Gaganyaan-2 will include more extensive tests and evaluations. This mission is pivotal to India's goal of independently sending astronauts into space.

4. Venus Orbiter Mission (Shukrayaan)

• Mission Type: Planetary Exploration
• Launch Date: 2025

Shukrayaan is India's first mission to Venus, studying the planet's atmosphere and surface. The orbiter will carry instruments to analyse the atmospheric composition, weather patterns, and geological features. This mission aims to enhance our understanding of Venusian science and contribute to planetary exploration.

By this, scientists hope to gain insights into the planet's climate and potential for supporting life. Shukrayaan represents a significant step in India's planetary exploration efforts.

5. Mars Orbiter Mission 2 (Mangalyaan-2)

• Mission Type: Planetary Exploration
• Launch Date: 2026

Building on the success of Mangalyaan-1, this mission will primarily be an orbiter mission to Mars. Mangalyaan-2 aims to enhance our understanding of the Martian atmosphere, surface, and potential for past life through advanced scientific instruments. The mission will include more sophisticated technology and instruments compared to its predecessor.

This mission continues India's exploration of the Red Planet, contributing valuable data to the global scientific community. It is expected to provide deeper insights into the planet.

6. Lunar Polar Exploration Mission

• Mission Type: Lunar Exploration
• Launch Date: 2026

In collaboration with JAXA, this mission aims to explore the Moon's South Pole region. It will focus on studying the lunar surface, searching for water ice, and analysing the composition of lunar soil. By exploring the South Pole, scientists hope to find clues about the Moon's history and its potential for future human settlement.

The mission will enhance the knowledge of the Moon's geology and potential resources. This international collaboration underscores the importance of shared goals in space exploration.

7. Gaganyaan-3

• Mission Type: Human Spaceflight
• Launch Date: 2026

Gaganyaan-3 will be the first crewed mission of the Gaganyaan program, aiming to send Indian astronauts into space. This mission will make India the fourth country to independently send humans to space, showcasing ISRO's advancements in human spaceflight technology and capabilities. Gaganyaan-3 is a monumental achievement for India.

It will demonstrate the nation's growing prowess in space exploration. The mission aims to conduct experiments that will contribute to our understanding of human physiology in space.

8. Chandrayaan-4

source: brittanica.com

• Mission Type: Lunar Exploration
• Launch Date: 2028

Chandrayaan-4 is a lunar sample-return mission, the fourth in the Chandrayaan series. The mission will consist of multiple modules for different phases, including landing, sample collection, and return to Earth. This mission aims to bring back lunar samples for detailed analysis, contributing to our understanding of the Moon's history and evolution.

The sample-return mission will provide scientists with direct access to lunar material, enabling more precise studies.

9. Bharatiya Antariksha Station

• Mission Type: Human Spaceflight
• Launch Date: 2028-2035

The Bharatiya Antariksha Station is a planned Indian space station that will weigh around 20 tonnes and maintain an orbit approximately 400 kilometres above Earth. This space station will enable astronauts to stay in space for 15-20 days, conducting various scientific experiments and observations.

It represents a significant step in India's long-term human spaceflight capabilities. The space station will serve as a platform for advanced microgravity and space sciences research.

10. AstroSat-2

• Mission Type: Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Launch Date: To Be Announced

AstroSat-2 is proposed as the successor to AstroSat-1, India's first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory. This mission will feature advanced instruments for astronomy and astrophysics, aiming to study celestial phenomena such as stars, galaxies, and cosmic radiation.

AstroSat-2 will enhance the understanding of the universe. The mission aims to provide high-resolution data that will contribute to breakthroughs in astrophysics and cosmology.

ISRO has a range of exciting upcoming missions that highlight its dedication to space exploration and scientific advancement. These missions reflect India's commitment to enhancing its space technology and contributing knowledge to the global community.

Successful completion of these initiatives will strengthen ISRO's position as a leader in space exploration and foster international collaborations. ISRO’s ambitious plans promise significant advancements in understanding our universe and leveraging space technology for societal benefits.