New Delhi: ISRO space missions recorded the launch of 22 satellites between December 2020 and December 2025, covering earth observation, communication, navigation, space science and technology demonstration objectives.
Out of the total launches, seven satellites supported earth observation, while four served communication needs. In addition, ISRO launched two navigation satellites, three space science missions and six technology demonstration missions. The Department of Space shared these details in Annexure-1.
During the same period, ISRO completed Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 without any cost overruns. However, both missions faced schedule delays. Chandrayaan-3 recorded a time overrun of 28 months, while Aditya-L1 saw a delay of 46 months.
In the case of Aditya-L1, ISRO expanded the mission scope and shifted the orbit from Low Earth Orbit to the Lagrangian Point-1. As a result, engineers modified satellite configurations and extended payload development cycles. Moreover, the procurement of long-lead items added to the delay.
For Chandrayaan-3, ISRO reconfigured several systems based on recommendations from the Chandrayaan-2 Failure Analysis Committee. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted schedules. The mission also required new special tests and fresh sensor development, which extended timelines.
ISRO space missions advance human spaceflight and launch capability
The Gaganyaan programme aims to demonstrate India’s indigenous human spaceflight capability to Low Earth Orbit. The Government of India approved the programme in January 2019 with a budget of ₹9,023 crore and an initial target of May 2022 for the first crewed launch.
Later, in October 2024, the government expanded the programme from three to eight missions. The revised scope added an extra uncrewed mission and four precursor missions for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. Consequently, the approved budget increased to ₹20,193 crore, with the first crewed mission now targeted for 2027-28.
ISRO has already completed extensive testing of propulsion systems, launch vehicle structures and crew module systems to meet human-rating requirements. At the same time, engineers completed static tests of critical crew escape motors. Development of indigenous life support systems continues in parallel.
Major infrastructure facilities, including the Orbital Module Preparation Facility, Gaganyaan Control Centre and crew training centre, are now operational. Furthermore, ISRO modified the second launch pad and successfully completed precursor missions such as TV-D1 and IADT-01.
India has also achieved self-reliance in space transportation, enabling launches of up to 10 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit and 4.2 tonnes to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. To strengthen future capability, the government approved development of a Next Generation Launch Vehicle with a 30-tonne LEO payload capacity, along with reusable launch technologies.
In addition, ISRO is developing advanced propulsion systems, including a semi-cryogenic engine and methane-based engines for future missions. The government’s Space Vision 2047 targets the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and an Indian Moon landing by 2040, supported by new launch pads and expanded research projects.
