ISRO's big 2026: Gaganyaan test flight, Skyroot launches, and more
ISRO is gearing up for a busy 2026, with the uncrewed Gaganyaan G3 mission leading the way to test India's human spaceflight tech.
Alongside, private player Skyroot Aerospace and ISRO's SSLV will boost India's small satellite launch game.
The roadmap was shared by ISRO Chairman S. Somanath.
Gaganyaan G3: Testing for future astronauts
Gaganyaan G3 will send a 5.3-tonne capsule into low Earth orbit using a human-rated LVM3 rocket.
The mission will check life support systems, environmental controls, propulsion, and try out a new parachute recovery system before splashdown—key steps before sending astronauts.
Skyroot and SSLV: Making space more accessible
Skyroot Aerospace—famous for its first private Indian rocket launch—will join these missions in 2026.
With frequent launches from both Skyroot and ISRO's SSLV, India aims to offer faster and cheaper rides for small satellites.