India’s own space station and country’s first unmanned space mission in 2027

After the recently launched PSLV-C62 mission was declared a failure due to technical problems in the launch vehicle, ISRO scientist Dr S. Venkateshwar Sharma shared in-depth information on the mission objectives and the broad roadmap of India’s space programme.

PSLV-C62, a four-stage rocket measuring 44.4 meters high and weighing 260 tonnes, was the first mission in 2026. Despite this setback, Dr Sharma focused on the engineering behind the vehicle, which used a combination of solid and liquid phases to deliver the EOS-N-1 satellite and several co-passengers into orbit.

EOS-N1 satellite

The primary payload of this mission was the EOS-N1 (Anwesha) satellite, which is a joint venture of ISRO and DRDO. Built to serve both strategic and civilian sectors, this satellite was designed for high-resolution mapping, environmental monitoring and surveying.

Dr Sharma said, ‘The system including control, power and guidance was developed by ISOR, while the special payload was developed by DRSO in collaboration with private companies.’ The satellite was designed to operate for at least five years and provide critical weather and observation data for strategic missions.

PSLV Workhorse Reliability

Before this technical problem, PSLV had established itself as ISRO’s trusted workhorse, successfully launching historic missions like Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan-1. Dr. Sharma said that the technology has developed so much that its production is being handed over to private companies like HAL, L&T and Godrej to achieve self-reliance in the space sector by 2047.

Dr Sharma said, ‘Repeated tests and available margins make PSLV extremely reliable. He further said that India’s fleet also includes GSLV and the upcoming SSLV, which can launch small satellites on demand.

Human spaceflight and future limits

Discussing future plans, Dr Sharma spoke about the Gaganyaan programme. He said ISRO aims to launch the first unmanned flight as early as 2026. After three successful unmanned missions, India hopes to launch astronauts in 2027.

Dr Sharma said, ‘The LVM3 launch vehicle is being ‘human tested’, which requires very high reliability and emergency systems.’ He described the experience gained by astronaut Subhanshu Shukla during his 14-day stay on the International Space Station (ISS) as an important achievement for the programme.

Global Space System and India Space Station

As the International Space Station (ISS) is scheduled to be retired around 2030. Dr Sharma confirmed that the India Space Station (BSS) is on track to be completed by 2035. Talking about the growing concerns of space debris and the possibility of space becoming a ‘battlefield’, he said space assets are now integral to navigation, imaging and strategic defence.

He said, ‘India is moving towards self-reliance in low orbit surveillance. With BSS and planned lunar landing by 2035, the country will be in a different orbit altogether.’

Career and advice for youth

Reflecting on his career, Dr Sharma mentioned several proud moments:

• Aryabhata (1975): India’s first satellite, built by a small team of 100 engineers.
• Chandrayaan-1 (2008): The first mission to search for water on the Moon.
• Mars Orbiter Mission (2014): Reached Mars in the first attempt at a cost of just eight rupees per kilometre.
• Chandrayaan-3 (2024): Historic and standard landing on the south pole of the Moon.

Giving advice to young Indians, Dr Sharma emphasized that the space sector needs more than just engineers. He said, ‘Whether you study science, commerce or arts, from technician and administrator to housekeeper, every role is a part of the space sector. Excel in your field, follow your passion and be a good citizen.’

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