ISRO Chairman V Narayanan has outlined a wide roadmap for India’s space programme. Notably, he said India will have four launch pads by 2029. He spoke at the convocation of a private university at Porur, near Chennai. Moreover, he updated students on Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan-5. News On AIR reported his remarks on 26 October 2026.
New Spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam
First, Narayanan named a 2,000-acre Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) complex at Kulasekarapattinam. It lies in Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) district of Tamil Nadu. Also, the plan includes a third launch pad at Sriharikota. According to him, the expansion will help meet the global demand for satellite launches. In addition, the new site will have integration buildings, rail tracks and tracking facilities.
Gaganyaan Uncrewed Tests Before the Crewed Flight
Next, ISRO plans the first uncrewed Gaganyaan test within the next two months. Then two more uncrewed tests will follow before the crewed mission. These tests will check environmental control, crew safety and crew escape. So far, ISRO has completed about 8,000 ground-based experiments. Meanwhile, four astronaut-designates are in specialised training.
Chandrayaan-5 With Japan
Similarly, Chandrayaan-5 is a joint lunar mission with Japan’s space agency, JAXA. It will carry a 350 kg rover for 100 days of surface experiments. According to ISRO, India builds the lander, while JAXA launches it on its H3-24L rocket. Also, the mission will study lunar volatiles, including water, near the Moon’s South Pole.
ISRO Will Stay a Government Agency
Importantly, Narayanan said ISRO will not be privatised. However, he called partnerships with private firms and startups essential. As a result, ISRO will transfer technology to these firms.
About the Third Launch Pad
In fact, the Union Cabinet approved the Third Launch Pad at Sriharikota on 16 January 2025. It costs Rs 3,984.86 crore and has a 48-month target. Besides, it will serve Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV). Earlier, PM Narendra Modi laid the Kulasekarapattinam foundation stone on 28 February 2024.
Four Launch Pads by 2029: Key Facts for Revision
- Announced by: ISRO Chairman V Narayanan, at Porur, near Chennai
- SSLV complex: 2,000 acres, Kulasekarapattinam, Thoothukudi district
- Third Launch Pad: Sriharikota; Cabinet nod on 16 January 2025
- Gaganyaan: three uncrewed tests before the crewed flight
- Chandrayaan-5: with JAXA; 350 kg rover; 100 days
Why Four Launch Pads by 2029 Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, launch infrastructure decides how often India can fly satellites. So, remember the SSLV complex, the Third Launch Pad and the Gaganyaan test sequence. Also, link Chandrayaan-5 with the ISRO–JAXA LUPEX partnership. For official updates, also visit ISRO. Next, for a related story, read about Gaganyaan mission progress.
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