The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is targeting at least seven launches during the current financial year, with the next mission expected to take place within the next two months, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said on Saturday. The announcement came after the successful maiden orbital launch of Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Addressing a press conference after the historic private orbital launch, Narayanan said ISRO has already prepared for an ambitious launch schedule.

He stated that two satellites are fully ready, while five to six more are currently in the final stages of integration. “This financial year, we have targeted at least seven launches. We will start the launch within two months,” Narayanan said, highlighting the agency’s focus on maintaining a steady pace of missions while supporting India’s expanding space ecosystem. The upcoming schedule includes major missions such as the first uncrewed test flight under the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, along with several planned satellite launches.

The Gaganyaan programme is India’s ambitious effort to develop indigenous human spaceflight capability. Narayanan also praised the successful launch of Vikram-1 by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, calling it a significant achievement for India’s private space sector. He appreciated the efforts of the young team behind the mission, noting that the average age of the team members was around 28 years. The ISRO chief said the success of the private orbital mission brought immense satisfaction to India’s space community and aligned with the broader vision of “Bharat 2047”.

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He described the achievement as an example of how policy reforms and collaboration between government agencies and private companies can accelerate innovation. Skyroot Aerospace’s achievement also carries a special connection with ISRO, as its co-founders Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharat Daka are former ISRO scientists.

The company’s successful orbital launch represents a new chapter in India’s commercial space journey. Speaking about the achievement, Narayanan compared ISRO’s reaction to the pride parents feel when their children succeed.  He said the space agency was proud to see a private Indian company achieve such a milestone on its first orbital attempt.

“We are just like parents who get excited and proud to see children studying well and getting first rank,” Narayanan said while describing ISRO’s response to Skyroot’s success. The ISRO chairman also highlighted the importance of the 2020 space sector reforms, which opened greater opportunities for private companies to participate in space activities. The reforms led to the growth of several startups working in satellite technology, launch vehicles, and space applications. According to Narayanan, the emergence of private players has strengthened India’s overall space capabilities by encouraging innovation, competition, and collaboration.

He said the government’s decision to allow private participation has helped create a stronger domestic space ecosystem. The successful Vikram-1 mission is expected to encourage further investment and innovation in India’s commercial space sector. With ISRO continuing its own ambitious launch programme and private companies entering the field, India is aiming to expand its presence in the global space economy. The agency’s upcoming missions, including Gaganyaan-related activities, will remain key milestones as India continues to advance its space ambitions and strengthen its position among leading spacefaring nations.

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