India expands space exploration with Gaganyaan and Venus missions

India is entering a new phase of space exploration focused on human spaceflight, deep-space missions, and advanced infrastructure to establish itself as a global space power. The Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, which received an expanded budget of Rs 20,193 crore in September 2024, includes eight missions. This includes an uncrewed experimental mission featuring the Vyommitra half-humanoid targeted for late 2026, followed by a crewed mission planned for 2027.

Further objectives include the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), a five-module space station intended to be operational by 2035, with the first module (BAS-01) slated for a 2028 launch. Additionally, a Venus Orbiter Mission is scheduled for March 2028 to study the planet's geology, atmosphere, and ionosphere. To support these goals, ISRO is also working on orbital docking technologies through the SPADEX missions and developing a 200-tonne thrust semi-cryogenic engine for more powerful launch vehicles.