ISRO targets 50 annual launches by 2029 and advances Gaganyaan mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to increase its launch frequency to 50 missions annually by 2029. This expansion strategy involves developing new launchpads, advancing the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), and increasing private sector participation in manufacturing and operations.

Key developments include the progress of the Gaganyaan manned space mission. Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair KC announced that the capsule communicator (CAPCOM) concept—a single-voice liaison for direct radio communication with astronauts—has been established. Additionally, ISRO is implementing structured protocol mission operations and decision matrices to coordinate spacecraft and ground teams.

To support these missions, ISRO is collaborating with academic institutions for space medicine research and monitoring astronaut health parameters. The organization is also transitioning more repeatable activities to private industry, such as the first fully industry-built PSLV, while maintaining its focus on strategic research and deep-space exploration.