The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman, S Somanath, recently announced updated timelines for several of India's major upcoming space missions. Among these are the much-anticipated Chandrayaan 4, Gaganyaan, and a collaborative moon-landing mission with Japan's JAXA.

Somanath also shared information about the upcoming launch of TDS-01, an electric-propelled satellite slated for December this year. Here is an overview of the latest ISRO mission timelines as shared by Somanath.

Key Dates for ISRO's Upcoming Missions
India's first manned space mission, Gaganyaan, is set to launch in 2026, while the sample-return mission, Chandrayaan 4, is expected to take place in 2028. Somanath provided these details during the Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture.

A collaborative mission with the United States, which has encountered multiple delays, is now scheduled for next year.

For the Chandrayaan 5 mission, Somanath explained that it will be a joint effort with Japan’s JAXA, focusing on a moon landing. Initially set for a 2025 launch, this mission is now expected to occur after 2028. In this mission, India will contribute the lander, while Japan will provide the rover. Somanath highlighted the challenges involved, noting that the rover’s weight will be about ten times heavier than in Chandrayaan 3. Successful completion of this mission will lay the groundwork for India’s goal of launching a manned mission to the moon by 2040.

Earlier, at a separate event held at IIT Delhi, Somanath discussed India’s recent advancements in space exploration and commended the achievements in India's lunar missions. He also acknowledged the contributions of tech entrepreneur Elon Musk to the global space industry.

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