New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to have four operational launch pads by 2029 to meet growing global demand for satellite launches, Chairman V. Narayanan said.
A Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) facility is being developed across approximately 2,000 acres at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu. ISRO is also planning a third launch pad at Sriharikota.
The first uncrewed Gaganyaan test flight is targeted within the next two months, followed by another uncrewed mission before the crewed launch. Around 8,000 ground-level tests have reportedly been completed, while four astronaut candidates are undergoing specialised training.
ISRO is also planning Chandrayaan-5 in collaboration with Japan. The mission is expected to use a 350-kg payload and a rover to conduct lunar surface experiments for 100 days.
Narayanan clarified that ISRO would not be privatised, but said private-sector participation was necessary to meet rising satellite launch demand.
