India’s space agency will launch a collaborative Earth observation satellite developed with NASA on 30 July using the GSLV-F16 rocket, ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan confirmed today.
Speaking at Chennai International Airport, Dr Narayanan stated that the satellite will positioned in orbit at a 740 km altitude and will feature advanced radar imaging capabilities.
“This advanced satellite can capture images of Earth 24 hours a day, even during cloud cover and rain. It will play a crucial role in detecting landslides, supporting disaster management, and monitoring climate change. Its benefits will extend not only to India and the United States but to the global community as a whole,” he stated.
Providing updates on ISRO’s other ongoing projects, Dr Narayanan asserted the Aditya-L1 solar observatory, launched earlier with a 1.5 kg payload, has begun sending back data.
Scientists are now analysing these transmissions to better understand solar behaviour.
On ISRO’s human spaceflight programme, he confirmed that three uncrewed test missions are planned ahead of sending astronauts into orbit.
“The first vehicle is nearing readiness at Sriharikota and will launch this December with a humanoid payload. If that succeeds, two more missions will follow next year. The first manned mission is likely for March 2027, as announced by the Prime Minister,” he noted.
Upcoming Lunar Missions
Turning to lunar exploration, Dr Narayanan said ISRO is progressing confidently with its upcoming Moon missions.
Chandrayaan-4 aims to return lunar soil samples to Earth, while Chandrayaan-5, a joint venture with Japan, will operate on the Moon’s surface for 100 days.
ISRO currently manages a fleet of 55 satellites and plans to restructure them into three operational groups over the next four years.
Clarifying the organisation’s mission scope, Dr Narayanan stressed that national interests drive ISRO’s research.
“Our focus is on what the people of the country need, irrespective of the region,” he concluded.
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