JOINTLY DEVELOPED BY NASA AND ISRO, THE ‘NISAR’ IS THE WORLD’S FIRST EARTH OBSERVATION SATELLITE TO CARRY DUAL-FREQUENCY SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR

ISRO’s evolving ambitions—from lunar and Martian missions to futuristic docking tests and advanced radar systems have certainly placed India among the select group of countries that are trying to scale space frontiers, as far as into the cosmic unknown. In a giant leap, ISRO achieved its first-ever in-orbit docking between two satellites—SDX01 and SDX02—under the SpaDeX mission, launched aboard PSLV-C60 in December. By January 16, India became the fourth nation among the highly coveted world of space technologies to master such a critical capability. From here, it paves the way for future space stations and complex in-space operations.

EARTH IN HIGH DEFINITION: LAUNCH OF NISAR

On July 30, 2025, ISRO and NASA successfully launched NISAR aboard GSLV-F16 from Sriharikota. This cutting-edge satellite uses dual-frequency SAR (L-band from NASA and S-band from ISRO) with SweepSAR technology and a 12m mesh reflector to scan the entire globe every 12 days, in all weather and lighting conditions. NISAR offers millimetre-scale surface change detection—crucial for monitoring glaciers, land deformation, floods, vegetation patterns, and more. With an open-data policy, it fuels global climate science, disaster response, and environmental management.

HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT & NATIONAL SPACE STATION

Beginning with the Gaganyaan Programme, India’s human spaceflight project is hitting its stride with three planned uncrewed missions (Gaganyaan-1 to -3) launching through 2026, followed by the first crewed mission (Gaganyaan-4) around early 2027.

Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS): Formally approved in 2024, the first module (BAS-1) is expected to launch in 2028, with a full-fledged station operational by 2035—ushering India into the league of nations with its orbital outpost.

NEXT-GEN LAUNCHERS, VENUS MISSION & LUNAR SAMPLE RETURNS

ISRO’s Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) includes a semicryogenic, partially reusable rocket— “Soorya”—capable of lifting 5–16 t to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), with plans for vertical recovery and methane-LOX propulsion.

One of the complex tasks in India’s futuristic space roadmap is the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM). Green-lit in 2024, this mission is set to launch on March 29, 2028, reaching Venus orbit by July 2028, to unravel mysteries of our sister planet.

Building Chandrayaan-4 & 5 is equally a landmark mission, especially with international collaboration. ISRO is advancing lunar exploration, with Chandrayaan-5—collaborating with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)—tasked with delivering a robust rover to the Moon’s surface.

ISRO’s futuristic roadmap further includes ecosystem expansion & infrastructure scaling, like the third launch pad. ISRO’s infrastructure is expanding with a third launch pad at Sriharikota expected to be operational by March 2029 to support its growing mission portfolio.

PRIVATE SECTOR AND STARTUPS IN SPACE: A CREDIBLE STORY

India’s private space players are pushing technological frontiers. From green propulsion and 3D-printed rockets to hyperspectral imaging constellations and modular satellites, many private entities which started as recently as a decade ago are maturing in critical space technologies. Backed by IN-SPACe and progressive policy support, these companies are not only bolstering India’s self-reliance but are positioning it as a global space-tech hub by 2030.

The 2023 Space Policy has catalysed private sector involvement in India’s space sector—from engine manufacturing to satellite components. Projects like Ethereal and Agnikul are investing in rocket engine and vehicle facilities in Tamil Nadu.

Space-Tech Centre in Bengaluru: A ₹10 crore Centre of Excellence is underway to foster innovation in Earth observation, satellite manufacturing, AI-based communications, and more, anticipating a surge in skilled space professionals by 2035.

One of the key players in space, Skyroot Aerospace, has come up with a credible success story in building rockets & propulsion. Skyroot has developed Vikram-S, India’s first privately built rocket. Recently test-fired, the Kalam-1200 solid booster, the largest rocket stage by an Indian private firm—signals its readiness for the upcoming Vikram-1 orbital launch in 2025.

In fact, Skyroot innovates using carbon-composite structures, 3D-printed components, and is exploring reusable stages and green fuels to drive cost-efficiency and scalability.

Another pioneer in Indian space ecosystems, AgniKul Cosmos has built the world’s largest single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine from Inconel, a heat-resistant superalloy—patented in the US, a leap forward in additive manufacturing.

AgniKul has also ventured into launch systems, developing the Agnibaan launch vehicle, powered by multiple Agnilet engines, which is capable of placing 100 kg into LEO. It also operates India’s first private mobile launchpad and control centre at Sriharikota.

In the world of propulsion innovation, Bellatrix Aerospace is another indigenous and homegrown entity under the ISRO’s thrust on building private players has shown immense potential. Bellatrix’s work in electric and green satellite propulsion and their ARKA hall-effect thrusters and RUDRA green monopropellant HPGP systems are being tested onboard ISRO platforms, aiming to replace traditional toxic propellants.

They are also working on space taxi plans -- the “Pushpak” Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) to reposition satellites mid-mission—a game-changer for orbital logistics.

In Satellites & Payloads, Dhruva Space offers full-stack solutions from satellite design to deployment and ground operations. Their CubeSat deployers have already flown on PSLV missions. They’re expanding with a new spacecraft manufacturing facility in Hyderabad.

One of the most interesting propositions which has come from the private space players is Pixxel. Pixxel’s work in earth observation is full of potential in civil and military applications. It is building a hyperspectral imaging satellite constellation that captures detailed Earth data for environmental, agricultural, and resource monitoring.

Boosting further on the space startups ecosystems, ISRO continues outreach via initiatives like ‘Space on Wheels’ and educational events to inspire the next generation of space scientists—emphasising India’s peaceful space vision and commercial potential worth lakhs of crores.

Additionally, there are notable players like EtherealX, Galax-Eye, OrbitAID, and Digantara, which are working on reusable rocket engines, private SAR assets, on-orbit servicing, surveillance satellite constellations, and more.

ISRO’S CHALLENGES: BRIDGING GAPS AND EXPANDING DUALUSE CAPABILITIES

Scientific feat is always propelled by the fact that technology is rapidly moving, especially in the space domain. ISRO, with its staggering success and pioneering work in India, is bound to look at some of the critical areas and address gaps.

GROUP CAPTAIN SHUBHANSHU SHUKLA’S MISSION ON BOARD AXIOM-4 HAS ESTABLISHED A CLEAR PATH FOR INDIA’S PROGRESS TOWARDS INDEPENDENT SPACE TRAVEL

ISRO stands at the cusp of transitioning from a civil-dominated programme to one with stronger dual-use (civil-military) applications. However, this transition is challenged by technological gaps, infrastructure constraints, and geopolitical demands.

While ISRO has demonstrated Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs) -- RLV-TD glide tests, it lacks a fully operational reusable launch system—vital for cost-effective heavy payload delivery and rapid deployment.

Next is, crucially the cryogenic and semi-cryogenic engines. Indigenous cryogenic engines (e.g., CE-20 on GSLV Mk III) have matured, but ISRO still trails behind in semi-cryogenic methalox propulsion systems critical for reusable boosters and future Next-Gen Launch Vehicles (NGLV).

ISRO also need to work on in-orbit servicing & assembly. With SpaDEx docking success, ISRO is beginning in-space operations, but lacks robotic arms, autonomous rendezvous tech, and orbital refuelling systems essential for space station maintenance and logistics.

In the area of AI & autonomy in satellites, ISRO satellites still rely on Earth-based control. There’s limited real-time onboard AI for autonomous manoeuvring, threat detection, or self-repair—a key feature in modern space defence systems.

MILITARY-SPACE APPLICATIONS

The one area that India needs to address is the reconnaissance & surveillance using space assets. India has RISAT (radar), CARTOSAT (optical), and EMISAT (ELINT), but lacks high-resolution, rapid-refresh imaging constellations like Starlink or NRO-class assets. Tactical satellite relays are still in infancy.

ISRO also need to work on spacebased navigation (SBAS). While the NavIC is operational, but lacks full global coverage and encrypted military channels (like GPS M-Code), making secure battlefield coordination vulnerable.

Expanding on the similar gaps, despite the 2019 ASAT test and its impeccable success, India lacks sustained capabilities in space situational awareness (SSA), directed energy systems, and co-orbital interceptors.

In defence and secure communication, the GSAT-7 series supports defence communications, but high-throughput, jam-resistant, and quantum-encrypted channels are still under R&D, primarily via DRDO collaborations.

However, the most pressing part is the launch cadence as ISRO’s current infrastructure limits launches to ~6–8 per year. In comparison, SpaceX surpasses 100 annually. ISRO’s third launch pad (expected ~2029) may ease this, but delays persist.

Last but another crucial element is talent & funding. While ISRO’s budget (~1.8 billion) is frugal, it restricts rapid innovation. ISRO also faces a talent crunch, with private startups absorbing much of the emerging propulsion and software talent.

The budgetary and talent issues will also help India resolve some of the issues in the areas of export control and technology denial, as India’s non-signatory status to MTCR in the past and current restrictions on cryogenic tech, radiation-hardened components, and advanced sensors impede rapid advancement.

To evolve into a full-spectrum space power with military and civil parity, ISRO must fast-track work on autonomy, high-throughput communication, reusable launchers, and SSA. Strategic collaboration with DRDO, private startups, and international allies will be essential to close these gaps by the early 2030s.

WHY IT MATTERS: ISRO’S TRAJECTORY

From docking satellites to beaming real-time Earth data, and preparing humans for space, ISRO is scripting India’s space era. With ambitious plans for deep space, planetary exploration, human habitats, and commercial outreach by 2040–47, it’s clear: India is ascending as a space powerhouse.