Editing ISRO (section)

== Future projects ==
ISRO is developing and operationalising more powerful and less pollutive rocket engines so it can eventually develop much heavier rockets. It also plans space station above earth where astronauts can stay for 15–20 days. The time frame is 5–7 years after Gaganyaan,<ref name="The Hindu"/> to develop electric and nuclear propulsion for satellites and spacecraft to reduce their weight and extend their service lives.<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/after-mars-venus-on-isros-planetary-travel-list/articleshow/69381185.cms After Mars, Venus on Isro's planetary travel list.] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827144405/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/after-mars-venus-on-isros-planetary-travel-list/articleshow/69381185.cms|date=27 August 2019}} U. Tejonmayam, ''Times of India''. 18 May 2019.</ref> Long-term plans may include crewed landings on the Moon and other planets as well.<ref name="HTSep20">{{Cite news |last=Dutt |first=Anonna |location=New Delhi |title=Gaganyaan mission: Astronauts to undergo Isro module next year |url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/gaganyaan-mission-astronauts-to-undergo-isro-module-next-year/story-t4FPl0e2b7sLMgqyJ6QoyH.html |date=18 September 2020 |access-date=20 March 2021 |archive-date=30 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530200914/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/gaganyaan-mission-astronauts-to-undergo-isro-module-next-year/story-t4FPl0e2b7sLMgqyJ6QoyH.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Engines and launch vehicles ===
;Semi-cryogenic engine
{{Main|SCE-200}}
SCE-200 is a rocket-grade [[kerosene]] (dubbed "ISROsene") and [[liquid oxygen]] (LOX)-based semi-cryogenic rocket engine inspired by [[RD-120]]. The engine will be less polluting and far more powerful than the existing [[Vikas (rocket engine)|Vikas engine]]. When combined with the LVM3, it will boost its payload capacity; it will be clustered in future to power India's heavy rockets.<ref name="WIONMar212">{{Cite news |last=MP |first=Sidhharth |date=14 March 2021 |title=ISRO: Chandrayaan-3 launch by mid-2022, Mangalyaan-2 in definition stage |url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-chandrayaan-3-launch-by-mid-2022-mangalyaan-2-in-definition-stage-370417 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210317223434/https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-chandrayaan-3-launch-by-mid-2022-mangalyaan-2-in-definition-stage-370417 |archive-date=17 March 2021 |access-date=21 March 2021 |newspaper=[[WION (TV channel)|WION]] |location=Chennai}}</ref>

On 28 March 2025, ISRO announced significant progress in the design and development of a semi-cryogenic engine with a high thrust of 2,000 kN that will power the semi-cryogenic booster stage of the LVM3.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ISRO achieves breakthrough in semi-cryogenic engine development for LVM3 |url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/science/aeronautics/isro-achieves-breakthrough-in-semicryogenic-engine-development-for-lvm3/ar-AA1BTjUZ?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=2521e9dac93f4b15afa8dcc19a25245c&ei=87 |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=www.msn.com}}</ref>

;Methalox engine
Reusable [[methane]] and LOX-based engines are under development. Methane is less pollutive, leaves no residue and hence the engine needs very little [[remanufacturing|refurbishment]].<ref name="WIONMar21" /> The [[Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre|LPSC]] began cold flow tests of engine prototypes in 2020.<ref name="lpsctimeline" />

;Modular heavy rockets
{{Main|Next Generation Launch Vehicle}}
[[File:NGLV Family.svg|thumb|NGLV, NGLV-H and NGLV-SH]]
India's own rockets lack the capacity for launching very heavy satellites to the [[geostationary orbit]] beyond 4 ton class, a problem that is planned to be fixed with the introduction of the [[Next Generation Launch Vehicle|NGLV]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=In A 1st, India To Launch Its Big Communications Satellite On SpaceX Rocket |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/in-a-first-india-to-launch-its-satellite-on-spacexs-falcon-9-rocket-4792333 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |author=<!--none--> |date=2024-01-03 |title=ISRO's commercial arm to launch GSAT-20 satellite on SpaceX's Falcon-9 in 2024 |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isros-commercial-arm-to-launch-gsat-20-satellite-on-spacexs-falcon-9-in-2024/article67700823.ece |access-date=2024-01-03 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
ISRO is studying [[Heavy-lift launch vehicle|heavy]] (HLV) and [[super heavy-lift launch vehicle]] (SHLV). Modular launchers are being designed, with interchangeable parts, to reduce production time. A {{convert|10|t|ST LT|adj=on}} capacity HLV and an SHLV capable of delivering {{convert|50|-|100|t|ST LT}} into orbit have been mentioned in statements and presentations from ISRO officials.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 May 2015 |title=ISRO developing heavy lift launch vehicles |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/isro-developing-heavy-lift-launch-vehicles/article7262881.ece |newspaper=The Hindi |location=Thiruvanantpuram |access-date=21 March 2021 |archive-date=7 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407202204/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/isro-developing-heavy-lift-launch-vehicles/article7262881.ece |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="somanath-20200803">{{Cite speech |last=Somanath |first=S. |date=3 August 2020 |title=Indian Innovations in Space Technology: Achievements and Aspirations |url=https://imgur.com/a/ffL2XRp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913095544/http://imgur.com/a/ffL2XRp |archive-date=13 September 2020 |access-date=21 March 2021 |publisher=[[Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre]] |via=imgur |location=Regional Science Centre and Planetarium, Calicut }}</ref>

The agency intends to develop a launcher in the 2020s which can carry nearly {{cvt|16|t|ST LT}} to [[geostationary transfer orbit]], nearly four times the capacity of the existing LVM3.<ref name="WIONMar21">{{Cite news |last=MP |first=Sidhharth |date=14 March 2021 |title=ISRO: Chandrayaan-3 launch by mid-2022, Mangalyaan-2 in definition stage |url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-chandrayaan-3-launch-by-mid-2022-mangalyaan-2-in-definition-stage-370417 |newspaper=[[WION (TV channel)|WION]] |location=Chennai |access-date=21 March 2021 |archive-date=17 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210317223434/https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-chandrayaan-3-launch-by-mid-2022-mangalyaan-2-in-definition-stage-370417 |url-status=live}}</ref> A rocket family of five medium to heavy-lift class modular rockets described as "Next Generation Launch Vehicle or NGLV"<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-06-08 |title=ISRO readies plan for next generation launch vehicle |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-readies-plan-for-next-generation-launch-vehicle/article66946403.ece |access-date=2023-07-17 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=17 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717081813/https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-readies-plan-for-next-generation-launch-vehicle/article66946403.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> (initially planned as ''Unified Modular Launch Vehicle'' or ''Unified Launch Vehicle'') are being planned which will share parts and will replace ISRO's existing PSLV and GSLV rockets completely. The rocket family will be powered by LOX-Methane engine and will have a capacity of lifting from {{cvt|4.9|t|ST LT}} to {{cvt|16|t|ST LT}} to geostationary transfer orbit.<ref name="WIONSep21">{{Cite news |author=Siddarth MP |date=14 September 2021 |title=ISRO's new series of heavy-lift rockets to carry between 5-16 tonnes to GTO |url=https://www.wionews.com/science/isros-new-series-of-heavy-lift-rockets-to-carry-between-5-16-tonnes-to-gto-413107? |newspaper=WION |access-date=15 September 2021 |archive-date=15 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915024552/https://www.wionews.com/science/isros-new-series-of-heavy-lift-rockets-to-carry-between-5-16-tonnes-to-gto-413107 |url-status=live}}</ref>

;Reusable launch vehicles
{{Main|RLV Technology Demonstration Programme}}
[[File:Launch of RLV-TD HEX01 from First Launch Pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota (SDSC SHAR) 02.jpg|thumb|RLV-TD HEX01 from [[Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad]] (SDSC SHAR) on 23 May 2016]]
There have been two reusable launcher projects ongoing at ISRO. One is the ADMIRE test vehicle, conceived as a [[VTVL]] system and another is RLV-TD programme, being run to develop an autonomous spacecraft which will be [[VTHL|launched vertically but land like a plane]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 January 2019 |title=ISRO Is Working on Two Competing Reusable Launcher Designs |url=https://science.thewire.in/spaceflight/isro-is-working-on-two-competing-reusable-launch-vehicle-designs/ |work=Science Wire |access-date=21 March 2021 |archive-date=13 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413203350/https://science.thewire.in/spaceflight/isro-is-working-on-two-competing-reusable-launch-vehicle-designs/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

To realise a fully re-usable [[two-stage-to-orbit]] (TSTO) launch vehicle, a series of technology demonstration missions have been conceived. For this purpose, the winged Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator ([[RLV-TD]]) has been configured. The RLV-TD acts as a flying [[testbed]] to evaluate various technologies such as hypersonic flight, autonomous landing, powered cruise flight, and hypersonic flight using air-breathing propulsion. First in the series of demonstration trials was the [[Hypersonic Flight Experiment]] (HEX). ISRO launched the prototype's test flight, RLV-TD, from the Sriharikota spaceport in February 2016. It weighs around {{cvt|1.5|t|ST LT}} and flew up to a height of {{cvt|70|km}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rajwi |first1=Tiki |title=Futuristic Unmanned Space Shuttle Getting Final Touches |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2015/may/20/futuristic-unmanned-space-shuttle-getting-final-touches-763087.html |work=The New Indian Express |date=20 May 2015 |access-date=13 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214071440/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2015/may/20/Futuristic-Unmanned-Space-Shuttle-Getting-Final-Touches-763087.html |archive-date=14 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> HEX was completed five months later. A scaled-up version of it could serve as fly-back booster stage for the winged TSTO concept.<ref>{{cite news |title=Design process has been validated |url=https://www.frontline.in/science-and-technology/design-process-has-been-validated/article8704727.ece |access-date=7 September 2018 |archive-date=30 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530200916/https://frontline.thehindu.com/ |url-status=live}}</ref> HEX will be followed by a landing experiment (LEX) and return flight experiment (REX).<ref>{{cite web |title=ISRO Plans To Test ground Landing Of 'Desi' Space Shuttle By Year end |url=https://kalingatv.com/nation/isro-plans-to-test-ground-landing-of-its-space-shuttle-like-reusable-launch-vehicle/ |website=Kalinga TV |date=7 October 2020 |access-date=21 March 2021 |archive-date=13 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413203915/https://kalingatv.com/nation/isro-plans-to-test-ground-landing-of-its-space-shuttle-like-reusable-launch-vehicle/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Spacecraft propulsion and power ===
;Electric thrusters
{{Main|Spacecraft electric propulsion}}
India has been working on replacing conventional [[Spacecraft propulsion#Chemical propulsion|chemical propulsion system]] with [[Hall-effect thruster|Hall-effect]] and [[Pulsed plasma thruster|plasma]] thrusters which would make spacecraft lighter.<ref name="WIONMar21" /> [[GSAT-4]] was the first Indian spacecraft to carry electric thrusters, but it failed to reach orbit.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/article399411.ece |title=Why didn't the cryogenic engine ignite? |last=Subramanian |first=T. S. |date=17 April 2010 |work=The Hindu |access-date=21 March 2021 |archive-date=13 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113123805/http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/article399411.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> [[GSAT-9]] launched later in 2017, had [[xenon]]-based [[Spacecraft propulsion#Electric propulsion|electric propulsion system]] for in-orbit functions of the spacecraft. [[GSAT-20]] is expected to be the first fully electric satellite from India.<ref name="newsexpress">{{cite news |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/ISRO-to-Test-Electric-Propulsion-on-Satellites/2015/11/30/article3153565.ece |title=ISRO to Test Electric Propulsion on Satellites |work=The New Indian Express |first=Tiki |last=Rajwi |date=30 November 2015 |access-date=21 March 2021 |archive-date=7 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507084803/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/ISRO-to-Test-Electric-Propulsion-on-Satellites/2015/11/30/article3153565.ece |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/gsat-9-heralds-cost-saving-electric-propulsion/article18347912.ece |title=GSAT-9 heralds cost-saving electric propulsion |work=The Hindu |last=D. S. |first=Madhumathi |date=1 May 2017 |access-date=21 March 2021 |archive-date=15 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415023332/https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/gsat-9-heralds-cost-saving-electric-propulsion/article18347912.ece |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 28 March 2025, ISRO reported that its 300 [[Millinewton|mN]] xenon-based Stationary Plasma Thruster had successfully completed a 1,000-hour life test under 5.4 [[kW]] full power in a vacuum chamber. The electric propulsion system, which is intended to replace the chemical propulsion system in future satellites for [[orbit raising]] and [[orbital station-keeping]], is designed to incorporate SPT. It will enable [[Satellite bus|satellite buses]] to carry more transponders because of their reduced weight. Compared to the chemical propulsion system, the specific impulse of SPT is at least six times greater. The EPS will be utilized for orbit raising to the geostationary orbit and is intended to be introduced and validated in the next Technology Demonstration Satellite (TDS-01) mission.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 March 2025 |title=ISRO successfully completes 1000hrs Life Test of Stationary Plasma Thruster for Spacecraft Electric Propulsion System |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/ISRO_successfully_conducts_1000hrs_life_test_of_SPT.html |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=www.isro.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2025-03-29 |title=ISRO successfully completes 1000-hr life test of Stationary Plasma Thruster for satellites |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/business-tech/isro-successfully-completes-1000-hr-life-test-of-stationary-plasma-thruster-for-satellites/article69389132.ece |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=BusinessLine |language=en}}</ref>

;Alpha source thermoelectric propulsion technology
{{Main|Radioisotope thermoelectric generator}}
Radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG), also called alpha source thermoelectric technology by ISRO, is a type of [[atomic battery]] which uses nuclear [[decay heat]] from radioactive material to power the spacecraft.<ref name=NPE3>[https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/mragheb/www/NPRE%20402%20ME%20405%20Nuclear%20Power%20Engineering/Radioisotopes%20Power%20Production.pdf NPE chapter 3 Radioisotope Power Generation] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218194925/https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/mragheb/www/NPRE%20402%20ME%20405%20Nuclear%20Power%20Engineering/Radioisotopes%20Power%20Production.pdf |date=18 December 2012 }}</ref> In January 2021, the [[U R Rao Satellite Centre]] issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for design and development of a 100-[[watt]] RTG. RTGs ensure much longer spacecraft life and have less mass than solar panels on satellites. Development of RTGs will allow ISRO to undertake long-duration deep space missions to the outer planets.<ref name="RTEG" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bansal |first=Nitansha |title=ISRO plans for nuclear energy use in space |url=https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/isro-plans-for-nuclear-energy-use-in-space/ |url-status=live |access-date=19 May 2021 |website=Observer Research Foundation |language=en-US |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518140859/https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/isro-plans-for-nuclear-energy-use-in-space/}}</ref>

;Radioisotope heater unit
{{Main|Radioisotope heater unit}}
ISRO included two radioisotope heater units developed by the [[Department of Atomic Energy]] (DAE) in the propulsion module of [[Chandrayaan-3]] on a trial basis which worked flawlessly.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Laxman |first=Srinivas |date=29 December 2023 |title=Nuclear sector set to power Indian space missions: Isro chief |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/nuclear-sector-set-to-power-indian-space-missions-isro-chief/articleshow/106359396.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108154309/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/nuclear-sector-set-to-power-indian-space-missions-isro-chief/articleshow/106359396.cms |archive-date=8 January 2024 |access-date=29 December 2023 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257 }}</ref>

;Nuclear propulsion
{{Main|Nuclear propulsion}}
ISRO has plans for collaboration with Department of Atomic Energy to power future space missions using nuclear propulsion technology.<ref name=":1" />

=== Quantum technology ===
;Satellite-based quantum communication
At the [[India Mobile Congress|Indian Mobile Congress]] (IMC) 2023, ISRO presented its satellite-based quantum communication technology. It's called [[quantum key distribution]] (QKD) technology. According to ISRO, it is creating technologies to thwart [[quantum computers]], which have the ability to readily breach the current generation of encrypted secure communication. A significant milestone for unconditionally secured satellite data communication was reached in September 2023 when ISRO demonstrated free-space quantum communication across a 300-meter distance, including live video conferencing using quantum-key encrypted signals.<ref name="news18-20231030">{{Cite news |last=Upadhyay |first=Bharat |date=30 October 2023 |title=ISRO Is Working On This BIG Project To Secure India's Future Of Computing |url=https://www.news18.com/tech/isro-is-working-on-this-big-project-to-secure-indias-future-of-computing-8639388.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227135341/https://www.news18.com/tech/isro-is-working-on-this-big-project-to-secure-indias-future-of-computing-8639388.html |archive-date=27 December 2023 |access-date=27 December 2023 |work=[[News18 India|News18]] }}</ref>

=== Extraterrestrial probes ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Destination !!Craft name !!Launch vehicle !!Year
|-
| [[Moon]] || [[Chandrayaan-4]]
|2 × [[LVM3]]
|2027
|-
| Moon ||[[Lunar Polar Exploration Mission|LUPEX]]
|[[H3 (rocket)|H3]]
|2028-29
|-
| [[Venus]] ||[[Venus Orbiter Mission]]||LVM3||29 March 2028<ref name=":3">{{cite news |date=18 September 2024 |title=After Moon and Mars, India sights science goals on Venus |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2055982 |access-date=18 September 2024 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |agency=Union Cabinet, Government of India}}</ref>
|-
|  [[Mars]] ||[[Mars Lander Mission]] ||LVM3||2026
|}

==== Lunar exploration ====
;Chandrayaan-4
{{Main|Chandrayaan-4}}
Chandrayaan-4 is a planned lunar sample return mission of ISRO and the fourth iteration in its [[Chandrayaan programme]].<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2024-02-18 |title=Isro 'internally' working on Chandrayaan-4, mission to be more 'complex' this time |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/isro-internally-working-on-chandrayaan-4-mission-to-be-more-complex-this-time-417954-2024-02-18 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=2024-06-27 |title=Chandrayaan-4 parts to be sent in 2 launches, assembled in space: ISRO chief |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/chandrayaan-4-parts-to-be-sent-in-2-launches-assembled-in-space-isro-chief-9417421/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> As of January 2025 the conceptualisation phase has been completed, and the design phase is nearing completion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-23 |title=New ISRO chief interview: 'We will have 3 uncrewed missions (before humans can go to space), of which first may be this year' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/isro-chief-interview-dr-v-narayanan-space-missions-9794888/lite/ |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> The mission is expected to launch around 2027.<ref name=":42">{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Andrew |date=2024-05-14 |title=India plans Chandrayaan-4 moon sample return, will involve private sector |url=https://spacenews.com/india-plans-chandrayaan-4-moon-sample-return-will-involve-private-sector/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref> It is planned to return up to 3&nbsp;kg (6.6&nbsp;lb) of lunar regolith from near Shiv Shakti point, the landing site of Chandrayaan-3.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=Chandrayaan-4 to bring back 2-3 kg moon samples - The Economic Times |url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/science/chandrayaan-4-to-bring-back-2-3-kg-moon-samples/articleshow/113868562.cms |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=m.economictimes.com|date=2 October 2024 }}</ref>

;Lunar Polar Exploration Mission
{{Main|Lunar Polar Exploration Mission}}
The Lunar Polar Exploration mission (LUPEX) is a planned robotic lunar mission concept by ISRO and [[JAXA|Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency]] (JAXA) that would send a lunar rover and lander to explore the south pole region of the Moon no earlier than 2026. JAXA is likely to provide the under-development [[H3 (rocket)|H3 launch vehicle]] and the rover, while ISRO would be responsible for the lander.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="JPGU2019">{{Cite web |last1=Hoshino |first1=Takeshi |last2=Ohtake |first2=Makiko |last3=Karouji |first3=Yuzuru |last4=Shiraishi |first4=Hiroaki |date=May 2019 |title=Current status of a Japanese lunar polar exploration mission |url=https://confit.atlas.jp/guide/event-img/jpgu2019/PPS08-15/public/pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725143619/https://confit.atlas.jp/guide/event-img/jpgu2019/PPS08-15/public/pdf?type=in&lang=ja |archive-date=25 July 2019 |access-date=10 March 2021 }}</ref>

;Crewed Lunar Landing
ISRO aims to put an astronaut on the lunar surface by 2040.<ref name="spacecom-20231018">{{Cite news |last=Kuthunur |first=Sharmila |date=18 October 2023 |title=India wants to land astronauts on the moon in 2040 |url=https://www.space.com/india-land-astronauts-moon-2040 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223092227/https://www.space.com/india-land-astronauts-moon-2040 |archive-date=23 February 2024 |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=[[Space.com]] }}</ref>

==== Mars exploration ====
{{Main|Mars Lander Mission}}
The next Mars mission, Mars Lander Mission or Mangalyaan 2, has been proposed for launch in 2024.<ref name="RS_20190718">{{Cite web |url=https://imgur.com/a/SXXyGzC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913095719/https://imgur.com/a/SXXyGzC |url-status=dead |title=Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2955 |archive-date=13 September 2020 |website=Imgur.com |access-date=23 July 2022}}</ref> The new mission plan includes a [[Mars rover|rover]], [[Mars aircraft|helicopter]], [[Sky crane (landing system)|sky crane]] and a supersonic parachute.<ref name=space2024>{{Cite web|url=https://www.space.com/india-mangalyaan-2-mars-mission-rover-helicopter-sky-crane|title=India's ambitious 2nd Mars mission to include a rover, helicopter, sky crane and a supersonic parachute|first=Sharmila |last=Kuthunur |date=17 May 2024|website=Space.com}}</ref>

==== Venus exploration ====
{{Main|Venus Orbiter Mission}}
ISRO is considering an orbiter mission to Venus called Venus Orbiter Mission, that could launch as early as 2023 to study [[Atmosphere of Venus|the planet's atmosphere]].<ref name="Venorb">{{Cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/isro-invites-scientists-from-across-country-for-venus-mission-4627259/ |title=ISRO gears up for Venus mission, invites proposals from scientists |date=25 April 2017 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |location=[[New Delhi]] |access-date=23 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618192208/http://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/isro-invites-scientists-from-across-country-for-venus-mission-4627259/ |archive-date=18 June 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Some funds for preliminary studies were allocated in the 2017–18 Indian budget under Space Sciences;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/India-planning-Venus-mission/articleshow/11920410.cms |title=India planning Venus mission |author=Srinivas Laxman |date=17 February 2012 |access-date=24 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218204750/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-17/hyderabad/31070866_1_venus-mission-chandrayaan-1-isro |archive-date=18 February 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]] |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asianage.com/india/after-mars-isro-aims-venus-probe-2-3-years-335 |title=After Mars, Isro aims for Venus probe in 2–3 years |work=The Asian Age |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530141559/http://www.asianage.com/india/after-mars-isro-aims-venus-probe-2-3-years-335 |archive-date=30 May 2015 |access-date=12 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="indiabudget.gov.in">{{Cite web |url=http://www.indiabudget.gov.in/ub2017-18/eb/sbe91.pdf |title=Department of Space |website=[[Ministry of Finance (India)|Ministry of Finance]], [[Government of India]] |access-date=18 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215111518/http://indiabudget.gov.in/ub2017-18/eb/sbe91.pdf |archive-date=15 December 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> solicitations for potential instruments were requested in 2017<ref name="A of O">{{cite web |url=http://www.isro.gov.in/announcement-of-opportunity-ao-space-based-experiments-to-study-venus |title=Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for Space Based Experiments to Study Venus |date=19 April 2017 |website=ISRO.gov.in |access-date=13 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913183153/http://www.isro.gov.in/announcement-of-opportunity-ao-space-based-experiments-to-study-venus |archive-date=13 September 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> and 2018. A mission to Venus is scheduled for 2025 that will include a payload instrument called Venus Infrared Atmospheric Gases Linker (VIRAL) which has been co-developed with the [[Laboratoire atmosphères, milieux, observations spatiales]] (LATMOS) under [[French National Centre for Scientific Research]] (CNRS) and [[Roscosmos]].<ref>{{cite news |title=ISRO to launch its Venus mission in 2025, France to take part |url=https://www.livemint.com/science/news/isro-to-launch-its-venus-mission-in-2025-france-to-take-part-11601476329074.html |access-date=1 October 2020 |agency=PTI |publisher=Livemint |date=30 September 2020 |archive-date=31 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031090613/https://www.livemint.com/science/news/isro-to-launch-its-venus-mission-in-2025-france-to-take-part-11601476329074.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), which is intended to orbit a spacecraft in the orbit of planet Venus for a better understanding of the Venusian surface and subsurface, atmospheric processes, and influence of Sun on Venusian atmosphere, was approved by the [[Union Council of Ministers|Union Cabinet]] on 18 September 2024, under the direction of [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]]. Understanding the fundamental processes that have transformed Venus—which is thought to have once been habitable and very comparable to Earth—will be crucial to comprehending the development of Earth and Venus, the sister planets.<ref name=":3" /> A total of {{INRConvert|1236|c|lk=on|year=2024}} has been sanctioned for the Venus Orbiter Mission, of which {{INRConvert|824|c|lk=on|year=2024}} would go toward the spacecraft.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Surendra |date=2024-09-18 |title=Cabinet approves Chandrayaan-4 mission, first module of Bharatiya Antariksh Station, Venus mission, next-gen launcher |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cabinet-approves-chandrayaan-4-mission-first-module-of-bharatiya-antariksh-station-venus-mission-next-gen-launcher/articleshow/113461522.cms |access-date=2024-09-18 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sunilkumar |first=Singh Rahul |date=18 September 2024 |title=Big boost to ISRO: Chandrayaan-4, Venus mission, Indian space station and next-gen launch vehicle get Cabinet nod |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/big-boost-to-isro-chandrayaan-4-venus-mission-indian-space-station-and-next-gen-launch-vehicle-get-cabinet-nod-101726652333095.html |access-date=19 September 2024 |work=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

==== Asteroids and outer solar system ====
Conceptual studies are underway for spacecraft destined for the asteroids and [[Jupiter]], as well, in the long term. The ideal launch window to send a spacecraft to Jupiter occurs every 33 months. If the mission to Jupiter is launched, a flyby of [[Venus]] would be required.<ref>{{cite web |title=After Mars, ISRO looks to conquer Venus & Jupiter |url=http://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/After-Mars-ISRO-looks-to-conquer-Venus-Jupiter/articleshow/56342122.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108002328/http://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/After-Mars-ISRO-looks-to-conquer-Venus-Jupiter/articleshow/56342122.cms |archive-date=8 January 2017 |access-date=7 January 2017 |newspaper=Bangalore Mirror}}</ref> Development of [[Radioisotope thermoelectric generator|RTEG]] power might allow the agency to further undertake deeper space missions to the other outer planets.<ref name="RTEG">{{Cite news |last=Laxman |first=Srinivas |title=ISRO plans new propulsion for deep space missions |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-plans-new-propulsion-for-deep-space-missions/articleshow/80801653.cms |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=20 March 2021 |archive-date=10 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210194257/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-plans-new-propulsion-for-deep-space-missions/articleshow/80801653.cms |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Space telescopes and observatories ===
==== AstroSat-2 ====
{{Main|AstroSat-2}}
AstroSat-2 is the successor to the [[AstroSat]] mission.<ref name=TOI1>{{cite news |title=ISRO plans to launch India's 2nd space observatory |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com//home/science/isro-plans-to-launch-indias-2nd-space-observatory/articleshow/62975636.cms? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201224032/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com//home/science/isro-plans-to-launch-indias-2nd-space-observatory/articleshow/62975636.cms |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 February 2019 |author=Surendra Singh |date=19 February 2018 |newspaper=Times of India |access-date=20 March 2021}}</ref>

==== Exoworlds ====
Exoworlds is a joint proposal by ISRO, [[Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology|IIST]] and the [[University of Cambridge]] for a space telescope dedicated for atmospheric studies of [[exoplanet]]s, planned for 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/state/mangaluru/exoworlds-to-take-off-in-2025-kasturirangan-782783.html |title=Exoworlds to take off in 2025: Kasturirangan |date=5 December 2019 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en |access-date=6 December 2019 |archive-date=6 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206074439/https://www.deccanherald.com/state/mangaluru/exoworlds-to-take-off-in-2025-kasturirangan-782783.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.iist.ac.in/sites/default/files/library/7thconvocationspeech2019.pdf |title=Seventh convocation address IIST |date=5 July 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206054815/https://www.iist.ac.in/sites/default/files/library/7thconvocationspeech2019.pdf |archive-date=6 December 2019 |access-date=6 December 2019}}</ref> ExoWorlds is proposed as a dedicated mission for exoplanet [[spectroscopy]] in the [[Near ultraviolet|NUV]]-[[Visible spectrum|VISIBLE]]-[[Infrared|IR]] ranges. It would be placed in a stable orbit around the [[Lagrange point|Earth-Sun L2 point]].<ref name=":2">{{cite report |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/media_isro/pdf/Highlights/MSV2035_Astronomy_Astrophysics.pdf |title=Mega Science Vision 2025 Astronomy & Astrophysics |publisher=ISRO |date=9 May 2024|access-date=May 31, 2025}}</ref>{{rp|88}}<ref name=":4">{{Cite report|title=India's Space Exploration Roadmap |url=https://www.unoosa.org/documents/pdf/copuos/2024/Technical_Presentations/26Day/6_item_15_Updated_India_Space_Exploration_Roadmap_21_June_2024-edited_1.pdf|author=Victor Joseph T|access-date=March 8, 2025}}</ref>

==== Indian Spectroscopic and Imaging Space Telescope (INSIST) ====
The ''Indian Spectroscopic and Imaging Space Telescope (INSIST)'' will produce high-resolution deep [[Ultraviolet|UV]]-[[Visible spectrum|optical]] images, and will also have capabilities to carry out low to medium resolution spectroscopy. The INSIST proposal was recommended by ISRO for pre-project phase with seed funding in March 2019. Collaboration with the [[Canadian Space Agency]] is also being proposed.<ref name=":2" />{{rp|88}}<ref name=":4" />

==== DAKSHA ====
''DAKSHA'' is a proposed all-sky, high-energy transients mission, with the primary objectives of studying the [[gravitational wave]]s and [[gamma-ray burst]]s in a spectral range from 1 [[Electronvolt|keV]] to about 1 MeV. To achieve these goals, Daksha will use twin Low-Earth Orbit satellites with Three Identical Instruments each. [[Seed money|Seed funding]] has been issued to ISRO Laboratories to create a laboratory model of its Instruments.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":2" />{{rp|89}}

==== Proposed space weather probe ====
ISRO has envisioned a mission to the stable [[Lagrange point|L5 Lagrange point]]. It is under conceptual stage and parallels [[European Space Agency|ESA's]] [[ESA Vigil|Vigil]] mission.<ref name=":2" />{{rp|90-91}}

==== Proposed LEO Solar Observatory ====
ISRO has proposed to launch a complement to the [[Aditya-L1|Aditya L1]] probe to be placed in Low-Earth Orbit.<ref name=":2" />{{rp|91}}

=== Forthcoming satellites ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Satellite name
! Launch vehicle
! Year!! Purpose
! Notes
|-
| [[GISAT]] 2
| GSLV
| TBA
| [[Earth observation satellite|Earth observation]]
|Geospatial imagery to facilitate continuous observation of Indian sub-continent, quick monitoring of natural hazards and disaster.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/usq119.pdf |title=RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.119 TO BE ANSWERED ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2012 DESIGNING OF GEO IMAGING SATELLITE |website=Isro.gov.in |access-date=July 23, 2022}}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
|-
| [[Indian Data Relay Satellite System|IDRSS]]
| GSLV
| TBA || [[Data transmission|Data relay and satellite tracking constellation]]
| Facilitates continuous real-time communication between [[Low Earth orbit]] bound spacecraft to the [[ground station]] as well as inter-satellite communication. Such a satellite in geostationary orbit can track a low altitude spacecraft up to almost half of its orbit.<ref name="indiatoday-20181217">{{Cite news |date=17 December 2018 |title=ISRO to launch two satellites under IDRSS: All about it |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/satellites-isro-idrss-1411248-2018-12-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006172004/https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/satellites-isro-idrss-1411248-2018-12-17 |archive-date=6 October 2019 |access-date=5 October 2019 |newspaper=[[India Today]] }}</ref>
|-
| [[DISHA (spacecraft)|DISHA]]
| [[Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle|PSLV]]
| 2025<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/aeronomy-satellite-in-advanced-planning-stage/articleshow/66323217.cms |title=Space Applications Centre: 'Aeronomy satellite in advanced planning stage' |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=23 October 2018 |access-date=18 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109064936/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/aeronomy-satellite-in-advanced-planning-stage/articleshow/66323217.cms |archive-date=9 January 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| [[Aeronomy]]
|Disturbed and quite-type Ionosphere System at High Altitude (DISHA) satellite constellation with two satellites in {{cvt|450|km|adj=on}} [[Low Earth orbit|LEO]].<ref name="RS_20190718" />
|-
| AHySIS-2
| PSLV
| TBA
| Earth observation
|Follow-up to [[HySIS]] hyperspectral Earth imaging satellite.<ref>{{cite conference |last=Kumar |first=Suresh |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331648387 |title=Hyperspectral Remote Sensing of Salt-affected Soils : Potential & Future Prospects |location=[[Central Soil Salinity Research Institute]], Karnal, India |conference=Golden Jubilee International Salinity Conference (GJISC-2019) |date=11 March 2019 |access-date=24 July 2021 |archive-date=30 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530200919/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331648387_Hyperspectral_Remote_Sensing_of_Salt-affected_Soils_Potential_Future_Prospects |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| [[NISAR (satellite)|NISAR]]
| GSLV
| 2025<ref name="roses25-a33">{{cite web |url=https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/solicitations/roses-2024/amendment-33-a-27-nisar-research-and-applications-science-team-deferred-to-roses-25/ |title=Amendment 33: A.27 NISAR Research and Applications Science Team Deferred to ROSES-25 |work=[[Science Mission Directorate]] |date=18 July 2024 |access-date=28 July 2024}}</ref>
| Earth observation
|NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) is a joint project between NASA and ISRO to co-develop and launch a dual frequency [[synthetic aperture radar]] satellite to be used for [[remote sensing]]. It is notable for being the first dual band [[radar imaging]] satellite.<ref name="NISARJPL">{{cite web |title=Mission Concept |url=https://nisar.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/mission-concept/ |website=Jet Propulsion Laboratory |access-date=22 July 2022 |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705214244/https://nisar.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/mission-concept/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}

;Geospatial intelligence satellites
A family of 50 [[artificial intelligence]] based satellites will be launched by ISRO between 2024 and 2028 to collect [[geospatial intelligence]] (GEOINT) in different orbits to track military movements and photograph areas of interest. For the sake of national security, the satellites will monitor the neighboring areas and the international border. It will use thermal, optical, [[Synthetic-aperture radar|synthetic aperture radar]] (SAR), among other technologies, for GEOINT application. Each satellite using artificial intelligence will have the ability to communicate and collaborate with the remaining satellites in space at different orbits to monitor the environment for intelligence gathering operations.<ref name="timesofindia-20231228">{{Cite news |date=28 December 2023 |title=Isro to launch 50 satellites in 5 years to boost India's intelligence-gathering capabilities; Aditya-L1 set to reach Lagrange Point on January 6: Isro chief S Somnath |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/aditya-l1-set-to-reach-lagrange-point-on-january-6-isro-chief-s-somnath/articleshow/106356577.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108154310/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/aditya-l1-set-to-reach-lagrange-point-on-january-6-isro-chief-s-somnath/articleshow/106356577.cms |archive-date=8 January 2024 |access-date=30 December 2023 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257 }}</ref><ref name="timesofindia-20231230">{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Surendra |date=30 December 2023 |title=Isro plans 50 AI-based surveillance satellites |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-plans-50-ai-based-surveillance-satellites/articleshow/106390103.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108143328/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-plans-50-ai-based-surveillance-satellites/articleshow/106390103.cms |archive-date=8 January 2024 |access-date=31 December 2023 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257 }}</ref>

=== Modular Space Station ===
;Bharatiya Antariksh Station
{{Main|Bharatiya Antariksh Station}}
Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is a planned modular [[space station]] to be constructed by India and operated by ISRO.'''<ref name="pib-202310172">{{Cite press release |title=Prime Minister reviews readiness of Gaganyaan Mission |date=17 October 2023 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1968368 |access-date=27 December 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205180147/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1968368 |archive-date=5 December 2023}}</ref>''' The space station would weigh 52 tonnes and maintain an orbit of approximately 400 kilometres above the Earth, where astronauts could stay for 3–6 months.<ref name="isrostation">{{Cite news |last1=Tiwari |first1=Sakshi |date=17 January 2022 |title=India's Space Station: As China Set To Become The Only Country With A Space Station, Will ISRO Hit Its 2030 Deadline? |url=https://eurasiantimes.com/china-exclusive-space-station-will-indian-isro-meet-its-2030-deadline/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213183247/https://www.eurasiantimes.com/china-exclusive-space-station-will-indian-isro-meet-its-2030-deadline/ |archive-date=13 December 2023 |access-date=9 November 2022 |work=Eurasian Times}}</ref>

=== Upcoming launch facility ===
;SSLV Launch Complex
{{Main|SSLV Launch Complex}}
SSLV Launch Complex is an under-construction [[spaceport]] in [[Kulasekarapattinam]], [[Thoothukudi district]] of [[Tamil Nadu]]. After completion, it would serve as the second launch facility of ISRO. This spaceport will mainly be used by ISRO for launching SSLV.<ref name="hindu-20231010">{{Cite news |date=10 October 2023 |title=Second spaceport of ISRO to be set up at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/second-spaceport-of-isro-to-be-set-up-at-kulasekarapattinam-in-tamil-nadu/article67403573.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106045828/https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/second-spaceport-of-isro-to-be-set-up-at-kulasekarapattinam-in-tamil-nadu/article67403573.ece |archive-date=6 January 2024 |access-date=6 January 2023 |work=[[The Hindu]] }}</ref>