ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan | Photo Credit: PTI

ISRO is working towards its next launch in May, with several missions lined up in the new financial year, Chairman V Narayanan said on Saturday.

Narayanan spoke to reporters after receiving the KPP Nambiar Award 2025, instituted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Kerala.

"We are preparing for immediate launches. With the financial year just beginning, several missions are planned, and we aim to start launching in May," he said, declining to name any specific missions.

On the Integrated Air Drop Test-2 (IADT-2) connected to the Gaganyaan mission, Narayanan said work is progressing as planned, though no specific date has been confirmed.

Referring to the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) satellite navigation system, he said the programme is on track and details about the next launch would be announced "at the proper time".

He also noted that the K Vijay Raghavan Committee, formed to investigate the failure of the PSLV-C62 mission, is functioning and its report is expected soon.

Discussing the future outlook, Narayanan expressed confidence about developments in the 2026–27 financial year, noting that multiple initiatives are being pursued.

Providing an update on India’s human spaceflight efforts under the Gaganyaan programme, he said astronaut training is ongoing, including specialised modules conducted at around four kilometres altitude as part of deep-space preparedness.

On lunar exploration, he said work is progressing on future missions following Chandrayaan-3, including engine-related developments and other key components.

"All activities are going on as planned under the vision and guidance of the prime minister," he added.

Narayanan also referred to NASA’s Artemis programme, noting its aim to achieve another human landing on the Moon, with Artemis II representing a step toward that goal.

He said the current mission is orbital, with the spacecraft circling the Moon before returning to Earth.

He described watching the launch on April 2 as a "privilege".

"During our last visit to the Kennedy Space Centre, the vehicle was still under construction. We had the opportunity to see the first stage—gigantic in size—with two solid rocket boosters and the core propulsion stage powered by four RS-25 engines," he said.

He called the mission a significant step forward in human scientific endeavour and expressed confidence in its success, noting it would pave the way for Artemis III, intended to achieve the next human landing on the Moon.

Regarding the Gaganyaan mission, Narayanan said ISRO is making every possible effort to advance space activities in the country under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Published on April 4, 2026