Citizens Point

The Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved three major space missions namely, the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) supporting an Indian Space Station around Earth; Chandrayaan-4 which will return with moon samples; and the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM). These missions will upgrade capabilities of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to the finest of humanity’s forays into deep-space.

Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)

At the heart of ISRO’s new missions is the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), designed to revolutionize India’s space transportation. Offering almost thrice the payload capacity of the current LVM3 at only 1.5 times the cost, the NGLV is set to enable very efficient space missions. NGLV will feature a reusable first stage, which, combined with modular green propulsion systems, will ensure lower-costs per mission. When successful, the rocket will become the key to India’s own space-station which is intended to  be launched by the end of next decade.

NGLV will carry up to 30 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), a significant upgrade from the current PSLV, GSLV, LVM3, and SSLV launch vehicles that handle up to 10 tonnes to LEO. With a budget of ₹8240 crore, the project includes the development of the vehicle, three test flights (D1, D2, D3), and essential facility setups. The NGLV is expected to take 96 months (8 years) to develop, with significant involvement from Indian industry and boast strategic as well as commercial gains for ISRO.

With a budget of ₹2104.06 crore, Chandrayaan-4 will be led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and is expected to be completed in 36 months. The mission will include significant participation from Indian industry and academia, with indigenous technologies being developed to support spacecraft landing, docking, and lunar sample return. Chandrayaan-4 will not only enhance India’s scientific understanding of the Moon but also bolster its space capabilities, paving the way for more advanced lunar exploration.

Venus Orbiter Mission

Looking towards more terrestrial planets, India is set to launch the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), which will explore Earth’s closest planetary neighbour. The mission will research surface, subsurface, and atmospheric processes on planet Venus. Only four entities including the USA, Russia, Japan and Europe have reached Venus till date.

Scheduled for launch in early 2028, the VOM mission has a budget of ₹1236 crore, with ₹824 crore allocated for spacecraft development. The Venus Orbiter will carry scientific instruments designed to study the Sun’s influence on the Venusian atmosphere and other critical planetary features. By analyzing Venus, which shares a similar formation history with Earth, scientists hope to gain valuable data on planetary evolution and the factors that lead to such divergent paths.

These three missions—NGLV, Chandrayaan-4, and VOM—represent a bold vision for India’s future in space exploration. ISRO also signals India’s commitment to pushing innovation, and supporting the global space community at a time when commercial competition is inhibiting major commitments at cooperation for space exploration. The development of NGLV will enable a broad spectrum of missions, from human spaceflight to interplanetary exploration. 

The success of these missions will bring India closer to achieving its long-term space goals, including the establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and a crewed Moon landing by 2040. By pushing the boundaries of space exploration, India is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of space travel and planetary science for entire humanity. As Star Trek reveals, Space is the next frontier for humanity.