Key Takeaways
- ISRO to launch 6.5-tonne BlueBird-6 communication satellite for US partner by year-end
- Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission is 85-90% complete at subsystem level
- New Lunar Module Launch Vehicle in design phase for Indian moon landing by 2040
ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan announced on Thursday that India will launch the BlueBird-6 communication satellite in collaboration with the United States before the end of this year. The 6.5-tonne satellite, one of the heaviest commercial satellites, will be launched aboard India’s most powerful rocket, the LVM3, from Sriharikota.
“Blue Bird is a communication satellite. We have received the satellite, and we are working for the launch, and the launch vehicle build-up is going on,” Narayanan told IANS during a media briefing for ESTIC-2025.
He confirmed that the exact launch date “will be announced by the Prime Minister at the appropriate time,” while emphasizing that ISRO is “targeting to accomplish before this year’s end.”
Gaganyaan Mission Progress
In significant updates on India’s first human spaceflight program, Narayanan revealed that the Gaganyaan mission is nearing completion with “about 85 to 90 per cent of subsystem-level activities finalised.”
“We are now conducting integrated tests and software validation. Three uncrewed missions will be launched before the crewed flight to ensure full safety and system reliability,” the ISRO Chief stated.
Lunar Ambitions for 2040
Dr. A. Rajarajan, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, outlined plans for a Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV) to enable an Indian moon landing by 2040.
“We have configured a Lunar Module Launch Vehicle, which is in the initial stages of design and configuration. It requires a 75,000 kg payload capability of LEO,” Rajarajan explained.
He emphasized the need for industry collaborations, noting that “any vehicle development is challenging” and requires establishing a complete manufacturing ecosystem.
ESTIC 2025 Conclave
The Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025), scheduled from November 3-5 at Bharat Mandapam, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event will bring together 13 science and technology departments to showcase India’s scientific potential and foster collaborations.
Narayanan described the conclave as an opportunity to “showcase our potential, appreciate talents, also understand the vision of each department, what is in the store, and how the Indian industry start-up ecosystems are contributing to the science and technology area.”
