India Space Push: ISRO Speeds Up Space Station Plans, 80 Satellites Lined Up

India Space Push: ISRO Speeds Up Space Station Plans, 80 Satellites Lined Up

India is making rapid strides towards establishing its own space station while simultaneously pushing ahead with the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, ISRO Programme Director Imtiyaz Ahmed said on Monday.

Speaking to IANS in Samastipur, Ahmed said work is currently underway on nearly 80 satellites that will support a wide range of critical functions, including scientific research, innovation, disaster management, internal security, navigation, and the relay of vital data from the Gaganyaan mission back to Earth.

The senior ISRO official made the remarks on the occasion of the golden jubilee of Aryabhata, India’s first indigenously developed satellite. He said such missions are central to strengthening the country’s space-based capabilities and achieving technological self-reliance.

Ahmed noted that ISRO is presently engaged in several major projects, including Earth Observation missions, the Navigation with Indian Constellation System (NVS), the Indian Data Relay Satellite System (IDRSS), the Gaganyaan mission, and the Venus Orbiter Mission. Together, these initiatives, he said, reflect India’s steadily expanding footprint in space science, exploration, and applied technologies.

Recalling the launch of Aryabhata on April 19, 1975, Ahmed described it as a defining moment in India’s scientific journey. Named after the ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer, the satellite was launched at a time when India faced severe technological and infrastructural constraints during the Cold War era. Despite these limitations, the mission succeeded and laid the foundation for the country’s future space endeavours.

“The success of Aryabhata helped ISRO evolve into a globally respected space agency,” Ahmed said, adding that its legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists and engineers.

To commemorate the golden jubilee of Aryabhata, ISRO has launched a nationwide outreach programme aimed at school students. The first such programme in Bihar was held on Monday at Holy Mission High School in Samastipur, with students from five different senior secondary schools participating.

During the event, students were introduced to ISRO’s work, its ongoing missions, and future opportunities in the space sector. Scientists also shared their personal journeys, highlighting that many of them had studied in Hindi-medium schools, and encouraged students to dream big and consider careers in space science and technology.

The outreach initiative, ISRO officials said, is intended to spark curiosity among young minds and nurture the next generation of scientists and engineers who will carry forward India’s space ambitions.