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India’s space agency Isro launches into overdrive in 2026
NEW DELHI: India’s space agency is about to have a very busy few months. The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has packed seven launches into the coming quarter, marking one of its most ambitious schedules yet. The missions range from commercial satellite deployments to technology demonstrations that could reshape how India builds spacecraft.
First up, possibly next week, is the LVM3—India’s heaviest rocket—which will hoist the Bluebird-6 communications satellite into orbit for AST Spacemobile, an American firm. The mission is being handled by New Space India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, proving that India’s space business is open for, well, business.
But the real showstopper comes early next year. The human-rated LVM3 will carry Vyommitra, a humanoid robot, on the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission. Think of it as a dress rehearsal before Indian astronauts head to low Earth orbit in 2027. The mission will test everything from aerodynamics to re-entry and recovery. Another uncrewed flight will follow later in the year, because when you’re sending humans into space, you check your homework twice.
Indian industry gets its moment too. The country’s first privately built Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will launch the Oceansat satellite, along with an Indo-Mauritius joint satellite and LEAP-2, developed by Dhruva Space. To keep the commercial pipeline flowing, NSIL has contracted a HAL-L&T consortium to build five more PSLVs under a technology transfer deal signed in September.
Other missions include an Isro-built PSLV carrying the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite (for a “strategic user”—make of that what you will) plus 18 smaller satellites. The GSLV-Mk II will launch EOS-5, replacing the ill-fated GISAT-1 that failed to reach orbit in 2021.
Perhaps most intriguing is the TDS-01 satellite aboard PSLV63, which will demonstrate quantum key distribution and a high-thrust electric propulsion system. The latter could be a game-changer: current four-tonne communications satellites lug around more than two tonnes of liquid fuel. With electric propulsion, that drops to a mere 200kg. Same power, half the weight. It’s the spacecraft equivalent of swapping a lorry for a sports car.
Jitendra Singh, the union minister overseeing space, told parliament that technologies proven on TDS-01 will be deployed in navigation and communications missions soon after. India is also testing an indigenous travelling wave tube amplifier, a critical component for satellite transponders, because self-reliance is the name of the game.
Before March, Isro’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle will also fly a dedicated mission.
Seven launches in three months? That’s not a schedule. That’s a statement.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
