The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for an ambitious series of space missions in 2024, with a focus on exploration, communication, and innovation. Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh recently informed the Parliament about ISRO’s plans to undertake 16 major space missions in the coming year.
According to the announcement, ISRO’s plans for 2024 include 13 launches with indigenous rockets, including six PSLV missions, three GSLV flights, and a commercial launch of LVM3. Additionally, a developmental flight of SSLV will be conducted, with the eventual goal of handing over SSLV operations to the private sector for low-earth orbit satellite launches.
Among the highlights of ISRO’s forthcoming missions is the NASA-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), a collaborative effort between the two space agencies. NISAR, scheduled for launch in 2024, will be the first dual-band radar imaging satellite, reinforcing the growing international collaboration in space exploration.
The space agency’s plans also include the launch of a meteorology satellite, a navigation satellite, and a joint NASA-ISRO mission through three GSLV missions. Furthermore, ISRO will conduct a technology demonstration satellite launch on the third developmental flight of SSLV, showcasing the agency’s commitment to advancing space technology.
In the realm of manned space flight, two unmanned missions under the Gaganyaan project will be undertaken in 2024 to validate the human-rated launch vehicle and the orbital module in actual flight, marking a crucial step forward for India’s space exploration endeavors.
ISRO’s ambitious lineup of missions signals the organization’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration, fostering international collaborations, and advancing space technology. As the space agency continues to expand its capabilities and reach, the global space community eagerly anticipates the groundbreaking scientific and technological advancements that will emerge from these missions.
