Key Updates on India’s Space Programme – H1 2026
In the first half of 2026, the Indian space sector saw a mix of setbacks and breakthroughs. The ISRO fixed a critical fault in its PSLV, announced a forthcoming GSLV mission, and opened new avenues for private players through IN‑SPACe. International cooperation also deepened with the BRICS HOSA summit in Bengaluru.
Key Developments (Bullet Summary)
- January 12, 2026: PSLV‑C62/EOS‑N1 mission failed due to a third‑stage anomaly.
- May 18, 2025: Earlier failure of PSLV‑C61/EOS‑09 also traced to third‑stage issue.
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed that a national expert committee identified and rectified the PSLV fault.
- July 2026: ISRO plans a GSLV launch, followed by another PSLV mission later in the year.
- July‑August 2026: Private firm Skyroot Aerospace targets the maiden flight of Vikram‑1 (Mission “Aagaman”).
- IN‑SPACe issues an Expression of Interest for technology transfer of LVM3 to private industry.
- BRICS HOSA finalised amendments to the Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation Agreement and drafted Terms of Reference for a BRICS Space Council.
- ISRO successfully hot‑tested a Semi‑Cryogenic Engine powerhead at 175 tonne t