India’s space journey has come a long way since its humble beginnings. The first launcher designed under the leadership of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam weighed 17 tons and could carry only 35 kilograms into low Earth orbit. Today, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is envisioning a rocket that will stand as tall as a 40-storey building and carry an astounding payload of 75,000 kilograms into orbit.

This leap from a few dozen kilograms to 75 tons reflects India’s remarkable progress in space technology. The new project aims to place India among the world’s leading space powers by offering heavy-lift capabilities on par with or exceeding global standards.

Narayanan announces ambitious ISRO projects

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan made this announcement during the convocation ceremony at Osmania University. He emphasized that ISRO has set multiple important missions for this year, each contributing to India’s growing presence in space research and commercial launches.

According to Narayanan, these missions include the launch of the Navigation with India Constellation System (SAVIC) satellite using the N1 rocket. Another milestone will be launching a 6,500-kilogram communication satellite belonging to the United States into orbit using an Indian launcher. These achievements highlight ISRO’s increasing role in global space cooperation.

Vision for the future rocket

Speaking about India’s future in space, Narayanan highlighted how far the nation has come. “Do you know what a rocket’s capacity can be?” he asked while recalling Dr. Kalam’s first 17-ton rocket. He compared that beginning with ISRO’s current vision of building a rocket capable of lifting 75,000 kilograms into low Earth orbit.

This rocket will be the tallest ever developed by India, rising to the height of a 40-storey skyscraper. The project aims not just to advance India’s launch capacity but also to redefine the limits of what the country can achieve in the global space race.

Such a development will support large-scale missions, deeper space exploration, and opportunities for India to provide heavy payload launch services to international clients.

Satellite launches lined up this year

Narayanan also confirmed that ISRO will launch several important satellites in the coming months. Among them is the Technology Demonstration Satellite (TDS), which will showcase new technologies for future missions. Another key project is the GSAT-7R satellite, a dedicated communication satellite designed specifically for the Indian Navy.

The GSAT-7R will strengthen secure naval communications and enhance India’s defense capabilities in space. These missions underline ISRO’s dual commitment to scientific progress and national security.

Current fleet and expansion plan

At present, India has 55 active satellites in orbit, serving various purposes from communication to navigation and scientific research. Narayanan revealed that ISRO plans to triple this number within the next three to four years.

Expanding the satellite fleet will give India stronger capabilities in weather forecasting, remote sensing, disaster management, defense, and global communications. The push for rapid expansion shows ISRO’s determination to remain competitive in the international space market.

Recognition for Narayanan’s contributions

During the Osmania University ceremony, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma honored V. Narayanan with an honorary doctorate in science. The award recognized his invaluable contribution to India’s space program and his leadership in guiding ISRO into a new era of innovation.

Narayanan’s role in shaping India’s heavy-lift capabilities and advancing space missions has been central to ISRO’s growing reputation worldwide.

India’s first astronaut at ISS meets Prime Minister Modi

In another development highlighting India’s rising space profile, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on Lok Kalyan Marg.

Shukla traveled to space on June 25, 2025, as part of the Axiom-4 mission. He spent 18 days aboard the International Space Station and returned on July 15, 2025. His successful mission has inspired a new generation of Indians to dream about human space exploration.

During the meeting, Shukla shared his experiences from the mission, describing life in microgravity and the experiments conducted during his stay. The Prime Minister congratulated him for his achievement and emphasized the importance of Indian participation in future space missions.

ISRO’s growing role in global cooperation

India’s space program is not only focused on domestic needs but also plays a growing role in international collaboration. Launching a 6,500-kilogram American communication satellite using an Indian rocket reflects ISRO’s ability to provide reliable and cost-effective launch services to global clients.

The upcoming 40-storey rocket project will further strengthen India’s position in this market. Heavy payload capability will allow ISRO to compete with leading space agencies like NASA, SpaceX, and Roscosmos.

This progress aligns with India’s broader strategy of becoming a global hub for commercial space activity. The ability to launch heavy satellites and interplanetary missions will attract new partners and clients worldwide.

Importance of heavy-lift capabilities

Heavy-lift rockets are crucial for future space exploration. They enable the transport of larger satellites, space station modules, and potentially human missions to the Moon and Mars.

With the planned rocket, ISRO will be capable of undertaking projects that were previously beyond its reach. This includes sending large scientific instruments, supporting international missions, and preparing for future crewed space journeys.

The 75,000-kilogram payload capacity represents a dramatic leap in capability, giving India opportunities to participate in global projects like space stations and deep-space exploration.

Shaping India’s space future

The combination of expanding satellite launches, developing a 40-storey rocket, and celebrating human space achievements demonstrates India’s ambitious space agenda. ISRO is simultaneously focusing on scientific exploration, defense, and commercial opportunities.

These developments are also designed to inspire the next generation of Indian scientists and engineers. With leaders like V. Narayanan and astronauts like Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s space program is gaining momentum that will shape the future for decades to come.

ISRO’s vision of building a rocket capable of lifting 75,000 kilograms into orbit marks a historic moment in India’s space journey. From Dr. Abdul Kalam’s first 17-ton rocket carrying just 35 kilograms to today’s ambitious plans, the progress is extraordinary.

With 55 satellites already in orbit, a plan to triple that number, and new satellites like GSAT-7R lined up, India’s space sector is entering a golden phase.

The recognition of V. Narayanan’s contributions and Shubhanshu Shukla’s successful mission to the ISS highlight India’s expanding global influence in space exploration.

The coming years will determine how successfully India translates these ambitious visions into reality. If achieved, the 40-storey rocket will not only change ISRO’s future but also establish India as a global space superpower.