After NISAR, ISRO gearing up for next U.S. collaboration with BlueBird communications satellite launch
This Indo-US collaboration follows on the heels of the NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Mission (NISAR) which ISRO successfully launched on July 30 using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
The BlueBird satellite is to be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on board the LVM3, ISRO's heftiest launch vehicle which was formerly known as the GSLV-Mk III, he said.
The BlueBird satellite is expected to arrive in India in September, he said. Work is also progressing on the mission launch vehicle. Mr. Narayanan said that the satellite, weighing aound 6500 kg, was supposed to have arrived three months ago, but 'developmental issues' had caused a delay.
On whether U.S. president Donald Trump's trade policies would affect collaboration in science and technology, Mr. Narayanan said he 'fully believes that whatever technology contracts that India has signed will be executed.'
First uncrewed mission in December
Mr. Narayanan reiterated ISRO's plans to have the first of three uncrewed missions planned ahead of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight in December 2025. The remaining two uncrewed missions is expected to be held in 2026.
ISRO had earlier announced plans to have the crewed mission in the first quarter of 2027. Mr. Narayanan said that this schedule will be kept after studying the performance of the uncrewed missions.
On the development of the Gaganyaan programme, he said the human-rating of the launch vehicle has been completed. The development of the orbital module is in an 'advanced stage,' he said, adding that the development of crew escape system is nearing completion.
India's space station
Mr. Narayanan also reiterated ISRO's plans to complete the construction of India's space station, Bharatiya Antariksh Station, by 2035.
The 52-tonne facility will be developed in five modules, the first of which is expected to be placed in orbit in 2028.
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