ISRO targets four launch pads by 2029 as it expands satellite and lunar programmes

India will operate four functional launch pads by 2029, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced on October 24 at a graduation ceremony. He said the agency will build a 2,000‑acre Small Satellite Launch Vehicle complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tuticorin district. The site will house integration buildings, launch pads, rail‑track systems, and telemetry, tracking and command equipment. While ISRO will stay a government agency, Narayanan stressed that working with private firms is essential to meet the surge in demand for thousands of satellites. He promised to hand‑hold startups, share technology and create thousands of high‑tech jobs. The chief also revealed that the first uncrewed Gaganyaan test will occur within the next two months, with two more uncrewed flights before a crewed mission. Those tests will evaluate environmental control, safety systems, crew‑escape mechanisms and module interiors under different pressure, temperature and humidity. ISRO has already carried out about 8,000 ground‑based experiments for the mission and four astronaut‑designates are in specialised training. Looking ahead, Narayanan outlined plans for Chandrayaan‑5, a joint lunar mission with Japan’s space agency that will carry a 350‑kg rover to run 100 days of surface experiments. ## Context India’s launch pads are key to handling the growing global satellite market, and private partnerships aim to turn space work into a domestic industry. The lunar rover will add to India’s track record of moon exploration and deepen cooperation with Japan.