Tirunelveli: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S. Narayanan on Thursday detailed the organisation's major upcoming missions, including Gaganyaan, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station and Chandrayaan-4, asserting that India's space sector is poised to make the nation proud.

Speaking to reporters in Tirunelveli, Narayanan said the Gaganyaan mission — aimed at sending Indian astronauts to space aboard an indigenous rocket and bringing them back safely — is progressing steadily. “The rocket for the mission is in its final stages of production,” he said.

He added that the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), which will regulate oxygen, temperature and pressure for astronauts, is being specially developed. The Crew Escape System (CES), intended to rescue astronauts in the event of a launch failure, has completed 8,000 successful tests, he noted.

The first human-carrying Gaganyaan spacecraft is scheduled for launch in 2027, preceded by three unmanned test missions, Narayanan said.

Outlining the plans for India's first space station, he said the Bharatiya Antariksha Station — a key project envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi — will be built in five modules, with the first module slated for launch in 2028. “The Prime Minister has instructed that the full-fledged station be completed by 2035,” he added.

Narayanan also reviewed progress at the Kulasekarapatnam rocket launch site, India's second spaceport after Sriharikota. “Work is progressing rapidly. The launch site is expected to become operational by early 2027. This will be a matter of pride not only for Tamil Nadu but for the entire nation,” he said.

On the lunar front, he said ISRO is advancing the Chandrayaan-4 mission, which aims to land on the Moon, collect samples and return them to Earth.

“ISRO's work has profound implications for national security and the everyday lives of citizens. India's space achievements have brought global recognition,” Narayanan added.