A giant rocket built by India’s space agency on Wednesday ferried into orbit the heaviest satellite launched yet from India — a 6,100kg US communications satellite — marking the rocket’s ninth straight successful flight and third commercial mission. Isro said in May that the first crewed Gaganyaan flight is expected to take place in early 2027. “This gives us great confidence for the Gaganyaan programme,” he said. India has launched over 430 satellites for customers from 34 countries since an Isro rocket ferried its first foreign passengers — a South Korean satellite and a German satellite — in 1999. Beyond Gaganyaan, Isro has laid out ambitious long-term space goals.

Source: The Telegraph December 25, 2025 01:57 UTC