India is making rapid strides towards establishing its own space station while simultaneously advancing the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, according to ISRO Programme Director Imtiyaz Ahmed. Speaking on Monday, February 9th, 2026, Ahmed said nearly 80 satellites are currently under development, which will play a vital role in scientific research, disaster management, internal security, navigation, and relaying critical signals for the Gaganyaan mission back to Earth.

Addressing IANS in Samastipur during the golden jubilee celebrations of India’s first indigenous satellite, Aryabhata, Ahmed highlighted that such missions are key to strengthening India’s space-based capabilities and technological self-reliance. He noted that ISRO is actively working on several major projects, including Earth Observation missions, Navigation with Indian Constellation (NVS), the Indian Data Relay Satellite System (IDRSS), Gaganyaan, and the Venus Orbiter Mission. Together, these initiatives reflect India’s expanding footprint in space science, exploration, and applied technologies.

Recalling the historic launch of Aryabhata on April 19, 1975, Ahmed said the satellite marked a turning point in India’s scientific journey. Despite limited resources during the Cold War era, Aryabhata laid the foundation for future missions and helped establish ISRO as a globally respected space agency.