The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted its 100th launch with the GSLV-F15/NVS-02 mission from Sriharikota on January 29, 2025. The launch is part of India's continued expansion in space exploration and satellite deployment.
The mission highlights the increasing scale of India’s space sector, which has seen significant infrastructure growth. ISRO, established in 1969, set up its first launch pad in 1993 and added a second in 2004. A third launch pad is currently under development in Sriharikota, and a new launch site is being established in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin district.
The Indian space sector has also seen a rise in private sector participation. The number of space startups has increased from single digits in 2021 to nearly 300 by 2025. Investment in the sector reached Rs 1,000 crore in 2023, and the space economy, currently valued at $8 billion, is projected to grow to $44 billion within the next decade.
ISRO has also played a role in commercial satellite launches, conducting a significant share of foreign satellite launches. Recent reforms aimed at increasing private sector involvement have led to new investment opportunities and international collaborations.
India’s space program has been shaped by contributions from figures such as Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan. The 100th launch marks another milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to expand its space capabilities and infrastructure.
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