India's Space Ambitions Soar: Gaganyaan, Private Rockets Set for Historic 2026 Launches

• ISRO plans uncrewed Gaganyaan G-1 orbital test by March, featuring humanoid Vyommitra, ahead of 2027 human spaceflight.
• Private firms Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos to launch Vikram-1 and Agnibaan rockets, targeting the small satellite market.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Larsen & Toubro jointly developed a new PSLV, with PSLV-N1 enhancing quantum technology.
• Indian Space Association highlights 2026 as pivotal for India's global space standing, including Pixxel's hyperspectral constellation.
• Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 ISS mission provides crucial experience for India's human spaceflight program.

Why It Matters: India is rapidly advancing its space program with ISRO and private players, aiming for major milestones by 2026.