ISRO targets to launch seven missions by March 2026: Chairman Narayanan
Sriharikota (PTI): ISRO has set a target to launch seven missions, including its ambitious first uncrewed mission under the Gangayaan programme, before the end of March 2026, Chairman V Narayanan said on Sunday.
The Bengaluru-headquartered space agency has planned to make three uncrewed missions before the crewed mission under the Gaganyaan programme, and the first uncrewed launch 'G1 Mission' is expected to happen by March 2026, he said.
"Our Gaganyaan programme is progressing well. It is in advanced stages. All hardware have arrived at Sriharikota and integration (of the hardware) is happening. We have planned three uncrewed mission. The first uncrewed mission, 'G1 Mission', is going to be achieved before the end of the current financial year," he said.
Narayanan was speaking to reporters after the successful launch of communication satellite CMS-03 onboard a LVM3-M05 rocket from this spaceport.
On the future mission programmes, Narayanan, who is also the Secretary, Department of Space, said seven missions have been planned before the end of March 2026.
He said this initiative was under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for ISRO to make 50 rocket launches over the next five year period.
"We have planned seven launches to take place before the end of this financial year. It is by March 2026," he said.
Giving some insights on the planned missions, he said after Sunday's LVM3-M05 launch, ISRO would undertake another LVM3 rocket launch which would carry a 'commercial communication satellite' for a client.
"After that, we have got three more PSLV missions. One is for NSIL customer satellite," he said.
NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) is the commercial arm of the ISRO.
Narayanan said ISRO has also planned for another technology development mission PSLV-N1 targeted to be launched before the end of the current financial year.
"So many developments are taking place. We have also planned for a GSLV-F17 rocket mission before March 2026," he said.
Noting that ISRO has drawn up various missions by March 2026, he said, "I know it is not an easy job. It is a tough job. But I know that we will accomplish these activities (in future)."
"Team ISRO is geared up to meet the vision of the Prime Minister to launch 50 missions in the next 5 years," he added.
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Kohli's U-19 teammate Amanpreet Singh Gill dies at 36
New Delhi (PTI): Former India U-19 and Punjab medium pacer Amanpreet Singh Gill died at the age of 36 in Chandigarh on Wednesday, leaving the cricket fraternity in mourning.
The cause of death is not yet known.
Gill, who was Virat Kohli's U-19 teammate, featured in six first-class matches for Punjab, picking up 11 wickets.
He was also part of the Punjab franchise (Kings XI Punjab) in the inaugural Indian Premier League season, and later served as a member of Punjab's senior selection committee.
"Punjab Cricket Association deeply mourns the sad demise of Amanpreet Singh Gill, former Punjab cricketer and Member, Senior Selection Committee Punjab,” the Punjab Cricket Association announced on X.
"Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family in this difficult time."
Two-time World Cup-winning India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also paid tribute to Gill.
"Deeply saddened to hear about Amanpreet Singh Gill’s passing. Shared the dressing room in our early days, he was a quiet, hardworking cricketer who loved the game. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace Om Shanti,” Singh posted on X.
Gill played five Youth ODIs and one Youth Test for India in 2007.
In the longer format, he claimed the wicket of former Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera.
However, he did not make the Virat Kohli-led India U-19 side that went on to win the 2008 World Cup.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Amanpreet Singh Shergill, who proudly represented Punjab and was a part of the Punjab Kings family. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire cricketing fraternity,” Punjab Kings posted on their official Instagram account.
