ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) Statistics And Facts (2026)

Brief Overview

ISRO Statistics: ​The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), established in 1969 by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, has significantly advanced India’s capabilities in space exploration and satellite technology. As of January 12, 2026, ISRO has accomplished a total of 105 launch missions, demonstrating a commitment to expanding India’s presence in space. A notable achievement includes the successful launch of 104 satellites in a single mission in 2017, setting a world record.

ISRO has also launched 434 foreign satellites for 36 countries as of December 2025, fostering international collaboration and positioning India as a reliable partner in the global space community. In 2023, the Chandrayaan-3 mission achieved a historic soft landing near the Moon’s south pole, making India the first nation to reach this uncharted territory.

Additionally, the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2014 made India the first country to successfully reach Mars orbit on its initial attempt. These accomplishments underscore ISRO’s dedication to advancing space technology and exploration.​

Handpicked by the Editor

1. In the fiscal year 2025–2026, the Department of Space (DoS) received a total budget allocation of INR 13,416.2 crore, which included funding for ISRO, New Space India Limited (NSIL), and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
2. India’s space economy is currently valued at approximately USD 8.4 billion, contributing 2%–3% of the global space economy.
3. The Indian space economy is projected to grow to USD 44 billion by 2033, driven by private sector participation and policy reforms under the Indian Space Policy (ISP).
4. The Indian space sector is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6%–8%, emphasizing increased private sector involvement and innovation.
5. Between 2014 and 2025, ISRO generated USD 143 million in revenue from satellite launches, significantly increasing from USD 15 million recorded between 2003 and 2013.
6. During this period, ISRO successfully launched 398 foreign satellites and 56 domestic satellites.
7. The satellite services segment is estimated to contribute 36% of India’s space economy by 2025, followed by the ground segment (31%), satellite manufacturing (25%), and launch services (8.15%).
8. As of 2025-2026, ISRO has conducted 135 spacecraft missions and 105 launch missions, including key projects such as Chandrayaan, Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), and Aditya-L1.
9. In 2023, the Aditya-L1 mission, carrying seven payloads, was successfully launched to study the Sun.
10. In 2017, India set a world record by launching 104 satellites in a single mission.
11. In 1980, India became the sixth country to launch a satellite (Rohini) using the indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3).
12. On April 19, 1975, India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, was launched by a Soviet Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar.
13. ISRO developed a navigation system called NAVIC, which provides real-time positioning and timing information across India and nearby regions.
14. Bhuvan, a geoportal developed by ISRO, delivers satellite remote sensing data and services for public use.
15. ISRO is the fourth space agency globally to successfully launch a spacecraft into Mars orbit.
16. Originally, ISRO was established as INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research) in 1962.
17. By 2025-2026, 33 universities and colleges, along with 24 IITs, IIT Delhi alone signed new MoUs with 18 additional NITs in mid-2026 as part of a broader space-research and academic-excellence partnership NITs, and research institutions, had established collaborative partnerships with ISRO.

Key Missions and Projects (2024-2026)

• December 30, 2024: PSLV-C60/SPADEX Mission successfully launched, marking India’s inaugural space docking experiment. Two small satellites were maneuvered to demonstrate autonomous rendezvous and docking capabilities, positioning India as the fourth nation to achieve this feat. ​
• December 5, 2024: PSLV-C59/Proba-3 Mission launched in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). The Proba-3 mission, comprising two satellites, aims to study the Sun’s corona with unprecedented precision over two years. ​
• November 19, 2024: GSAT-N2, a communication satellite, was deployed into Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) aboard a Falcon-9 rocket, enhancing India’s communication infrastructure. ​
• August 16, 2024: SSLV-D3/EOS-08 Mission launched the EOS-08 Earth observation satellite, bolstering capabilities in areas such as agriculture, forestry, and disaster management.
• February 17, 2024: GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS Mission successfully placed the INSAT-3DS satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This satellite serves as a follow-on to INSAT-3DR, providing advanced meteorological services. ​
• January 29, 2025: GSLV-F15/NVS-02 Mission launched the NVS-02 satellite, part of the second-generation Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system. This mission enhances India’s independent satellite navigation capabilities. ​
• March 2025: LVM3-M5 Mission scheduled to deploy BlueBird Block-2 satellites under a commercial contract with AST SpaceMobile, highlighting ISRO’s growing role in the global space market. ​
• Mid-2025: Gaganyaan 2, the second uncrewed test flight preceding India’s inaugural crewed mission, is planned to further demonstrate human spaceflight capabilities. ​
• 2025: NISAR Mission, a joint Earth observation project with NASA, is set to launch. Equipped with advanced radar imaging technology, NISAR will provide critical data on agriculture, natural disasters, and climate monitoring. ​
• 2025: Venus Orbiter Mission (Shukrayaan) planned to study Venus’s atmosphere, marking India’s first mission to Earth’s neighboring planet. ​
• 2025: DISHA Satellites, a constellation aimed at studying the ionosphere, are scheduled for deployment, contributing to space weather research. ​
• 2025: IDRSS Satellites, part of the Indian Data Relay Satellite System, are planned to facilitate real-time communication with low-Earth orbit spacecraft, enhancing mission operations. ​
• 2025: The Gaganyaan-1 Mission, India’s first uncrewed flight of its human spaceflight program, will carry Vyomitra, a humanoid robot, along with scientific instruments to validate technologies for future crewed missions.
• 2026: PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 Mission, launched January 12, carrying the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite along with 18 co-passenger satellites; the launch was unsuccessful.

Facts About ISRO

• Previously, ISRO was named INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research), which was established by the Government of India IN 1962.
• ISRO, formed in 1969, replaced INCOSPAR; as DOS was set up, ISRO was placed under DOS in 1972.
• ISRO Statistics demonstrate that the Indian space agency is involved in atmospheric sciences and space sciences in general as its primary function under the guidance of the Department of Space.
• Apart from that, it has many research centers dedicated to astronomy and remote sensing in the same department.
• The first Indian satellite ‘Aryabhata’ was launched into orbit on April 19, 1975, via a Soviet Kosmos-3M rocket at Kapustin Yar. Additionally, Aryabhata was built in India. 
• Also, ISRO is the fourth space agency to successfully launch its space vehicle in orbit around Mars.
• Bhuvan, developed by ISRO, is an Indian Space Research Organization’s geoportal, which provides services and data related to satellite remote sensing for public reference.
• ISRO supports women’s empowerment, and thus, many female engineers and scientists play crucial roles in ISRO’s space missions.
• ISRO is developing an RLV reusable launch vehicle to reduce the cost of launching satellites.

By Milestones Achieved over the Years by ISRO

• In 1980, India became the sixth country in the world to launch a satellite named Rohini by the “Make in India” launch vehicle, Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3).
• PSLV is one of the most adaptable and reliable launch vehicles in the world, developed by ISRO. 
• The ISRO-developed GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) is also the most powerful launch vehicle. It has placed satellites into geostationary orbits.
• ISRO Statistics by satellite launches report that, in 2017, India set a World Record by launching 104 satellites altogether. 
• To provide real-time timing and positioning information across India and nearby regions, ISRO developed a navigation system named NAVIC, containing even satellites.
• India marked its name in history with a soft landing on the Moon’s south pole in 2023.
• In 2023, ISRO successfully launched Aditya-L1, carrying seven payloads for a Sun study.

The Following Charts Explain the Missions of ISRO

(Source: wikipedia.org)

By Satellites Launched From India By Country

According to ISRO Statistics, as of July 2023, India had launched 431 satellites, *indicating its support for international collaboration.

(Source: wikipedia.org)

Number of R&D Partner Collaborations with ISRO

(Reference: statista.com)

By 2025–2026, ISRO’s academic collaboration network has expanded further: IIT Delhi alone signed new MoUs with 18 additional NITs in mid-2026 as part of a broader space-research and academic-excellence partnership, building on the earlier base of 33 universities/colleges and 24 IITs/NITs/research institutions reported through 2023.

Government Expenditure on the Space Sector in India

(Reference: statista.com)

According to ISRO Statistics, government expenditures on India’s space sector reached approximately INR 130.4 billion (USD 1.57 billion) in FY2025, up from INR 125.44 billion in FY2024.

Intellectual Property Rights Owned by ISRO

(Reference: statista.com)

• ISRO’s Intellectual Property portfolio has grown further: as of 2025, ISRO holds 589 patents globally, spanning 480 unique patent families, of which 408 are currently active (about 69%). 
• Statista analysis shows that the number of registered patents has shown an increase with a year-on-year rate.

ISRO by Overall Success Rate

(Source: isrostats.in)

• ISRO’s launch record has shifted notably by 2025–2026. As of April 2026, ISRO had completed 135 spacecraft missions and 105 launch missions total (rather than 87), maintaining a historical success rate of roughly 84% since 1979. 
• However, recent performance has been markedly weaker: between January 2025 and January 2026, ISRO’s success rate fell to just 50%, with 3 of 6 missions failing during that period.

ISRO Space Missions FY 2025

(Source: statista.com)

• ISRO’s five 2025 launch missions were GSLV-F15/NVS-02 (Jan 29), PSLV-C61/EOS-09 (May 18, unsuccessful), GSLV-F16/NISAR (Jul 30), LVM3-M5/CMS-03 (Nov 2), and LVM3-M6 Blue Bird Block 2 (Dec 24).
• January 29, 2025 also marked ISRO’s 100th launch from the Sriharikota spaceport, achieved via the GSLV-F15 mission.
• Cumulatively, by early 2026 ISRO had completed 135 spacecraft missions, 105 launch missions, launched 18 student/private satellites, and conducted 9 re-entry missions, with 434 foreign satellites launched for 36 countries since inception.

PSLV Launches by ISRO (Between 1993 To 2026)

(Source: isro.gov.in)

GSLV Launches By ISRO (Between 2001 To 2024)

(Source: isro.gov.in)

List of Satellites Launched (Between 1975 To 2024)

(Source: isro.gov.in)

By Launches From SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota, India

(Source: isro.gov.in)

GSLV Launches By ISRO (Between 2001 To 2024)

(Source: isro.gov.in)

List of Satellites Launched (Between 1975 To 2024)

(Source: isro.gov.in)

By Launches From SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota, India

(Source: isro.gov.in)

By Organization Structure And Facilities Location

Research Facilities

Test Facilities

Construction And Launch Facilities

Tracking And Control Facilities

(Source: wikipedia.org)

A History of ISRO And India’s Space Journey

The history of India’s space research can be termed as the one of visions and achievements. It started way back in the 1960s when the scope of utilization of the advantages of space technology was just beginning to flourish. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai was a visionary scientist who understood the significance of space technology for India. He foresaw the use of satellites for solving national problems like communication and disaster warnings.

Setting The Stage: The Seeds Of ISRO (1962-1969)

In 1962, with Dr. Sarabhai at the helm, the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was established. INCOSPAR acted as the initial framework for India’s space endeavours. It focused on research and development in space science and applications, laying the groundwork for a more comprehensive space program.

ISRO Takes Flight (1969 Onwards)

By 1969, India’s space ambitions had taken a giant leap forward. INCOSPAR was superseded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This marked a significant shift, with ISRO taking on a more prominent role with an expanded mandate. It aimed not just at research but also at developing and utilising space technology for India’s socio-economic development.

The 1970s And 1980s: Building The Foundation

The 1970s and 1980s were crucial decades for ISRO. The organisation made significant strides in several key areas:

• Satellite Launching: India’s first satellite, known as Aryabhata, was placed into orbit by the Soviet Union in 1975. It was a significant event and a beginning of a new era of dreams about conquering space for India. However, dependence on foreign launch services could not be considered as an optimal solution for the Indian Space Research Organization. The SLV-3 made India the sixth country in 1980.
• Communication and Remote Sensing: Recognizing the importance of communication satellites, ISRO launched the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system in 1988. INSAT revolutionised telecommunication, television broadcasting, and weather forecasting across India. Additionally, the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) program provided valuable data for resource management, agriculture, and disaster mitigation.

The 1990s And 2000s: Expanding Horizons

The following decades saw ISRO’s capabilities soar:

• Self-Reliance: Self-reliance has been a cornerstone of India’s space strategy. ISRO developed a series of more powerful launch vehicles, such as the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). This not only reduced dependence on foreign launches but also made India a cost-effective launch service provider for other countries.
• Space Exploration: India launched its first satellite named Aryabhata in 1975 with the help of the Soviet Union. It was a big achievement for the country and marked the beginning of an era of dreams of exploring space by India. But relying on others for the launching of satellites could not be seen as the best approach for the ISRO of India. India became the sixth country in 1980 with the help of the SLV-3.

What Propelled India’s Space Journey?

Several key strategies have contributed to India’s remarkable progress in space:

• Focus on Self-Reliance: By developing its own technologies and launch vehicles, ISRO has achieved significant cost savings and greater control over its space program.
• Prioritisation of National Needs: ISRO’s programs are driven by addressing critical national requirements in communication, resource management, and disaster preparedness. Space applications directly benefit the lives of millions of Indians.
• Efficient Use of Resources: ISRO has consistently delivered successful missions at a fraction of the cost compared to many space agencies. This focus on frugality has allowed India to do more with less.
• Investment in Human Capital: ISRO has nurtured a strong pool of scientists and engineers, creating a robust talent base for its endeavors.

India’s Space Dreams Take Flight

India’s space program continues to break new ground. Here’s a glimpse into the future:

• Gaganyaan Mission: ISRO aims to send a human mission to space by 2024. This ambitious project will be a crowning achievement for India’s spacefaring ambitions.
• Reusable Launch Vehicles: ISRO is developing reusable launch vehicles to reduce launch costs further and enhance mission capabilities.
• Deep Space Exploration: India’s vision extends beyond near-Earth space. Missions to Venus and the outer solar system are planned, demonstrating India’s commitment to deeper space exploration.
• International Collaboration: While self-reliance remains a core principle, ISRO is increasingly collaborating with other space agencies. This fosters knowledge sharing and opens doors for participation in larger international space endeavors.

Ending

Over time, the ISRO has grown from humble beginnings to become a leading force in the world space domain today. The approach of self-sufficiency, national needs, and economical usage of resources has been critical in this growth. Future missions and international cooperation will make India’s journey in space more successful in the coming years.

The story of India’s space organization development is an excellent example of how vision and planning can help to achieve outstanding results. It may serve as a great source of inspiration for other developing countries to utilize space technology in order to develop further. So, as it is evident from the recent ISRO Statistics, the Indian Space Organization has a promising future ahead of it.

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