ISRO's 2025 Milestones: Department of Space Highlights 231 Accomplishments
The Department of Space (DoS) has released a comprehensive statement detailing India's space programme activities throughout 2025. Issued late Thursday from Bengaluru, the report outlines a wide-ranging set of achievements spanning ground tests, launch missions, technology demonstrations, and institutional reforms. According to the DoS, the year witnessed "231 achievements" across various domains, though this figure represents a consolidated internal accounting that isn't fully elaborated in the public statement.
Launch Missions and Counting Methodology
An interesting aspect of the report is how launch missions are counted. The DoS has considered each launch as two separate accomplishments—one for the launch vehicle and another for the satellite. This approach brings the total number of launch missions attempted in 2025 to 10 missions instead of the actual five physical launches. Of these 10 counted missions, seven were deemed successful according to the DoS statement.
However, if evaluated using the conventional method of counting each launch as a single mission, ISRO conducted five launches in 2025, with two experiencing failures. This dual-counting methodology contributes significantly to the overall achievement tally.
Notable Technological Breakthroughs
Among the standout accomplishments was the SpaDeX mission, which demonstrated autonomous docking and undocking between two satellites along with power transfer in orbit. This mission also featured controlled circumnavigation capabilities, placing India among a select group of nations that have mastered docking technologies crucial for future space stations and in-orbit servicing operations.
The PSLV-C60 mission that carried the SpaDeX satellites in December 2024 also deployed the fourth edition of the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (Poem-04). This platform hosted payloads from ISRO centers, private startups, and academic institutions, completing more than 1,000 orbits in 2025 while supporting experiments including robotic arm demonstrations and seed germination studies in microgravity conditions.
Major Launch Achievements and International Collaboration
Another significant milestone was the GSLV-F16 launch of NISAR, marking the first joint satellite mission between ISRO and NASA. The year also saw progress with missions using the LVM3 launcher, particularly the LVM3-M5 and LVM3-M6 missions that carried the heaviest satellites ever launched from Indian soil. These missions validated design changes aimed at improving payload capacity and introduced electromechanical actuation in solid rocket motors.
Propulsion Advances and Gaganyaan Preparations
On the technology development front, the DoS reported substantial advances in propulsion systems. These included tests of an indigenous semicryogenic engine (CE-20) and demonstrations related to restarting cryogenic and liquid engines. A static test of the SSLV's third-stage motor, constructed with a carbon-epoxy case, was successfully conducted in December 2025.
Preparation for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme continued through extensive ground testing, comprehensive reviews, and detailed simulations. The agency confirmed that propulsion systems for the first uncrewed mission have completed human-rating tests. Additional testing included parachute deployment and recovery systems through air-drop and drogue parachute trials.
Experience gained from the Axiom-4 mission, which carried Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station, is being systematically incorporated into training protocols and mission planning for future human spaceflight endeavors.
Space Sector Reforms and Applications
The DoS also highlighted initiatives as part of ongoing space-sector reforms. These include facilities being utilized by non-government entities, formalization of technology transfer for the SSLV to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and authorizations granted to private sector players.
In practical applications, space-based data supported numerous critical functions including disaster management, flood mapping, lightning monitoring, and geospatial services for multiple ministries and state governments. Infrastructure projects featured prominently in the achievements list, with approval granted for a Third Launch Pad alongside new propulsion and test facilities.
Recognition and Awards
The year brought significant recognition for India's space programme, with the DoS reporting 23 national and international awards. Notable honors included the IAA Von Karman Award of 2025, the AIAA Goddard Astronautics award for the Chandrayaan-3 landing, the Broglio Award by the Italian Aerospace Industry Association, Vigyan Sri Puraskar 2025, Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025, and the ASI and National Geospatial Award 2025.
Additionally, the Department of Space received the Rajbhasha Kirti Award (second prize) for 2024–25 for excellence in implementing Official Language Hindi policies and practices.
The DoS characterized 2025 as both demanding and productive across missions, technology development, practical applications, and institutional reforms, presenting a comprehensive picture of India's expanding capabilities in the global space arena.
