Fri Aug 01 09:58:37 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it, written from an Indian perspective:
**Summary:**
This article from The Hindu reports on recent and upcoming activities of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It highlights the successful launch of the Indo-US NISAR satellite and announces plans to launch the US-developed BlueBird communication satellite within the next few months. The article also reaffirms ISRO’s commitment to its Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and the construction of an Indian space station by 2035. ISRO chairman V. Narayanan expressed confidence in the continuation of international collaborations despite potential trade policy impacts.
**News Article:**
**ISRO Forges Ahead with International Collaborations and Ambitious Space Programs**
**Thiruvananthapuram, August 1, 2025:** The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is continuing its forward march in space exploration, marked by successful international collaborations and ambitious plans for the future, ISRO chairman V. Narayanan announced on Friday.
Just days after the successful launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite on July 30th, using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), ISRO is preparing to launch the Block 2 BlueBird communications satellite, developed by U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile, within the next three to four months. This launch, utilizing the LVM3, ISRO’s most powerful launch vehicle (formerly GSLV-Mk III), underscores the growing Indo-US partnership in space technology.
Mr. Narayanan addressed concerns regarding potential impacts of U.S. trade policies on scientific collaborations, expressing his firm belief that all existing contracts will be honored.
Looking ahead, ISRO remains committed to its landmark Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. The first of three uncrewed missions is scheduled for December 2025, with the remaining two planned for 2026. The crewed mission is still slated for the first quarter of 2027, pending successful performance of the unmanned missions. Progress on the Gaganyaan program is advancing, with the human-rating of the launch vehicle complete and the development of both the orbital module and crew escape system in advanced stages.
ISRO is also maintaining its ambitious timeline for the construction of India’s own space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, by 2035. The 52-tonne facility will be constructed in five modules, with the first module expected to be placed in orbit by 2028.
These announcements reaffirm ISRO’s position as a key player in the global space arena, committed to both international partnerships and the advancement of India’s indigenous space capabilities.
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