ISRO chairman V Narayanan says India will have four functional space launch pads by 2029 as the space agency expands its launch and satellite-deployment capabilities. Outlets report that the plan includes building a dedicated small-satellite launch vehicle (SSLV) complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tuticorin district, alongside additional infrastructure to support launch operations.
Several reports describe the broader roadmap behind the expansion. Coverage mentions upcoming uncrewed Gaganyaan tests, continuing work for the crewed programme, and plans for a future Chandrayaan mission. Mint also adds a joint Chandrayaan-5 effort with Japan, describing it as including a 350-kg rover. Across outlets, Narayanan links the increase in capacity to partnerships with the private sector while clarifying that ISRO will not be privatised.
While the core announcement is consistent, the emphasis varies: some outlets focus tightly on the Kulasekarapattinam facilities and infrastructure, while others highlight aspects of private-sector involvement and programme milestones such as Gaganyaan testing.
