ISRO plans to build 4 functional launch pads by 2029 to meet rising satellite demand. Narayanan said, "ISRO will handhold startups and private enterprises, transferring technological expertise to foster economic growth." The agency also aims to conduct the first uncrewed Gaganyaan test in the next two months to ensure mission safety.
Narayanan clarified that while ISRO will not be privatized, it is essential to partner with private firms to meet the growing global and domestic demand for thousands of satellites.
"To handle this expanding ecosystem, ISRO will handhold startups and private enterprises, transferring technological expertise to foster economic growth and generate thousands of high-tech jobs," he said.
The upcoming Kulasekarapattinam spaceport facility will have integration buildings, launch pads, rail-track systems, telemetry, tracking and command systems.
Narayanan also announced that ISRO plans to conduct the first uncrewed Gaganyaan test in the next two months.
This will be followed by two more uncrewed tests before a crewed mission.
"These tests will evaluate environmental control, safety systems, crew escape mechanisms." he said.
Narayanan revealed that ISRO has conducted some 8,000 ground-based experiments for the Gaganyaan mission. He also said that four astronaut-designates are currently undergoing specialized training. This extensive preparation is part of India's ambitious plan to send humans into space under the Gaganyaan project.