ISRO Targets Human Spaceflight by 2028, Says Official at Coimbatore Space Expo

COIMBATORE: A three-day Space Expo organised by the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, in association with Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, began in Coimbatore on Monday as part of the World Space Week celebrations 2026.

Speaking at the inauguration, IPRC Director Narayanan Appu said ISRO was preparing to send humans into space by 2028. India's proposed human spaceflight capability is being developed under the Gaganyaan programme, which aims to carry Indian astronauts to low-Earth orbit.

Mr. Appu said the space sector was witnessing rapid changes, with increasing demand for rocket launches and a growing role for private organisations.

"India has emerged as a major space power, with ISRO earning global recognition through missions such as Chandrayaan and preparing to send humans into space by 2028," he said.

Describing human resources as ISRO's greatest strength, Mr. Appu urged students to pursue science and technology and to consider careers with the space agency.

R. Hutton, former Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), ISRO, said India had made significant progress in space science and technology and that opportunities in the sector were expanding. He urged students to develop their scientific and technological capabilities and to explore careers in science, engineering and space technology.

Coimbatore Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar said such expos could help kindle curiosity among students and give them exposure to the opportunities available in the space sector.

The expo features technical lectures, video screenings on the Indian space programme, space exhibitions, career guidance sessions, drawing and elocution competitions, and sky-watching sessions through telescopes.

The event was inaugurated in the presence of S. Malarvizhi, chairperson and managing trustee of Sri Krishna Institutions; S.S. Murugan, Deputy Director, IPRC; P. Gowthaman, Group Head, IPRC; and Dr. K. Porkumaran, principal, Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology.

World Space Week is observed annually as an international celebration of science and technology and their contribution to human welfare. Events held during the week are intended to encourage public interest in space science, particularly among school and college students who are weighing career choices in the field.

India's space sector has expanded in recent years, with ISRO conducting scientific and application-driven missions while private companies and start-ups take on a larger role in launch services, satellite manufacturing and related activities. The demand for qualified engineers, scientists and technicians has grown alongside this expansion.

Over the next three days, participants at the Coimbatore expo will have the opportunity to interact with space professionals, attend lectures and take part in competitions. Organisers said the sessions are designed to give students a practical view of the work involved in the country's space programme, from propulsion systems to satellite applications.