<h1>ISRO chief backs private navigation push, eyes 2027 Gaganyaan launch and first private PSLV, BlueBird mission</h1> India's space agency chief highlighted the strategic importance of private sector participation in developing indigenous navigation systems for space and defence, stressing that the state agency alone cannot meet national needs. Speaking at the inauguration of a private company's Centre of Excellence in Navigation, he said the facility is world-class and will reduce dependence on imported Positioning, Navigation, and Timing technologies, lowering costs in production. He reaffirmed the government's target of 2027 for the Gaganyaan manned mission, after three unmanned missions, noting that around 8,000 tests have been completed. He also announced plans to launch the first private PSLV and ongoing preparations for the BlueBird mission.