On National Space Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled India’s ambitious space ambitions, including the creation of a pool of astronauts and the establishment of the country’s own space station by 2035. Modi praised India’s remarkable achievements such as reaching the lunar south pole with Chandrayaan-3 and astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic mission to the International Space Station.
He highlighted the rapid advancements in breakthrough technologies like semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion and invited youth to join the astronaut pool to be part of India’s growing space frontier.
India’s Space Station Vision and Astronaut Pool
Prime Minister Modi announced that India plans to build its indigenous space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), with the first module slated for launch by 2028 and full operational capability expected by 2035.
Modi invited the nation’s youth to join India’s astronaut pool, envisioning a future where Indian astronauts will explore space from the country’s own orbital laboratory. He lauded the achievements of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for hoisting the Indian flag on the International Space Station, symbolising the courage and dreams of India’s youth.
Breakthrough Technologies Fueling Space Progress
Modi emphasised India’s advancements in critical space technologies, including semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion, which will power upcoming missions. The Gaganyaan program, India’s first manned spaceflight initiative, is nearing key milestones with 80% of the required tests complete, according to ISRO Chairman V Narayanan.
Modi stressed there should be no “final pause” in space policy reforms and reiterated India’s path of reform, performance, and transformation in the last decade. He urged continuous innovation beyond existing achievements.
Celebrating Historic Milestones and Future Plans
National Space Day coincides with India’s historic Moon south pole landing by Chandrayaan-3 in 2023, further cementing its place among global space leaders. The unveiling of BAS’s model at the recent National Space Day celebrations marked a major leap for India, joining only the United States and China as nations operating space stations.
BAS will house research labs, support space tourism, and enable extravehicular activities with spacesuit provisions and airlocks, embodying India’s growing capabilities in human spaceflight and orbital science.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
India’s bold space ambitions encapsulate national pride, scientific innovation, and youthful aspiration, projecting a future where technology advances peace and exploration for humanity. Supporting inclusive opportunities for young Indians in this high-tech frontier reflects the spirit of progress and harmony. Yet, as India reaches for the stars, it must also keep ground realities like climate change and social equity at heart.
