Union Minister of Science, Technology, and Space Dr. Jitendra Singh announced on Wednesday that India will establish its own space station, ‘India Space Station’, by 2035. Additionally, India plans to send an Indian to the Moon by 2040.
In a press conference in Delhi, Dr. Singh stated that the first Indian astronaut will go to space under the Gaganyaan mission by the end of 2025 or early 2026. Furthermore, India is planning to send humans to a depth of 6,000 meters as part of its deep sea mission.
Growth in Space Start-ups
Dr. Singh also mentioned that the government is working on a new law to regulate the space sector. Private companies have played a key role in satellite building and launches over the past four years, resulting in significant improvements in the sector. He added that the number of space start-ups, which was only one in 2014, has now increased to 266. India has launched 432 foreign satellites from the Sriharikota launch site, with 397 launched in the last decade.
Encouraging Private Companies
The government has also established institutions like the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) to promote, regulate, and allow private companies to operate in the space sector.
India’s Goal for Global Leadership in Science and Space by 2047
Dr. Singh emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a goal to establish the first phase of the Indian Space Station with the Gaganyaan mission. Additionally, directives have been given for missions like Chandrayaan-4 to bring back lunar samples, study Venus, and develop next-generation launch vehicles. India aims to become a global leader in science and space by 2047.
About the Gaganyaan Mission
Dr. Singh explained that the Gaganyaan mission is India’s first human spaceflight mission, in which four astronauts will be sent 400 kilometers above Earth’s orbit. After the mission, the crew module will be safely landed in the ocean. If successful, India will become the fourth country to achieve this feat, after the USA, China, and Russia.
Shashi Rai
