In a grand announcement, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled India’s ambitious plans for its space program during a Curtain Raiser media interaction held at the National Media Centre on the eve of the inaugural National Space Day. The event, set to commemorate India’s remarkable achievements in space exploration, will take place at Bharat Mandapam, Plenary Hall, on August 23, 2024.
India’s historic success with Chandrayaan 3, which landed on the Moon’s surface and became the first mission to reach the Southern polar region on August 23, 2023, was a landmark achievement. To honor this milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared August 23 as “National Space Day,” celebrating India’s profound advancements in space exploration.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, and Department of Space, highlighted India’s future space endeavors. He revealed that Chandrayaan 4 and 5 are in the pipeline, building upon the success of Chandrayaan 3. Dr. Singh emphasized that the Gaganyaan Mission, scheduled to send the first Indian astronaut into space in 2025, underscores India’s aspirations to become a global leader in space technology.
In a nod to collaborative efforts, Dr. Singh spoke about the crucial partnership between ISRO and the Indian Navy, particularly for Crew Module recovery. He also acknowledged the significant investment exceeding Rs 1,000 crore that has flowed into the space sector through collaborations with private partners.
The Minister drew attention to the burgeoning role of StartUps in space exploration. He noted that while the sector had only a few StartUps initially, it now boasts around 300, many of which have global potential. Dr. Singh recalled the Finance Minister’s budget speech, which projected a five-fold increase in the space economy over the next decade.
Dr. Singh praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his role in transforming Sriharikota into a global space hub and announced future projects including the establishment of the Bhartiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and an Indian lunar landing by 2045. He also noted that astronaut Rakesh Sharma has been guiding the Gaganyaan Mission Team and extended his best wishes to astronaut Sunita Williams.
Accompanying Dr. Singh at the Curtain Raiser was Shantanu Bhatwadekar, Scientific Secretary of ISRO. Bhatwadekar highlighted the array of events organized by ISRO across the country. These included exhibitions, space science fairs, and interactive sessions aimed at showcasing India’s space journey. The events featured demonstrations of satellite technology, model rocketry workshops, virtual reality experiences of space missions, and national-level competitions like the ISRO Robotics Challenge and Bhartiya Antriksh Hackathon.
The celebration of National Space Day 2024 is designed to engage not just the scientific community but all Indian citizens. Schools and colleges nationwide have participated in space-themed competitions, debates, and quizzes. Research organizations, ministries, and non-governmental organizations collaborated with ISRO to offer workshops and outreach programs, making space science accessible to the public. Indian citizens have had opportunities to visit space exhibitions, interact with scientists, and witness live launches at ISRO centers.
As India marks this significant day, the nation looks forward to further achievements and milestones in its space exploration journey, celebrating its role as a formidable player on the global space stage.
