New Delhi:
In his Independence Day speech on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the critical role of India’s space sector in the nation’s development. He emphasized that the space sector is a cornerstone in achieving the ambitious goal of a ‘Developed India by 2047.’
India’s Vibrant Space Sector
PM Modi spoke about the growing vibrancy of India’s space sector, describing it as essential for making India a powerful nation. He mentioned that the government is focusing on and strengthening this sector with a long-term vision. “When the policy is right, the intention is right, and the mantra is national welfare with complete dedication, results are inevitable,” Modi stated. He pointed out that today, private companies are launching satellites and rockets, underscoring that the space sector is indeed the future for India.
Growth of Private Participation in Space
The Prime Minister also noted the significant reforms and support given to the space sector, which has led to the rise of numerous startups in the industry. This growth is part of the broader strategy to make India a leader in space technology and innovation.
Upcoming Space Missions
The PM’s remarks on India’s thriving space sector were timely, coming just a day before the scheduled launch of the final development flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), which will carry the Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-8) into orbit.
In addition, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for several major missions. One of the most anticipated is India’s first manned mission to space, Gaganyaan. Four Indian Air Force pilots, selected for the mission, have undergone extensive training in Russia and India to prepare for this significant endeavor. PM Modi had announced the Gaganyaan project during his Independence Day speech in 2018, and earlier this year in February, he revealed the names of the four pilots.
Future Missions and Ambitions
Beyond Gaganyaan, ISRO is also planning other significant missions, including the Aditya L1 solar mission, the Shukrayaan mission to Venus, and the Chandrayaan-4 lunar mission. Additionally, ISRO, under the leadership of Chairman S. Somanath, is working on establishing India’s own space station, the ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station,’ by 2035.
These initiatives reflect India’s growing ambitions in space exploration and its commitment to becoming a leading global player in this sector.
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India’s Space Sector: A Key to Future Development, Says PM Modi