Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the pivotal role of India’s space sector in driving national development, framing it as a cornerstone for realizing the ‘Developed India-2047′ vision. He praised the sector’s dynamic growth and the government’s commitment to its advancement. Modi remarked, “With the right policy, intention, and a mantra of national welfare, we see tangible results. Today, we’re launching private satellites and rockets. The space sector represents India’s future, and we have fortified and reformed it. Numerous startups are now emerging in this field.”
Modi’s emphasis on space exploration aligns with the imminent launch of the final development flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), which will carry the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-8. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is also preparing for its first manned mission, Gaganyaan, with four Indian Air Force pilots trained in Russia and India. This project was first announced by Modi in his 2018 Independence Day speech, with the pilots’ identities revealed in February. Additionally, ISRO is advancing the Aditya L1 solar mission, the Shukrayaan (Venus) mission, and the Chandrayaan-4 lunar mission. Under the guidance of ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, the agency is also working towards establishing the ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ by 2035.
