New Delhi, Aug 18: Jitendra Singh, India’s Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, recently celebrated the space experiments led by Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla aboard the International Space Station (ISS). He described this mission as a significant step for India in the global science and technology arena.
In a discussion in the Lok Sabha about India’s space program for “Viksit Bharat by 2047,” Singh emphasized that Shukla’s work demonstrated India’s growing expertise in cost-effective space technology, homegrown innovation, and teamwork with other nations. “These experiments show India as Vishwabandhu Bharat,” he noted, pointing out that the benefits of this research would impact everyone, not just India.
Singh highlighted that the ISS mission was conducted at a fraction of the cost seen in other countries. This marked a strong example of India utilizing its intelligence and planning to make strides in space. He also acknowledged the recent reforms that have opened the space sector to private players, contributing to the rise of over 300 startups in the industry.
During his time in space, Shukla completed various experiments related to life sciences, agriculture, biotechnology, and cognitive research. Singh believes these innovations could greatly aid health, farming, emergency management, and city planning on Earth.
Reflecting on India’s space journey, he mentioned how Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has fostered a rapid evolution in this field since the 2018 announcement of India’s human spaceflight mission. Partnerships with organizations like NASA and SpaceX have strengthened India’s position on the global stage.
Looking ahead, Singh shared exciting milestones: the Vyommitra humanoid mission due in 2026, India’s first human spaceflight under Gaganyaan planned for 2027, an indigenous space station by 2035, and an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040. He remarked, “In a few years before 2047, a young Indian will announce from the Moon that we are approaching a Viksit Bharat.”
This ambitious vision could inspire many, reflecting not just a single astronaut’s journey but the hopes of a whole nation.
Recent research shows that India’s space sector has attracted increasing investments, with the market predicted to reach $1 trillion by 2040. This growth aligns with a global push for space exploration and innovation, making India’s achievements even more vital in a connected universe.
For more details about India’s space advancements, you can check out ISRO’s official website.
