National Space Day: PM Modi Hails Gen Z Innovators; ISRO Chief Unveils Plan for 20 Missions
NEW DELHI: On the third National Space Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted India's expanding role in the global space sector and praised the country's young engineers and scientists for developing new technologies. He described India as a "magnet" for global investors, attributing this to the progress made in the space domain.
Sharing a video of his recent speeches, PM Modi said, "I said in Ayodhya that this is the beginning of a new cycle of change. In this new cycle, India is steadily expanding its space presence in the global order, and this is clearly reflected in our space programme. Together, we have resolved to make India a developed nation by 2047, and the space sector plays a vital role in achieving this goal."
Praising the youth, he said, "Today, these Gen Z engineers, designers, coders and scientists are building new technologies. Be it propulsion systems, composite materials, rocket stages or satellite platforms, India's youth is working in areas that were not even imagined some time ago." He also lauded the private sector, stating, "India's private space talent is making its own identity in the world."
Just two days earlier, on Friday, the PM interacted with chief executives and founders of 20 space startups in New Delhi. During that meeting, he emphasised India's cost-competitiveness in launching space ventures, according to a transcript released on Sunday. He noted that the country's large talent pool and high risk-taking capacity would help India establish a dominant position in the global space sector.
One CEO reportedly told PM Modi that after India opened the space industry to private players, many Indian citizens abroad, particularly in the US and Europe, were now keen to return and work in the country. Responding to this, the PM said, "We need to connect with many people – people who went abroad are now returning. I believe we should create an aura where people worldwide feel that if they want to make a career, they should go to India." He also expressed hope that such individuals would want to connect with Indian startups and space agencies.
Speaking at the National Space Day celebrations in Ahmedabad, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan outlined the space agency's plans for the current financial year, which include eight launch vehicle missions and 12 satellite missions. Among the most anticipated is the first uncrewed flight under the Gaganyaan programme, which ISRO expects to conduct within the next four months. Narayanan said the Gaganyaan programme had undergone about 8,000 tests and was approaching its final stage. "We are in the final leg," he said.
Space Minister Jitendra Singh said on social media, "On National Space Day, we remember the historic success of Chandrayaan-3, a moment that placed India among the world’s leading spacefaring nations. Remarkable achievement of our scientists, backed by the progressive vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi continues to inspire generations. Celebrating our scientists, innovators and the unstoppable spirit of Viksit Bharat."
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also noted that India's space sector had reached a historic milestone with 100 launches and 548 satellites placed in orbit, including around 460 in the last decade alone.
National Space Day commemorates the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 near the lunar south pole on August 23, 2023. The day is celebrated to highlight India's achievements in space and to inspire young people to pursue careers in science and technology.
