ISRO Chief Lauds PM Modi's Leadership in Strengthening India's Space Sector

ISRO Chairman S Somanath praised PM Narendra Modi for his pivotal role in enhancing India's space ecosystem. Speaking on National Space Day, Somanath highlighted key policy reforms and initiatives under Modi's leadership, emphasizing the increased private sector involvement and recent landmark achievements, including the Chandrayaan-3 mission success.

ISRO Chairman S Somanath commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his significant contributions to India's burgeoning space sector. Speaking to ANI as the nation celebrated National Space Day on August 23, Somanath outlined recent policy reforms and initiatives spearheaded by PM Modi, aiming to advance the space sector.

Somanath emphasized the pivotal role PM Modi has played, particularly through major policy interventions. 'As Prime Minister, Modi has not only created but also meticulously implemented policies,' he remarked. He elaborated on three primary initiatives: comprehensive space sector reforms, a foreign direct investment policy allowing private and foreign investments, and a geospatial policy by the Department of Science and Technology making satellite data freely available.

Reflecting on recent milestones, Somanath recalled Modi's involvement in the Chandrayaan-3 moon landing. 'I remember our Prime Minister watching the live transmission from the BRICS summit,' he shared. Upon the mission's success, Modi declared August 23 as National Space Day and designated the landing sites as 'Shiva Shakti Point' and 'Tiranga Point'. Somanath also discussed Modi's interest in the Gaganyaan mission and ISRO's long-term vision for future space endeavors.

URSC Director M Sankaran reminisced about Modi's visit following the Chandrayaan-3 launch, highlighting the Prime Minister's heartfelt gratitude and his vision for multi-agency involvement in space activities. As India gears up to mark its first National Space Day on August 23, 2024, Somanath celebrated the nation's achievement of becoming the fourth country to land on the moon and the first to do so near the southern polar region.

(With inputs from agencies.)