Dr. Jitendra Singh Unveils Future Space Missions at National Space Day Curtain Raiser

Emphasizing the growing role of startups in space exploration, Dr. Singh noted that the sector, which initially had few startups, now boasts around 300, many with global potential.

At a curtain raiser event for the inaugural National Space Day, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that India's space exploration efforts will continue with upcoming missions Chandrayaan 4 and 5. The event, held at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, set the stage for the grand celebration of India’s first National Space Day on August 23, 2024.

India made history on August 23, 2023, by becoming the fourth country to land on the moon and the first to reach its southern polar region. In honor of this landmark achievement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared August 23 as "National Space Day."

The inaugural National Space Day, themed "Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India's Space Saga," will be celebrated at Bharat Mandapam, Plenary Hall, in the presence of the President of India.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Space, highlighted India’s ambitious goals, including the Gaganyaan Mission aimed at sending the first Indian into space in 2025. He also discussed ISRO’s collaboration with the Indian Navy for Crew Module recovery and the significant investment of over Rs 1,000 crore in the space sector from private partners.

Emphasizing the growing role of startups in space exploration, Dr. Singh noted that the sector, which initially had few startups, now boasts around 300, many with global potential. He referenced the Finance Minister’s budget speech, which projected a fivefold increase in the space economy over the next decade.

Dr. Singh credited Prime Minister Modi for opening Sriharikota to international observation, marking India’s significant advancements in space technology. He also announced plans to establish the Bhartiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and to achieve an Indian moon landing by 2045. He mentioned that astronaut Rakesh Sharma is guiding the Gaganyaan Mission team and extended best wishes to astronaut Sunita Williams.

Shantanu Bhatwadekar, Scientific Secretary of ISRO, joined Dr. Singh to detail the National Space Day celebrations. He noted that ISRO organized a series of events across India, including exhibitions, space science fairs, and interactive sessions. The events featured demonstrations of satellite technology, model rocketry workshops, virtual reality experiences, and national-level competitions like the ISRO Robotics Challenge and Bhartiya Antriksh Hackathon.

The celebration aimed to make space science accessible to all Indians, with schools and colleges participating in space-themed activities, and research organizations, ministries, and NGOs collaborating with ISRO on workshops and outreach programs. Citizens had the chance to visit space exhibitions, interact with scientists, and witness live launches at ISRO centers.