Gaganyaan Mission: India sees space station by 2035 and human on the Moon by 2040

In a significant development for India’s space program, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to assess the progress of the country’s ambitious Gaganyaan Mission and to outline the future trajectory of India’s space exploration endeavours. The meeting is instrumental for setting new and ambitious goals for the country in the realm of space exploration.

India Sets Ambitious Goals in Space Exploration

The Department of Space presented a comprehensive overview of the Gaganyaan Mission, detailing the remarkable advancements achieved so far, including the development of human-rated launch vehicles and system qualifications. Notably, plans for approximately 20 major tests were unveiled, including three uncrewed missions of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3). The first demonstration flight of the Crew Escape System Test Vehicle, a pivotal milestone, is scheduled for 21st October. The meeting’s evaluation affirmed the mission’s readiness and underscored its launch planned for 2025.

Building on the resounding success of previous Indian space initiatives, such as the Chandrayan-3 and Aditya L1 Missions, Prime Minister Modi articulated a visionary directive. He emphasized that India should now strive for even greater accomplishments, announcing plans to establish the Indian Space Station by 2035. Additionally, a groundbreaking goal was set: to send the first Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.

To realize this audacious vision, the Department of Space has been tasked with developing a comprehensive roadmap for lunar exploration. This ambitious plan encompasses a series of Chandrayaan missions, the development of a state-of-the-art Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), the construction of a new launch pad, and the establishment of human-centric laboratories and associated cutting-edge technologies.

India to undertake missions to Venus and Mars

Prime Minister Modi’s vision does not stop at the Moon. He called upon Indian scientists to work diligently towards interplanetary missions, signalling India’s intent to explore the depths of our solar system. Among the notable missions mentioned were a Venus Orbiter Mission and a Mars Lander, projects that mark India’s place among the few nations capable ofconducting exploration beyond Earth.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his unwavering confidence in India’s scientific and technological prowess and affirmed the nation’s commitment to reaching new heights in space exploration. He praised the dedication of Indian scientists and researchers and encouraged them to continue their endeavours, asserting that their work would benefit not only the nation but also humanity as a whole.

This announcement cements India’s position as a frontrunner in the global space race, showcasing its determination to explore uncharted territories and push the boundaries of human knowledge. As the nation gears up for its most ambitious space missions yet, the world watches in anticipation, recognizing India’s strides as a testament to the boundless potential of human ingenuity.