New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday outlined India’s ambitious plans in the space sector, announcing that the country will soon work towards establishing its own space station. The announcement came during his address on the occasion of National Space Day, celebrated every year on August 23.
PM Modi hailed the achievements of Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently hoisted the tricolour aboard the International Space Station. “The moment when he showed me the tricolour from space was beyond words. He has filled every Indian with immense pride,” the Prime Minister said.
Highlighting India’s rapid progress in cutting-edge space technologies, he said, “Today, India is advancing swiftly in semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion. With the dedication of our scientists, India will soar with Gaganyaan and, in the coming years, build its own space station.”
The Prime Minister also announced plans to create an astronaut pool, encouraging young Indians to participate. “In my discussion with Group Captain Shubhanshu, I saw the immense courage and limitless dreams of the youth of new India. To take these dreams forward, we will prepare India’s astronaut pool. On Space Day, I invite my young friends to join this initiative to give wings to India’s aspirations,” he said.
This year’s National Space Day is being observed under the theme ‘Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities’. The day commemorates India’s landmark achievement on August 23, 2023, when the Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully soft-landed on the Moon’s south pole region, making India the fourth country to achieve a lunar landing and the first to do so near the south pole. The landing site was named Shiv Shakti Point.
By declaring August 23 as National Space Day, the government aims to inspire young innovators and celebrate India’s growing global leadership in space exploration.
