Dr. S. Somnath
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India's space odyssey has unveiled a new horizon- becoming a source of daily inspiration and a pulse of national pride. It was a moment of unparalleled pride for every Indian when, in August 2025, Group Captain Shubhangshu Shukla unfurled the tricolor-adorned Indian flag aboard the International Space Station and conversed with our Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister hailed this moment as "a special chapter in the era of Amrit Kaal." A similar image emerged on August 23, 2023, when India became the first nation to touch down on the Moon's south pole with Chandrayaan-3. Designating the landing site as 'Shiv Shakti Point,' Modi declared, "India has now reached the Moon." Chandrayaan-1 (2008) confirmed the presence of water. Chandrayaan-2 (2019) laid the groundwork for Chandrayaan-3. Chandrayaan-3 (2023) achieved the distinction of being the world's first mission to execute a soft landing near the south pole. The Vikram lander and Pragyan rover facilitated the capture of lunar surface images on the day of the full moon.
India has established itself as an international partner in space exploration. Over 400 foreign satellites have been launched. In 2014, India became the first Asian nation and the fourth globally to enter Mars' orbit. The Mars Orbiter Mission succeeded on its maiden attempt. The Aditya L-1 mission (2023), a product of extensive institutional collaboration, has provided detailed insights into the Sun. The XPoSat 2024 is currently investigating black holes.
Space technology is intricately woven into the fabric of current governance and daily life. Satellites provide disaster warnings, guide fishermen, assess crop yields and insurance claims, enhance railway safety, and bolster the core of the Prime Minister's Gati Shakti program. This transformation in India's space sector is both desired and meticulously planned. Prime Minister Modi has also paved the way for private sector involvement. Over 350 start-ups are receiving support to create an ecosystem for satellite manufacturing and other endeavors. The budget allocation for the space sector has nearly tripled.
Prime Minister Modi has consistently positioned space as an international domain where India also occupies a leadership role. Collaborative missions such as NISAR with NASA, TRISHNA with CNES, LUPEX with JAXA, and India's participation in ESA's PROBA-3 showcase India's space journey as a global partner guided by the principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (The World is One Family).
(The author is the former Chairman of the Indian Space Research and Exploration Center and former Secretary of the Department of Space)
