Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday greeted the nation on the occasion of National Space Day, celebrated annually on August 23 to commemorate the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s successful landing on the Moon’s South Pole.
In his address via a video message today on the occasion of National Space Day, PM Modi expressed immense pride in India’s remarkable achievements in the space sector.
“From Aryabhata to Gaganyaan reflects both the confidence of India’s past and the resolve for its future…………In a short span of time, National Space Day has become an occasion of enthusiasm and attraction for India’s youth, which is a matter of national pride,” he remarked.
“We recall with great pride our nation’s achievements in the space sector. It is also a day to laud the contributions of our space scientists,” PM Modi said, asserting: “Carving one milestone after another in the space sector… this has become the nature of India and its scientists.”
India’s historic lunar mission had made the country the fourth nation to land on the Moon and the first to touch down near its south pole. Besides, India’s human spaceflight program aims at sending Indian astronauts to space.
He shared that just three days ago, he met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who unfurled the national flag at the International Space Station, filling every Indian with pride.
He added that when Group Captain Shukla showed him the Tricolour, the feeling of touching it was beyond words. He further noted that in his interaction with Group Captain Shukla, he witnessed the boundless courage and infinite dreams of the youth of New India. To advance these dreams, the Prime Minister announced that India is preparing an “Astronaut Pool.” On Space Day, he invited young citizens to join this pool and help give flight to India’s aspirations.
Announcing that India will build its own space station in the coming times, PM Modi said that India is rapidly advancing in breakthrough technologies like semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion.
“India is rapidly advancing in breakthrough technologies such as semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion, and very soon, with the dedicated efforts of our scientists, India will launch the Gaganyaan mission and, in the coming years, build its own space station,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi noted that India is currently hosting the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, with nearly 300 young participants from over sixty countries. He expressed happiness that many Indian participants won medals in the event. He stated that this Olympiad is a symbol of India’s emerging global leadership in the space sector.
The Prime Minister expressed his desire for the private sector to step forward so that India reaches a stage where 50 rockets are launched every year within the next five years. He affirmed that the government possesses both the intent and the willpower to implement the next-generation reforms required to achieve this vision. The Prime Minister assured the space community that the government stands firmly with them at every step.
He highlighted the increasing role of space technology in governance, citing examples such as satellite-based assessments which are being used to improve crop insurance schemes.
PM Modi also emphasized that satellites are providing critical information and safety alerts to fishermen, while space technology is being used to enhance disaster management capabilities. Also that geospatial data is being utilized to improve infrastructure planning and development.
PM Modi’s message on National Space Day emphasizes India’s growing capabilities and ambitions in the space sector, inspiring the nation’s youth to pursue careers in space science and exploration.