Bharat Antariksha Station and Lunar Ambitions
One of India’s most ambitious space projects is the establishment of the Bharat Antariksha Station by 2035. The station will mark India’s significant leap in space exploration, placing it among the first countries, alongside the U.S. and a few others, to have its own space station. “We are going to have our own space station, we will be among the first to have that, after the U.S. and one or two other countries. It will be known as Bharat Antariksha Station by 2035. And by 2040, we might be landing an Indian on the surface as well,” Minister Jitendra Singh stated during a press conference in Delhi, as reported by TOI. The proposed space station and lunar landing ambitions are part of India’s long-term vision to advance its space capabilities and play a larger role in global space exploration.
Gaganyaan Mission: India’s First Human Spaceflight
India is also gearing up for its first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, which will send an Indian astronaut into space. According to Minister Singh, the first astronaut is expected to travel to space either by the end of 2024 or early 2026. “And while next year ends, or maybe by 2026, we will have the first Indian human being in space, called Gaganyaan,” he remarked. This mission marks a significant step in India’s space programme, positioning the country to join the ranks of nations with a human spaceflight capability.
Deep Sea Mission: Exploring the Depths of the Ocean
Alongside its space exploration efforts, India is also focused on exploring the depths of the ocean. The government’s Deep Sea Mission aims to send a human to explore the seabed at depths of up to 6,000 meters, a feat that has never been undertaken by India. “Simultaneously also sending one human being down into the seabed, 6,000 meters deep, which is possibly the maximum depth of the sea,” Singh explained. This mission will provide critical insights into India’s marine resources, further strengthening its capabilities in scientific research and exploration.
Satellite Launches: India’s Growing Role in Space
India’s space programme has made significant strides, with the country becoming a global leader in satellite launches. Since its first foreign satellite launch from Sriharikota, India has launched a total of 432 foreign satellites, nearly 90% of which have been launched in the past decade. These launches underscore India’s growing prominence as a hub for space activities and its ability to support international space exploration efforts.
Biotechnology: India’s Vision for Economic and Environmental Growth
Minister Jitendra Singh also highlighted India’s focus on biotechnology, particularly through the Biotechnology E3 policy, which integrates biotechnology into economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability. Singh emphasized the importance of bio-economy in driving the next industrial revolution, following the IT revolution that has shaped India’s economic success. “Prime Minister Modi is very supportive in all these measures, which is, again, evident from the fact that we are among the first countries in the world to have come out with a bio-economy-related policy called Biotechnology E3,” Singh added.This policy is part of India’s strategy to expand its biotechnology sector, contributing to both economic development and environmental sustainability. The biotechnology field is expected to play a key role in India’s future growth, aligning with the country’s vision of becoming a global leader in the bio-economy.
Marine Resources: Unlocking India’s Ocean Wealth
India’s marine exploration efforts have received significant attention, with the government prioritising the development of the Deep Sea Mission. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underscored the importance of exploring India’s marine resources, particularly in his Independence Day addresses in 2022 and 2023. These initiatives are aimed at tapping into the potential of India’s vast marine wealth, supporting both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
India’s investments in space exploration, biotechnology, and marine research highlight its commitment to becoming a global leader in science and technology by 2047. The Bharat Antariksha Station, Gaganyaan mission, and Deep Sea Mission are just a few of the key projects that demonstrate India’s ambition to lead in the fields of space and scientific exploration. With strong backing from Prime Minister Modi and a focus on sustainable development, India is positioning itself as a key player in the future of global science and technology.
(With inputs from ANI)