In a recent International Space Conference held in Gandhinagar, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath outlined Bharat’s ambitious vision for its space program. Somanath emphasized the nation’s commitment to establishing a continuous human presence in space, citing the guidance provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Somanath recalled Modi’s longstanding support for Bharat’s space endeavors, dating back to his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat. Following recent successes, the Prime Minister has charted a course that goes beyond current projects, with the goal of sustaining human activities in space. The chairman announced a bold plan for an Bharat astronaut to set foot on the lunar surface by 2040.
Despite the seemingly distant timeline, Somanath assured that the goal is within reach, with concrete plans already in motion. He highlighted the target of constructing an Bharat space station by 2035, providing a platform for Bharatiya researchers to conduct experiments in microgravity conditions.
The chairman’s announcement follows a series of successful missions and announcements by ISRO, including the launch of the Aditya-L1 spacecraft to study the Sun and the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) to analyze cosmic X-rays.
Somanath detailed the future roadmap for ISRO, including the Venus Orbiter Mission, Shukrayaan-1, scheduled for December 2024 or 2025. He also unveiled the ambitious plan to launch the first module of an Bharat space station by 2028.
In preparation for these missions, ISRO is gearing up for the Gaganyaan mission, with a series of tests planned throughout 2024 to ensure readiness for the targeted 2025 launch.
This vision aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s directive to land an Bharatiya on the moon by 2040, symbolizing Bharat’s aspirations in space science and technology. With a history of cost-effective and successful missions, ISRO continues to play a pivotal role in Bharat’s development across various sectors, including education, agriculture, communication, and defense.
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