New Delhi: The nation celebrated the second year of National Space Day commemorating the successful soft landing of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission’s Vikram Lander and the deployment of the Pragyan Rover on the Moon on August 23, 2023. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, it is indeed an occasion of enthusiasm and inspiration for India’s youth, which is a matter of pride for the nation.
The National Space Day is a celebration deeply rooted in pride and scientific achievement which commemorates the historic soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 near the Moon’s South Pole. As India reflects on its past accomplishments and charts an ambitious roadmap for the future, National Space Day becomes not only a tribute to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) but also an inspiration for future scientists and innovators.
The National Space Day 2025 theme is dedicated to the idea of Innovating Space Technology to achieve Sustainable Development as space technology may be considered to have a significant role in addressing environmental concerns, natural resource arrangements, and socio-economic growth on a national and global scale.
In keeping with the theme “Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities”, initiatives like the human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan looks into India’s future in space exploration. The theme also honours the country’s rich astronomical heritage, which dates back to the ancient astronomer Aryabhatta. It serves as a link between traditional wisdom and advanced space technology for the advancement of the country and sustainable development.
“Achieving one milestone after another in the space sector has now become a natural trait of India and its scientists,” Prime Minister Modi said. “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,” he added.
The National Space Day was celebrated with grandeur and pride at Bharat Mandapam, in the capital. Space technology is increasingly becoming a part of governance in India—be it satellite-based assessments in crop insurance schemes, satellite-enabled information and safety for fishermen, disaster management efforts, or the use of geospatial data in the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
Prime Minister Modi said that India’s progress in space is now directly contributing towards making the lives of ordinary citizens easier. He noted that India is currently hosting the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, with nearly 300 young participants from over sixty countries.
The Prime Minister expressed happiness that to further spark interest in space among youth, ISRO has launched initiatives such as the Indian Space Hackathon and the Robotics Challenge. He congratulated all students and winners participating in these competitions. “Achieving milestone after milestone in the space sector has become a natural trait of India and its scientists,” said Modi.
Recalling that two years ago, India became the first country to reach the South Pole of the Moon, creating history, the Prime Minister highlighted that India has also become the fourth country in the world to possess docking-undocking capabilities in space and just a few days ago, he met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who unfurled the national flag at the International Space Station, filling every Indian with pride. He said when Group Captain Shukla showed him the Tricolour, the feeling of touching it was beyond words.
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. Modi remarked that the infinite expanse of space constantly reminds us that no destination is ever final. He emphasised that, similarly, there should be no finality in policy-level progress within the space sector.
Noting that there was a time when futuristic sectors like space were bound by numerous restrictions, Modi affirmed that these constraints have been lifted, and the private sector has been granted permission to participate in space-tech. He highlighted that today, over 350 startups are emerging as engines of innovation and acceleration in space technology with their active participation in today’s programme.
The Prime Minister announced that the first PSLV rocket built by the private sector will soon be launched. He expressed happiness that India’s first private communication satellite is also under development. He added that preparations are underway to launch an Earth Observation Satellite Constellation through Public-Private Partnership. “A vast number of opportunities are being created for India’s youth in the space sector,” the Prime Minister said.
Celebrating India’s milestones, the Prime Minister highlighted the nation’s historic feat of becoming the first to reach the Moon’s South Pole two years ago and its emergence as the fourth country globally to master space docking-undocking capabilities.
Addressing India’s space startups, posing a challenge, Modi asked, “Can we build five unicorns in the space sector over the next five years?”. He noted that currently, India witnesses 5–6 major launches annually from its soil. 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.
Prime Minister stated that India views space technology not only as a tool for scientific exploration but also as a means to enhance Ease of Living. “Space-tech is increasingly becoming an integral part of governance in India,” he said. “India has reached the Moon and Mars; now, we must explore deeper into the cosmos,” he declared, emphasising that the mysteries of space hold critical answers for humanity’s future.
Marking the occasion of National Space Day and reflecting on India’s extraordinary journey in space, Maneck Behramkamdin, Executive Vice President & Business Head, Aerospace Business, Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “India’s journey into space has been nothing short of extraordinary, and we at Godrej Enterprises are proud to have been a part of it since the very beginning with ISRO. From contributing to the launch of India’s first satellites to supporting landmark missions like Chandrayaan and NISAR, that have placed our nation among the global leaders in space exploration, our partnership has been built on trust, innovation, and engineering excellence. On National Space Day, we celebrate not just these achievements, but also the spirit of collaboration and determination that continues to power India’s aspirations among the stars.”
– The writer is a senior journalist and media consultant. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda.
