Aim to set up Indian space station by 2035, 1st Indian on Moon by 2040: PM Modi to scientists
PTC News Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a high-level meeting with officials from the Department of Space on Tuesday to discuss Gaganyaan, India's first manned space mission. The meeting, which took place just days before the maiden demonstration flight of the Crew Escape Test Vehicle, evaluated the mission's readiness, confirming its launch in 2025.
The Department of Space provided the prime minister with an in-depth overview of the mission, covering a variety of technologies developed so far, such as human-rated launch vehicles and system qualification, during the meeting. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated in a statement that around 20 major tests, including three uncrewed missions of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3), are planned.
PM Modi stated during the meeting that India should now aim for ambitious goals such as establishing a 'Bharatiya Antariksha Station' (Indian Space Station) by 2035 and sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040.
The Prime Minister's Department of Space plans to develop a roadmap for Moon exploration. According to the PMO statement, it will include a series of Chandrayaan missions, the development of a Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), the construction of a new launch pad, and the establishment of human-centric Laboratories and associated technologies.
PM Modi also urged Indian scientists to work on interplanetary missions such as the Venus Orbiter Mission and the Mars Lander. He expressed faith in India's capabilities and reaffirmed the country's commitment to breaking new records in space exploration.
- With inputs from agencies
