India to build its own space station by 2035
What's the story
India is gearing up to build its own space station by 2035, ISRO Chairman Dr. V Narayanan announced on Sunday. The first module of the proposed Bharatiya Antariksha Station has already been approved. The ambitious project comes as a part of India's growing capabilities and aspirations in space technology. Narayanan made the announcement during the third National Space Day celebrations in Ahmedabad, highlighting India's increasing use of space-based applications across over 50 areas directly benefiting citizens.
Progress report
Narayanan's remarks on India's space journey
Narayanan emphasized that India has been steadily enhancing its capabilities since the launch of its space program 64 years ago.
He said, "India started its space program 64 years ago, and today we are serving the common man in more than 50 areas."
These include Earth observation, remote sensing, telecommunications, television broadcasting, tele-education, disaster warning, and mitigation.
He also spoke about upcoming projects like the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and India's own space station.
Future plans
ISRO's ambitious projects under PM Modi's leadership
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ISRO is working on several ambitious projects. Among them are the Gaganyaan program and the establishment of India's own space station, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station.
"The first module has already been approved, and we aim to establish the space station by 2035," Narayanan said.
His comments came during a celebration of India's achievements in space exploration and its third National Space Day.
Milestone achievement
National Space Day and the Chandrayaan-3 mission
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also spoke at the event, highlighting the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3.
He said National Space Day was declared after the successful Chandrayaan mission and India's feat of landing on the lunar south pole at Shiv Shakti Point.
"Following the success of the Chandrayaan mission and the announcement by the Prime Minister, India will observe the day it set foot on the Moon's south pole-at the 'Shiv Shakti Point'-as National Space Day," Shekhawat said.
Policy changes
Government's push for private participation in space sector
Shekhawat also highlighted the government's efforts to promote private participation in the space sector.
He said, "Under the Prime Minister's leadership, the privatization of the space science sector has opened doors to immense possibilities for India."
The Union Minister noted that this expansion has created new opportunities for India's space industry while complementing ISRO's work.
He added that several processes related to space activities are now being executed with far greater proficiency than before.