India to launch space station by 2035, lunar astronaut by 2040: Jitendra Singh at Rising Bharat Summit

At the recent News18 Rising Bharat Summit held at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on April 8-9, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and other portfolios, outlined India’s ambitious roadmap for space exploration.

The plans include establishing the Bharat Antariksha Station by 2035 and landing an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040.

Singh announced that India aims to set up its own space station, named Bharat Antariksha Station, by 2035. This initiative reflects India’s commitment to becoming a significant player in global space exploration.

Building upon the success of previous lunar missions, Singh detailed plans for a crewed mission to the Moon: “We hope to land an Indian on the surface of moon by the year 2040.”

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This endeavour aims to position India among the select group of nations that have achieved human lunar exploration.

Retired US astronaut Scott Kelly, present at the summit, expressed confidence in India’s capabilities: “I’m confident if India decides that they want to land an Indian astronaut on the moon… assuming you make the investment, it’s absolutely possible.”

His remarks highlight the global recognition of India’s potential in space exploration.

Singh provided updates on the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human spaceflight programme: “The first Indian astronaut is expected to travel to space by late 2024 or early 2026.”

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This mission is a critical milestone, demonstrating India’s ability to send humans to space and ensuring their safe return.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has a commendable history of achievements:

• Chandrayaan missions: Chandrayaan-1 (2008) discovered water molecules on the Moon, while Chandrayaan-2 (2019) advanced lunar exploration despite a hard landing.

• Mars orbiter mission (Mangalyaan): In 2014, India became the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit and did so cost-effectively.

Future missions include Chandrayaan-4 and Mangalyaan-2, aiming to deepen lunar and Martian exploration.