By Chaitali Bag
On August 23, India etched a historic date in its calendar with the celebration of its inaugural National Space Day! This day gleamed with pride as it marked the triumph of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, a significant leap for Indian space exploration. The success of the Vikram Lander, which elegantly touched down on the moon’s surface near the southern polar region, established India as only the fourth nation to achieve a lunar landing, and the first to explore this uncharted lunar territory.
The inaugural National Space Day, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marked a significant event in India’s journey towards enhancing its position in the global space arena. The occasion, attended by esteemed dignitaries including the President of India, Draupadi Murmu, ISRO Chairman Dr. S Somanath, and Minister of State for Space Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighted the numerous achievements of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) since its inception.
In her address, President Murmu reflected on the remarkable trajectory of ISRO, emphasizing its contributions not only to space exploration but also to the social and economic development of India. She commended the dedicated efforts of scientists who have propelled India’s space program to international acclaim, often with limited resources. The President expressed her confidence in the continuing progress of the nation’s capabilities in space science, envisioning that India will consistently set benchmarks of excellence.
The achievements of ISRO are indeed extraordinary. From successfully executing the Mars mission to launching over a hundred satellites simultaneously, India’s space endeavors have been nothing short of impressive. President Murmu noted that such explorations have not only expanded human capabilities but have also transformed scientific imagination into tangible realities. The president highlighted that advancements in space research have catalyzed improvements across various sectors, including healthcare, transportation, security, energy, and information technology.
A significant theme of the President’s address was the burgeoning growth of the private sector in India’s space industry. The liberalization of this sector has led to a remarkable increase in start-ups, fostering innovation and providing numerous opportunities for the youth of the nation. An example of this progress is the recent successful launch of a 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket by an Indian company, marking a milestone in indigenous space technology.
Moreover, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, President Murmu urged preparedness against potential threats such as space debris, which poses risks to ongoing missions. She praised the establishment of the ‘ISRO System for Safe & Sustainable Operations Management,’ aimed at ensuring the continued success of India’s space activities. Importantly, she noted India’s commitment to making all space missions debris-free by 2030.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the landing site as ‘Shiva Shakti Point,’ symbolizing the interconnection of strength and spirituality, and he renamed the previous Chandrayaan-2 landing site to ‘Tiranga Point’—a tribute to the tricolor that represents our nation. These heartfelt gestures add depth to the scientific milestones, illustrating how space exploration is intertwined with national pride and identity.
As we celebrated National Space Day 2024, PM Modi’s jubilant message resonated with the essence of this achievement. He emphasized the invaluable contributions of India’s space scientists and the government’s commitment to advancing the space sector further. The future looks incredibly bright, with plans to secure a 10% share of the global space economy, projecting a meteoric rise from US$9 billion to US$45 billion. Such ambitions not only cement India’s position on the global stage but also inspire aspiring scientists and innovators across the nation.
ISRO’s Chairman, S. Somanath, echoed the same enthusiasm while discussing the exciting roadmap ahead. With a new space policy underway and initiatives encouraging private sector involvement, the dynamism of India’s space program is sure to propel innovative ventures, keeping pace with technological advancements worldwide.
Moreover, Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the exciting horizons or missions ahead, promising the continuation of groundbreaking projects like Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5, alongside the much-anticipated Gaganyaan Mission, which aims to send the first Indian into space by 2025! With planned investments and futuristic projects, including the Bhartiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and a goal for another moon landing by 2045, India is poised for an exhilarating journey into the cosmos.
The National Space Day not only celebrated past achievements but also laid the groundwork for future endeavours in space exploration and research. With a steadfast commitment to innovation and sustainability, India stands poised to maintain its trajectory of success in the global space landscape.
