Space is for explorations as well as for empowerment, says PM Modi

Representational Image File Pic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recorded video message played on Wednesday, expressed India's ambitious vision in space exploration, stating that the country is moving forward with renewed confidence. "India's footprints will be on the Moon," he declared, expressing the nation's growing role in the global space community.

According to PTI, PM Modi emphasized that India's space journey isn't about competing with others, but about collective advancement. "India's space journey is not about racing with others. It is about reaching higher together. Together, we share a common goal to explore space for the good of humanity," he said.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister announced that an Indian astronaut will soon travel to space as part of a joint ISRO-NASA mission to the International Space Station. The mission, Axiom-4, is scheduled for launch on May 29. Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will join three other crew members for a 14-day stay aboard the orbital laboratory.

The Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX-2025), jointly organized by the International Astronautical Federation and the Indian Space Research Organisation, serves as the platform for these major announcements.

Reflecting on India's achievements in space, PM Modi highlighted several milestones, the successful Mars mission in 2014 on the very first attempt, Chandrayaan-1's discovery of water on the Moon, Chandrayaan-2's high-resolution lunar images, and Chandrayaan-3's contributions to our understanding of the Moon's South Pole.

He also spoke proudly about India's advancements in technology and capacity, "We built cryogenic engines in record time. We launched 100 satellites in a single mission. We have launched over 400 satellites for 34 nations using our launch vehicles. This year, we docked two satellites in space , a major step forward."

"Space is not just a destination," he continued. "It is a declaration of curiosity, courage, and collective progress. India's space journey reflects this spirit."

PM Modi laid out India's ambitious roadmap for the future:

By 2035, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station will open new frontiers in scientific research and international cooperation.

By 2040, an Indian astronaut will land on the Moon.

Missions to Mars and Venus are also on the radar, marking India's readiness to push the boundaries of space exploration he added.

He recalled how India's journey began in 1963 with the launch of a small rocket and has since evolved into becoming the first country to land near the Moon's South Pole.

"For India, space is not just about exploration, but also empowerment," PM Modi said. "Our rockets carry more than payloads - they carry the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians. Our achievements are not just scientific milestones, they are proof that the human spirit can defy gravity."

(With inputs from PTI)