The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has set a goal to land an astronaut on the Moon by 2040, as announced by ISRO Chief S. Somanath during the Indian Space Conclave in Delhi. This ambition reflects India's commitment to human space exploration and aims to inspire future generations.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh revealed that India will launch a satellite for the Sun next month, as part of its solar mission. The Aditya-L1 mission, which aims to study the Sun, has already entered its orbit.
Somanath emphasized that India's Vision 2047 signifies a historic commitment to transforming the space program and expanding the space economy, highlighting the role of space in economic development, national security, and technological innovation. Currently, 450 private companies are engaged in the Indian space sector, focusing on launching and satellite building.
The Cabinet has approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission, which is expected to be completed within 36 months and has received funding of ₹2104.06 crores. This mission will involve launching the spacecraft in two parts and connecting the modules in space, a technique that will aid in the future construction of the Indian Space Station (BAS).
The Chandrayaan-4 mission is crucial for ISRO's plans to return lunar samples to Earth and is part of the broader Vision 2047 initiative. The agency aims to establish the Indian Space Station by 2035 and send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040 using its own technology.
The Indian Space Station will be constructed in multiple segments, with the first segment expected to launch via the LVM3 rocket in 2028. Proposals for this project are currently being prepared for government approval.