The Indian space programme has taken centre stage in Parliament once again, as Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the nation’s ambitious vision of sending an Indian astronaut to the moon by 2040, a milestone that he said will mark a giant leap towards Viksit Bharat.

The discussion in the Lok Sabha revolved around Shubhanshu Shukla’s space mission and India’s larger ambitions under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a technologically advanced, self-reliant nation. Dr. Singh said that an Indian setting foot on the moon will not just be a scientific achievement but a symbol of India’s rise as a global power by 2040.

Opening of the Space Sector: A Turning Point

India’s space sector witnessed a historic transformation in 2020, when the government opened the domain for private players, paving the way for startups, entrepreneurs, and industries to collaborate with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).

Before 2020, space activities were largely restricted to government-run agencies, but reforms allowed private companies to:

• Build and launch satellites,

• Develop launch vehicles,

• Provide ground station and space-based services,

• Collaborate in space research and exploration.

This liberalisation not only boosted innovation but also triggered a new wave of space entrepreneurship in India, with more than 190 registered space startups today.

India’s Growing Space Economy

Dr. Jitendra Singh informed Parliament that India’s space economy currently stands at $8 billion, and with continuous reforms, foreign collaborations, and private sector involvement, it is projected to reach $45 billion in the next decade.

This growth would position India as a key player in the global space economy, which is estimated to reach $1 trillion by 2040. The Indian government’s vision is to capture a significant share of this market by providing affordable, reliable, and cutting-edge space solutions.

ISRO’s Achievements and Upcoming Missions

India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, which achieved a successful soft landing on the moon’s south pole, has already placed the country in an elite group of space-faring nations. Similarly, Aditya-L1, India’s solar mission, has added another feather to ISRO’s cap.

Future missions include:

• Gaganyaan Mission (2025–26): India’s first human spaceflight mission, which will carry Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit.

• Lunar Human Mission (by 2040): The target of sending an Indian astronaut to the moon, a landmark step in human space exploration.

• Interplanetary Missions: Proposed missions to Mars, Venus, and outer planets, further expanding India’s scientific reach.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s Mission: A New Chapter

The mention of Shubhanshu Shukla’s space mission in the Lok Sabha highlights India’s new breed of astronauts and space scientists who will lead the country’s space odyssey. Shukla’s mission reflects not only India’s technological strength but also the confidence of the government in preparing for the next era of human space exploration.

Private Sector Role in Space Missions

Post-2020 reforms, Indian startups have been actively contributing to:

• Designing miniature satellites and payloads,

• Developing launch vehicle technology,

• Innovating in space-based communication, navigation, and remote sensing,

• Building space robotics and AI-driven control systems.

Companies like Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, and Bellatrix Aerospace have gained global recognition. In November 2022, Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-S rocket became India’s first privately developed rocket to launch successfully.

Viksit Bharat 2040 and the Moon Mission

The vision of Viksit Bharat 2040 is not only about economic growth but also about technological and scientific leadership. An Indian astronaut walking on the moon by 2040 will symbolise the nation’s rise in science, innovation, and global competitiveness.

Dr. Singh stated that India’s space journey will mirror its transformation into a developed economy, with space exploration playing a direct role in:

• National security,

• Satellite-based governance,

• Communication and connectivity,

• Climate and agricultural monitoring,

• Disaster management.

International Collaborations

India is also partnering with leading global agencies such as NASA, ESA, and JAXA for joint missions and technology sharing. The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, scheduled for launch soon, will monitor changes in Earth’s ecosystems and climate.

Moreover, India’s participation in international platforms such as the Artemis Accords signals its growing role in global space diplomacy.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite impressive growth, India’s space programme faces several challenges:

• High cost of deep space exploration missions,

• Need for advanced space infrastructure,

• Training of astronauts for long-duration missions,

• Competition from countries like the US, China, and Russia.

However, with strong political will, private sector engagement, and ISRO’s expertise, India is expected to overcome these challenges.

Conclusion

The discussion in the Lok Sabha on Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission and India’s moon vision underscores the government’s confidence in achieving space milestones that once seemed far away. With the space economy projected to touch $45 billion, private participation at its peak, and ambitious missions lined up, India is set to emerge as a major global space power by 2040.

The dream of seeing an Indian astronaut on the moon in 2040 will not only fulfil a national aspiration but will also be a testament to India’s journey from a developing nation to a Viksit Bharat.

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