Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today reiterated the government’s commitment to establish an operational Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and send an Indian crewed mission to the Moon by 2040. He said, these missions will be accomplished prior to the target set to become Vikshit Bharat by 2047. The Minister said this while speaking during a special discussion in the Lok Sabha on India’s First Astronaut Aboard the International Space Station – Critical Role of Space programme for ‘Viksit Bharat By 2047. The Minister lauded the achievements of astronaut Subhanshu Shukla’s historic mission to the International Space Station. He said, the whole country is feeling proud of the accomplishment made by Indian Air Force Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla.

        Highlighting the works done by the government in the space sector in the last 11 years, the Minister said, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several reforms have been taken for the space sector. He said, the space sector has been opened up for the private sector leading to growth in innovation and research. He said, several start-ups are working in the field of space sector. Mentioning the role of the Department of Space and Technology during the Operation Sindoor, the Minister said, the technologies used during the operation also developed during the tenure of the Modi’s government. Dr. Singh pointed out that the space sector has played a critical role in the growth of the Indian economy. He also highlighted that research and innovations done in the space sector are playing an instrumental role in different sectors and making the lives of people easier.

The Minister also expressed displeasure over the protest of opposition MPs during the discussion. He said, they have failed to congratulate the space experts and scientists for space achievements.