The Indian government has outlined an ambitious roadmap for its space program, including a target to land an Indian astronaut on the Moon by the year 2040. This was revealed by the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology in the Lok Sabha, underscoring the country’s expanding capabilities in space. The minister highlighted that the scientific experiments performed by an Indian astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS) were entirely conceived and executed within India. This achievement is considered a landmark in India’s journey towards self-reliance. The research conducted in space will encompass critical areas such as life sciences, agriculture, biotechnology, and cognitive science, with applications extending to healthcare, agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning. To realize its goals, India has established significant collaborations with leading space agencies worldwide, including NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX. Key missions in the coming years include the launch of Vyommitra, a humanoid robot, in 2026, the first manned flight under the Gaganyaan program in 2027, and the establishment of an Indian space station by 2035. The minister expressed the hope that a developed India would be announced from the Moon by a young Indian before 2047. Through a combination of domestic innovation and global collaboration, India is establishing itself as a major player in space exploration.
