PM Modi launches 3 space-related projects of Rs 1800 crore at Vikram Sarabhai Space Center

New Delhi, Feb 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday visited the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, where he officially launched three significant space-related projects, with a combined investment of approximately Rs 1800 crore.

The Prime Minister also inspected the ongoing efforts related to the Gaganyaan Mission and presented the “astronaut wings” to four astronaut candidates.

These candidates, Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, are at the forefront of India's manned space flight ambitions.

Gaganyaan Mission is India’s ongoing project to send a 3-day manned mission to the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) of 400 km with a crew of 3 members and bring them safely back to Earth. As part of this programme, two unmanned missions and one manned mission are approved by the Government of India.

He highlighted the introduction of the Gaganyaan mission's crew members as a momentous occasion, emphasising that they embody the collective aspirations of over 1.4 billion Indians. Modi remarked on the significance of an Indian returning to space after four decades, underscoring that this time, every aspect of the mission is indigenously Indian.

The Prime Minister shared his enthusiasm for personally introducing the astronaut candidates to the nation and conveyed the country's collective best wishes to them.

Addressing those present, the Prime Minister initiated a standing ovation for the astronaut candidates, accompanied by patriotic chants, emphasizing the importance of this moment in marking a new era in India's developmental journey across various domains, including space exploration. He remarked on the significance of this day for the present and future generations of India, noting the nation's expanding global influence, as evidenced by its ambitious space program.

He praised their embodiment of contemporary India's values - trust, courage, valour, and discipline - and commended their unwavering dedication to training, referring to them as representatives of India's resilient “Amrit generation.”

Modi also noted the importance of yoga in their training regimen, emphasizing the need for both physical and mental well-being.

Amidst the celebration, Modi expressed concern over the potential distractions caused by the increased public and media attention towards the astronaut candidates. He appealed for cooperation to ensure their training proceeded without interruption.

During his visit, the Prime Minister was briefed on the Gaganyaan mission and expressed his pleasure that most of the mission's equipment is domestically produced. He also drew a parallel between the mission's progress and India's ascent to becoming one of the world's top three economies, suggesting that the newly inaugurated projects would create job opportunities and enhance India's stature globally.

Reflecting on India's milestone achievement with the Chandrayaan mission, which marked the nation as the first to reach the Moon's South Pole, Prime Minister Modi expressed pride in showcasing India's space capabilities to the world through the Shiv-Shakti Point.

The other inaugurated projects include the SLV Integration Facility at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, a new Semi-cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test facility at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, and a Trisonic Wind Tunnel at VSSC in Thiruvananthapuram.

In a significant nod to the crucial role of women in India's space endeavours, the Prime Minister highlighted the indispensable contributions of Nari Shakti to flagship missions like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan.

He proudly noted that over 500 women hold leadership roles within the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), underlining the organisation's commitment to gender diversity and empowerment.

The Prime Minister emphasized the broader impact of India's space achievements in fostering a scientific spirit among the youth. He celebrated how ISRO's triumphs serve as a beacon of inspiration, motivating countless children to aspire to careers in science. This vision, according to him, transforms today's paper aeroplane makers into tomorrow's esteemed scientists, contributing significantly to the nation's intellectual wealth.

Reflecting on the educational ripple effect of significant milestones like Chandrayaan 2's landing, he highlighted how these events not only teach resilience but also invigorate India's youth with a renewed sense of purpose.

The Prime Minister also marked the successful landing of Chandrayaan 3 as a moment of national pride, now commemorated annually as Space Day, celebrating India's string of records in space exploration. Achievements such as the Mars mission success on the first attempt, launching over 100 satellites in a single mission, and the recent advancements with EXPO-SAT and INSAT-3DS were showcased as evidence of India's formidable presence on the global space exploration stage.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister shared an ambitious vision for India's space economy, projected to quintuple to $44 billion over the next decade, positioning India as a global hub for commercial space activities. This forward-looking perspective encompasses plans for lunar sample retrieval, Venus exploration, and the establishment of an Indian space station by 2035.

The Prime Minister lauded the exponential growth in the number of space startups and the significant increase in satellite launches since 2014, attributing this momentum to visionary talent and entrepreneurship.

He also highlighted reforms that have catalysed the sector's growth, including a welcoming policy for 100% foreign direct investment, paving the way for international space institutions to contribute to India's burgeoning space ecosystem.

In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister underlined the societal benefits of space technology, from agriculture and disaster management to education and national security. By championing the integration of space science into societal development, he envisaged a future where ISRO and the broader space sector play pivotal roles in realizing the vision of a developed India.