PM Narendra Modi marks National Space Day, unveils Astronaut pool plan
New Delhi, Aug 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the nation via video message on the occasion of National Space Day 2025, highlighting India’s recent milestones in space exploration and outlining future goals, including the creation of an “Astronaut Pool” for young citizens. The Prime Minister said this year’s theme, “From Aryabhata to Gaganyaan”, reflects the confidence of India’s scientific past and the determination for its future. He noted that National Space Day has quickly become an event of pride and enthusiasm, especially among youth, and congratulated scientists, engineers and students associated with the space sector.
Modi recalled India’s achievements, from becoming the first nation to land near the lunar south pole two years ago to developing docking-undocking capabilities in space.
He also praised Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently unfurled the Tricolour aboard the International Space Station, calling it a moment of inspiration for the country.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister said India is advancing in semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion technologies, with the Gaganyaan mission and plans for an Indian space station on the horizon. “Beyond galaxies lies our horizon,” he remarked, underlining India’s intent to push deeper into space exploration. On reforms, Modi noted that over 350 startups are now active in the space sector following the government’s decision to open it to private participation. He announced that the first privately built PSLV rocket will be launched soon, along with India’s first private communication satellite and a public-private Earth Observation Satellite Constellation. He urged startups to aim for building five space-tech unicorns in the next five years, and expressed a desire to see 50 rocket launches annually by then. The Prime Minister stressed that space technology is not just about exploration but also about improving lives, citing its use in crop insurance, disaster management, support for fishermen, and the PM Gati Shakti plan. He said the government remains committed to supporting innovation and “next-generation reforms” in the sector. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, ISRO scientists, engineers and other dignitaries were also present at the event.
