New Delhi (Agency): S Somanath, the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), expressed confidence in India’s ability to undertake space missions to the Moon, Mars, and Venus. Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Somanath said, “India has the capability to travel to the Moon, Mars and Venus but we need to increase our confidence. We need more investment and the space sector must develop and by this, the whole nation should develop, that is our mission.”
Somanath’s remarks came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru. During the visit, PM Modi met scientists who were part of India’s third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3. PM Modi also announced August 23 as National Space Day to celebrate Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing on the Moon. Further, the landing spot of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander will be known as the ‘Shiv Shakti’ point, and the Chandrayaan-2 Lunar landing point will be called the ‘Tiranga’ point.
PM Modi said, “This will be an inspiration for every effort made by India. It will remind us any failure is not final.” He also interacted with the women scientists involved in the Chandrayaan-3 project, praising their crucial role in the mission. India became the first country to successfully place a lander on the unexplored lunar South Pole.
According to Somanath, the space sector needs increased investment and development to boost India’s confidence in undertaking more ambitious missions. “We’re ready to fulfill the vision that was given to us by PM Modi,” Somanath added.
The ISRO has made significant strides in space exploration in recent years, gaining international attention for its missions. However, like any developing sector, it faces challenges such as the need for more advanced technology and increased funding.
Public opinion is generally favorable towards ISRO’s endeavors, given that these missions elevate India’s standing in the global space community. There’s also the added benefit of potential scientific discoveries and technological advancements that could help India in various sectors, including telecommunications, weather forecasting, and national security.
The ISRO’s call for more investment comes at a time when the world is increasingly looking to space for new opportunities. Not only do such missions help in scientific discovery, but they also carry national pride and provide an economic boost through technological advancements and job creation.
PM Modi’s vision aligns with the ISRO’s goals, as he sees the development of the space sector as a stepping stone for the nation’s overall development. Given that India has already marked its presence on the lunar South Pole, the future for Indian space exploration appears promising.
As the nation prepares for its future space missions, it will need to focus on technological development, secure necessary funding, and maintain the enthusiasm and dedication of its scientific community. Somanath’s comments reflect the optimism and ambition of a country aiming for the stars, quite literally. Now it remains to be seen how India will turn this vision into a reality.