By: Ishita Malakar
Pune: This year, on August 23, India marked its second National Space Day, celebrated at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The theme for this year was “Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities,” which highlighted and honoured the nation’s space science and technology goals. This jointly came together under the presence of numerous policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, and innovators.
The highlight, however, this year was that the National Space Day was merged with the National Meet of this year, with the theme “Leveraging Space Technology and Applications for Viksit Bharat 2047”. This event was attended by ministries, industry experts, startup foundations, space innovators, and important government officials. Beginning with a keynote address by the Prime Minister himself, where he spoke about upcoming policy changes and space explorations that will mark India’s technological expansion. A panel also addressed diverse perspectives on space economy, integration of space vision at the national level, an astronaut panel that spoke about their experiences to students and everyone else in the crowd, and women leaders and astronauts who spoke about their journeys and experiences, kindling enthusiasm and inspiration among the upcoming younger generations.
The newer advances that can be expected as per technology and space explorations are to include electric propulsion and semi-cryogenic engines in several sectors. Apart from that, India will also be launching the Gaganyaan Mission, which is being designed right now to launch human spaceflight missions and lay the framework for the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme, and build its very own space station called the Bharatiya Antariksh Station in collaboration with ISRO.
The Chandrayaan-4 Mission is also set to launch this year, which will majorly ensure the technology allows for a safe return back on Earth after a successful landing on the moon. Several other missions are also underway in the coming year, including the Astro SAT-2 and Mars Lander Missions.
The Prime Minister also called on several businesses to set up and support the government, which plans to launch at least 50 rockets annually.