India (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that India is preparing to build and operate its own space station in the coming years. In a video message delivered on National Space Day 2025, he said the theme of this year’s celebration, “From Aryabhata to Gaganyaan,” reflects India’s deep-rooted legacy in space science and its growing ambition to explore new frontiers. The Prime Minister noted that National Space Day, which began only a few years ago, has already become a source of inspiration and excitement, especially for young Indians. He expressed pride that the day is now seen as a celebration of national scientific progress and extended his congratulations to scientists, engineers, students, and everyone contributing to India’s space journey.
Also read: Sri Lanka Modernizes Gambling Laws After Decades in Legal Limbo
During his address, Modi shared that India is currently hosting the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, which has brought together nearly 300 students from over 60 countries. He hailed the Indian gold winners and described the Olympiad as a reflection of India’s increasing standing in the global space community. He also emphasized ISRO’s recent efforts to promote space science among young people, including the Indian Space Hackathon and a national Robotics Challenge. He praised the participating students and stated that these programs are nurturing the next generation of innovators and thinkers.
Also read: Bangladesh’s Next Big Test: Can Trust in Elections Be Restored by 2026?
Recalling India’s historic lunar achievement two years ago, becoming the first country to reach the Moon’s South Pole, Modi said that such breakthroughs have now become a regular feature of India’s space program. He also mentioned that India has achieved the capability to dock and undock spacecraft in orbit, placing it among a select group of advanced spacefaring nations. Modi spoke about his recent meeting with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who carried the Indian flag to the International Space Station. Describing the moment Shukla showed him the Tricolour from space, Modi said it was an emotional and unforgettable experience. He added that the astronaut’s passion reflects the courage and dreams of the new generation of Indians.
Also read: Are India and China Entering a New Phase of Economic Diplomacy?
To support these aspirations, the prime minister announced the creation of an “Astronaut Pool,” inviting young Indians to prepare themselves for future space missions. He said India is progressing rapidly in critical space technologies, including semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion systems. These advancements, he said, are paving the way for the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and the long-term goal of establishing an Indian space station.
Modi reiterated his government’s commitment to the principle of “Reform, Perform, Transform,” and pointed out that over the past eleven years, several key reforms in the space sector have allowed private companies to participate in the industry. He said more than 350 space-tech startups are now actively working in India, fueling innovation and driving growth. He revealed that the country’s first privately built PSLV rocket will soon be launched, and India’s first private communication satellite is also under development. Additionally, a new Earth Observation Satellite Constellation is being prepared through a public-private partnership. These efforts, he emphasized, are opening up vast opportunities for India’s youth.
Challenging the country’s entrepreneurs and innovators, Modi asked if five space-tech unicorns could emerge from India in the next five years. He also expressed hope that the number of annual rocket launches from Indian soil could rise from the current five or six to at least 50 within that same period, led by private sector participation. He emphasized the significance of satellite technology in public services, including boosting crop insurance accuracy, strengthening disaster response systems, and assisting fishermen with real-time data. He mentioned how space technology has become an important part of national infrastructure planning through programs such as the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that a national conference had recently been conducted to promote the use of space-based technology by central and state governments. He expressed hope that such efforts would continue and expand in the years to come. As part of the National Space Day celebrations, ISRO unveiled a prototype of India’s upcoming space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). The first module of the BAS is expected to be launched by 2028. This would make India only the third country, after the United States and China, to independently operate a space station.
The BAS-01 module will weigh around ten tonnes and circle the Earth at a height of 450 kilometers. It is intended to fund scientific investigations in space, health, life sciences, and planetary exploration. The station will eventually develop its five modules by 2035, offering a foundation for long-term human presence in space and potentially space tourism. Concluding his address, the Prime Minister expressed complete confidence in the future of India’s space program, stating that with continuing work, collaboration, and innovation, the country’s progress into space can only accelerate. He once again extended his wishes on National Space Day, praising the scientists, engineers, and young people who are defining India’s future beyond the skies.
