PM Modi Calls for 40–50 Astronauts to Drive India’s Future Space Missions
- MGMMTeam
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a bold course for India’s space future, emphasizing the creation of a dedicated pool of 40 to 50 astronauts to sustain the country’s upcoming human spaceflight ambitions. The announcement came during his interaction with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently returned after making history as the first Indian astronaut to board the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission.
Modiji hailed Shukla’s journey as the beginning of a new chapter in India’s cosmic aspirations and urged the need for long-term planning to ensure India can consistently send its citizens into space. He underlined that a large reserve of trained astronauts would be essential for building the foundation of the country’s ambitious space exploration roadmap.
The Return of India’s First ISS Astronaut
Group Captain Shukla’s mission lasted nearly three weeks and involved scientific experiments, outreach programmes, and real-time observations of Earth. Upon his return, he presented Prime Minister Modi with the official Axiom-4 mission patch and the Indian tricolour that flew aboard the ISS, sparking a wave of national pride.
The astronaut described the profound experience of living in microgravity and spoke about the challenges of readapting to Earth. He shared how his body remained healthy in space, but his brain had to “rewire” itself upon returning home. Among his scientific achievements was the successful germination of moong and methi sprouts in space, a simple yet groundbreaking step towards sustainable food practices for long-duration missions.
Inspiring the Next Generation
During their conversation, Shukla and the Prime Minister reflected on the changing aspirations of India’s youth. Modiji emphasized how Shukla’s achievement had transformed the way children view careers in space. Today’s generation, he said, does not merely dream of becoming astronauts but now sees it as a real and achievable possibility. Shukla agreed, noting that his mission had already sparked a wave of curiosity among students and inspired them to pursue science and space research.
This shift in perspective is crucial for India’s broader space vision, as nurturing talent at a young age ensures a strong pipeline of future scientists, engineers, and astronauts to drive the country’s progress in space exploration.
Gaganyaan and Beyond
The call for a larger astronaut pool comes at a time when India is preparing for its most ambitious human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. Under this programme, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to send three astronauts into low Earth orbit for a period of up to seven days. The mission, currently scheduled for 2027, follows several uncrewed test flights designed to perfect crew safety systems and spacecraft performance.
In parallel, India is developing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), with its first module expected to be operational before the end of this decade. The Prime Minister has also set long-term targets of establishing a fully functional space station by 2035 and carrying out a crewed lunar landing by 2040. These plans represent not only technological milestones but also a declaration of India’s intent to stand among the world’s leading spacefaring nations.
A Consistent Commitment to Space Exploration
Shukla highlighted how India’s space programme has grown stronger because of the government’s unwavering support. Even after setbacks such as the partial failure of Chandrayaan-2, funding and political commitment did not falter, eventually leading to the success of Chandrayaan-3, which landed on the Moon’s south pole in 2023. This resilience, he said, has given India global recognition as a serious player in space exploration.
Conclusion
India’s space journey is rapidly transitioning from vision to reality. With Shubhanshu Shukla’s trailblazing mission to the ISS and Prime Minister Modi’s call for a structured astronaut corps, the nation is laying down the foundation for a future that extends far beyond Earth. By training dozens of astronauts, building the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, and aiming for a lunar landing within the next two decades, India is positioning itself not merely as a participant but as a leader in human space exploration.
The steps being taken today will not only inspire generations but also ensure that when humanity looks beyond Earth, India will be among the countries leading the way.
(Sources: India TV News, NDTV, DD News)
Comments