India's Space Odyssey: Moon Landing by 2040 and Beyond

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled a bold vision for India’s future in space exploration, painting a picture of an ambitious roadmap that leads to the Moon and beyond. At the Global Conference on Space Exploration (GLEX) 2025, held via video conferencing, PM Modi captivated the global audience with India’s stellar progress and future goals in the cosmic realm.

The Launch of a Visionary Mission

Addressing international delegates, astronauts, and scientists, the Prime Minister reflected on the journey India has made from its humble beginnings to becoming a significant player in the space sector. He emphasized India’s commitment to not only reaching new celestial milestones but doing so with a spirit of collaboration and global cooperation. “Space is not merely a destination but a declaration of curiosity, courage, and collective progress,” he stated, recollecting India’s successful landing near the Moon’s South Pole with Chandrayaan-3.

Rockets of Dreams

Modi shared triumphant stories of India’s past successes, like the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) which famously reached the Red Planet on its first go – a rare feat. He underlined how Indian rockets bear the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians, symbolizing hope and determination. The Prime Minister proudly noted that India has launched over 400 satellites for more than 34 countries and achieved groundbreaking feats such as docking satellites in space.

The Collaborative Path Forward

In a display of India’s collaborative spirit, PM Modi advocated for using space technology to benefit humanity. Highlighting the success of the regional satellite project for South Asian nations, he announced plans to further support the Global South through the G20 Satellite Mission—an initiative from India’s G20 presidency.

Charting the Next Frontier

One of the key highlights of his address was the announcement that an Indian astronaut would soon venture to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of a joint mission with NASA. By envisioning the establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035 and planning for an Indian astronaut to set foot on the Moon by 2040, PM Modi laid out a daring and promising trajectory for India’s space endeavors.

Empowering India through Space

Beyond the quest for celestial wonders, the Prime Minister emphasized how space technology is integrated into enhancing daily life in India. With satellites playing crucial roles in sectors like fisheries, railways, weather forecasting, and infrastructure, India is leading with innovations that resonate on the ground. Many of these initiatives are led by women scientists, showcasing India’s dedication to diversity in science.

Supporting Innovation and Industry

Embracing the thriving private space sector, Modi saluted the over 250 startups working on cutting-edge satellite technology, propulsion systems, and remote imaging. The growth of these enterprises is a testament to India’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation.

According to DD News, these steps place India firmly on the global space map, positioning it as a leader dedicated to inspiring and achieving new heights for humanity.

India’s space odyssey is not just about exploring other worlds—it’s about empowering this one.