National Space Day: PM Modi Praises Young Scientists as India Expands Space Ambitions

Praising the country's youth, the Prime Minister said, "Today, Gen-E engineers, designers, coders, and scientists are developing new technologies. Whether it's propulsion systems, composite materials, rocket stages, or satellite platforms, India's youth are working in areas that were unimaginable some time ago."

He also praised the country's private space sector, saying, "The talent in India's private space sector is making its mark globally. Yesterday, India's space sector has become a center of attraction for global investors."

The Prime Minister said that ISRO is inspiring India's next generation of scientists. Seeing ISRO's success, many children believe they too will grow up to become scientists.

Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said in Ahmedabad on Sunday that India's space economy is projected to grow from approximately $8.4 billion to approximately $44 billion by 2033.

According to IANS, addressing an event held at The Forum Convention Center, Shekhawat said that the expansion of the space economy should not be measured solely by its financial value, but also by India's ability to develop advanced technologies, create high-skilled jobs, and find technology-based solutions to domestic challenges.

ISRO Chairman and Department of Space Secretary Dr. V. Narayanan said that India is working towards building its own space station by 2035, and the first module of the proposed 'Indian Space Station' has been approved.

He emphasized India's growing capabilities in space technology, saying that the country now utilizes space-based applications in more than 50 areas, directly benefiting citizens.

Narayan also outlined some of the country's major upcoming space programs, including Gaganyaan, and explained that India has reached the top spot in nine areas from humble beginnings in the space sector.

He also said that India's space sector now has around 440 startups, marking a significant increase in private participation in an industry that was once dominated by government entities.