ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced that India presently has 56 satellites in orbit, with plans to triple that number within the next three years. Speaking at BIT Mesra’s convocation ceremony, he stated that the organisation aims to raise India among the world’s leading space powers by 2040 through advancements in launchers, satellites, and their applications, thereby contributing to the national vision of Viksit Bharat in 2047.
Narayanan revealed that ISRO plans to launch a 6,000-kg communication satellite for the United States next month. He also stated that India’s first space station is planned for 2025, with the initial model set to launch in 2028. Highlighting India’s achievements, he stated that the country is still the only one to have successfully executed a soft landing near the lunar south pole.
He further added that ISRO is prepared to launch astronauts into space as part of the Gaganyaan project. ISRO has evolved from transporting satellite components on bullock carts to launching 433 satellites for 30 countries and developing 133 of its own. On January 16, India achieved a significant milestone by docking two satellites in space.
Narayanan stated that ISRO satellites continue to serve communication, meteorology, disaster management, telemedicine, and national security activities.
