Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that in the coming year, ISRO is scheduled to carry out a set of tests pertaining to India’s first human space mission, Gaganyaan.
Following Prime Minister Modi’s advocacy for ‘Vocal for Local,’ Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted a notable upswing in the sales of indigenous products.
New Delhi: In a groundbreaking announcement today, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh revealed that “Aditya-L1,” India’s inaugural solar mission, is poised to reach Lagrange Point 1 early next month, specifically in the first week of January 2024. During an exclusive interview with Sansad TV in New Delhi, Dr Jitendra Singh shed light on the remarkable strides made in India’s space endeavors, highlighting the imminent tests linked to the country’s maiden human space mission, Gaganyaan, to be conducted by ISRO throughout the coming year.
Attributing these accomplishments to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bold vision, Dr Jitendra Singh commended the Prime Minister for dismantling past taboos and fostering an environment conducive to private sector involvement in India’s space sector. The Minister underscored the overwhelming response from startups and industries, emphasizing the significant role played by the unlocking of space technology.
Dr Jitendra Singh noted the increased accessibility of space events to the general public, citing the presence of over 10,000 spectators during the Aditya launch and 1,000 media personnel covering the Chandrayaan-3 launch. He went on to reveal that the opening of the space sector resulted in an investment exceeding Rs. 1,000 crore in space startups during the last nine months of the current financial year.
Highlighting the rapid growth, Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out that India has transitioned from a single startup in the space sector four years ago to nearly 190 private space startups today. These startups, initially beneficiaries of the sector’s opening, have now evolved into entrepreneurs.
Reflecting on India’s journey in space exploration, Dr Jitendra Singh acknowledged that while India commenced its space program later than other leading nations, it has emerged as a key player in the global space community. He mentioned the world’s anticipation of Chandrayaan-3’s studies on the Moon’s South Polar region and the proposed collaboration with NASA to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station next year.
Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized the pervasive impact of space research on daily life, extending to sectors such as infrastructure development, GPS land mapping through ‘Svamitva,’ and the creation of smart cities. He also highlighted the role of atomic energy in clean energy initiatives, food preservation, and medical applications.
Discussing the future, Dr Jitendra Singh announced the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), with a significant share of funding from non-government sources, facilitating a public-private partnership model for India’s science and technology goals.
In the context of India’s global standing, Dr Jitendra Singh stressed the importance of adhering to global standards and parameters. He mentioned that India, with its successful hosting of the G20 summit and efforts toward climate change mitigation, is poised to lead the world.
Turning to Prime Minister Modi’s initiative of ‘Vocal for Local,’ Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted a surge in the sale of local products, attributing this trend to the renewed emphasis on Khadi for fashion and nation-building. He noted the reverse brain drain in the field of space research, with experts returning to India to establish startups.
Concluding on a note of governance, Dr Jitendra Singh credited the government’s commitment to ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’ for fostering transparency and citizen participation, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of the “Ease of Living” for the common man.
Source: PIB