Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates Key Space Projects and Reviews Gaganyaan Progress at Vikram Sarabhai Space Center

In a momentous visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three crucial space infrastructure projects, collectively valued at approximately Rs 1800 crores. The projects include the SLV Integration Facility at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota; the Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and Stage Test facility at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri; and the Trisonic Wind Tunnel at VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also reviewed the progress of the ambitious Gaganyaan Mission, a pivotal undertaking in India's space exploration endeavors. He conferred 'astronaut wings' upon the four astronaut-designates: Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi expressed pride in India's achievements in various domains, including land, air, water, and space. He emphasized that the nation is continuously expanding its global standing in the new era, referring to it as the "Kaal Chakra." Reflecting on recent milestones, he highlighted India's successful landing on the South Pole of the Moon during the Chandrayaan mission.

The Prime Minister hailed the astronaut-designates as symbols of trust, courage, valor, and discipline, representing the aspirations of 140 crore Indians venturing into space. He celebrated the fact that, after 40 years, an Indian will embark on a space mission using indigenous technology and resources.

In addition to the focus on space exploration, Prime Minister Modi underscored the significant role of women in India's space program, with over 500 women in leadership positions at ISRO. He praised the space sector for sowing the seeds of scientific temperament among the youth, emphasizing that society reaps the most benefits from space technology.

Highlighting India's space achievements in the last decade, Prime Minister Modi mentioned launching around 400 satellites, an exponential increase in youth-driven space startups, and the recent approval of 100 percent foreign investment in the space sector. He noted the positive trajectory of India's space economy, expected to grow five-fold to reach $44 billion in the next 10 years.

The Prime Minister concluded by expressing India's commitment to further space exploration, with plans for Moon landings, Venus exploration, and the establishment of a space station by 2035. He applauded the space sector's role in building a developed India and acknowledged its diverse applications, from agriculture to healthcare.

Governor of Kerala, Arif Mohammad Khan, Chief Minister Pinrayii Vijayan, Union Minister of State V. Muraleedharan, and Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman ISRO, S Somnath, were present during the visit.