Govt aims Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 & Man on Moon by 2040 says Union Minister Jitendra Singh

Context:

Union Minister of Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh announced in the Lok Sabha that India aims to:

• Establish an operational Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035, and
• Launch an Indian crewed mission to the Moon by 2040.

These milestones align with the government’s broader vision of achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Key Highlights:

1. Historic Space Achievement:
   • Indian astronaut Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla (IAF) recently completed a mission to the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant milestone for India’s human spaceflight program.
2. Government’s Roadmap:
   • Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) operational target – 2035.
   • Indian crewed mission to the Moon – by 2040.
   • Both milestones precede the Viksit Bharat 2047 target.
3. Reforms in Space Sector (last 11 years):
   • Opening the space sector for private participation.
   • Rise of space-tech start-ups in India.
   • Growth in innovation, research, and commercialization of space technologies.
4. Strategic & Operational Role:
   • Technologies developed by the Department of Space were used in Operation Sindoor.
   • Space technology is being leveraged in governance, economy, agriculture, disaster management, communication, and daily life.
5. Political Note:
   • Dr. Singh expressed concern that opposition MPs did not appreciate the achievements of space scientists.

Significance for UPSC:

• Space Diplomacy: Subhanshu Shukla’s ISS mission enhances India’s global standing in space exploration.
• Self-Reliance: Establishing BAS will reduce dependence on international space stations.
• Strategic Edge: Human mission to Moon by 2040 strengthens India’s role in the new global space race.
• Economic Growth: Space start-ups and private participation will boost India’s innovation ecosystem.
  
  Updated: August 18, 2025, 4:03 PM | Newsonair