India Charts Bold New Course in Space Exploration with Chandrayaan-4 and Indigenous Space Station Plans

(OT Webdesk)On National Space Day, India unveiled an ambitious roadmap for its space future, signalling a transformative leap in exploration and innovation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced a series of landmark missions, including Chandrayaan-4, a Venus Orbiter, and the establishment of the Bharatiya Antriksh Station (BAS)—India’s first indigenous space station—by 2035.

The BAS’s first module is slated for launch in 2028, marking a pivotal step toward long-term orbital presence. By 2040, India aims to execute its first Moon sample return mission, joining the ranks of elite spacefaring nations.

Technological advancements are central to this vision. ISRO has greenlit development of a Next Generation Launcher (NGL), alongside innovations in semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion systems.

Prime Minister Modi celebrated India’s recent lunar south pole landing and recalled Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s symbolic flag-hoisting aboard the International Space Station.

He emphasized youth engagement, inviting aspiring astronauts to join India’s growing space corps and participate in initiatives like the Indian Space Hackathon and Robotics Challenge.

National Space Day will now be observed annually, serving as both a tribute to past achievements and a beacon for future exploration.