Mon Aug 18 10:43:09 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Following the return of astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from the Axiom-4 mission, India has announced ambitious plans for its space program. Union Minister Jitendra Singh outlined the timeline in Parliament: an uncrewed mission with robot “Vyommitra” in 2026, the first manned Gaganyaan mission in 2027, the establishment of a Bharat Antariksh Station by 2035, and an Indian astronaut landing on the moon by 2040. These plans were presented during a discussion in Lok Sabha about the role of the space program in achieving “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047. While the ruling party celebrated Shukla’s achievements and the government’s vision, the discussion was disrupted by opposition protests. Despite this, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor praised Shukla’s mission, recognizing its significance for India’s space ambitions and its inspiration to future generations. The government urged the opposition to participate in discussions celebrating India’s space achievements.
**News Article:**
**India Aims for Moon Landing by 2040, Eyes $45 Billion Space Economy**
**New Delhi -** India has unveiled its ambitious roadmap for space exploration, aiming to land an astronaut on the moon by 2040. The announcement came during a parliamentary discussion on Monday, following the triumphant return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from the International Space Station after completing the Axiom-4 mission.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh outlined the government’s comprehensive plans, highlighting the crucial role of the space program in achieving “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047. “Modi ji’s dream of Viksit Bharat in 2047 will be heralded a few years in advance from the moon,” Singh stated in the Lok Sabha. He emphasized that an Indian on the moon would signify the dawn of Viksit Bharat.
The roadmap includes the launch of an uncrewed mission featuring the robot “Vyommitra” in 2026, followed by the landmark Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human spaceflight, in 2027. India also plans to establish its own Bharat Antariksh Station by 2035. Singh projected India’s space economy to reach $45 billion in the next decade, boosted by opening the sector to private players in 2020.
While the government lauded the achievements of Group Captain Shukla and the potential of the space program, the parliamentary discussion was disrupted by opposition protests.
Despite the disruptions, prominent Congress leader Shashi Tharoor praised Grp. Capt. Shukla’s feat, stating, “Shukla’s mission, conducted in partnership with international agencies, reinforced India’s role in global space diplomacy. It demonstrates India’s willingness and capability to engage in multilateral space efforts and opens doors for future joint research and investment.”
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged the opposition to participate in the discussion, recognizing the significant role of India’s space program.
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