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ISRO chief unveils bold plans at IIITDM event

ISRO Chief Unveils Ambitious Roadmap for India's Space Future at IIITDM Kurnool Event

KURNOOL: In a momentous address that has ignited excitement across the scientific community and beyond, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Dr. S. Somanath unveiled a series of bold and transformative plans for India's space program during a special event at the Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The event, held on July 21, 2025, brought together students, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the intersection of technology, innovation, and space exploration. Dr. Somanath's speech, titled "India's Leap into the Cosmos: Vision 2047," outlined an aggressive timeline for manned missions, lunar colonization efforts, and international collaborations, positioning India as a global leader in space technology by the mid-21st century.

The ISRO chief began his address by reflecting on India's remarkable journey in space exploration, from the humble beginnings of the Aryabhata satellite in 1975 to the recent successes of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which achieved a soft landing on the Moon's south pole in 2023. He emphasized how these milestones have not only boosted national pride but also contributed to practical applications in agriculture, disaster management, and telecommunications. "Our space program is not just about reaching the stars; it's about bringing the benefits of those stars back to every Indian village," Dr. Somanath remarked, drawing applause from the audience of over 500 attendees at IIITDM's state-of-the-art auditorium.

Central to the unveiled plans is the acceleration of the Gaganyaan mission, India's first manned spaceflight. Originally slated for a 2024 launch but delayed due to technical refinements, Dr. Somanath announced that the mission is now on track for a historic liftoff in early 2026. This will involve a crew of three Indian astronauts orbiting Earth for up to seven days, testing life support systems, re-entry procedures, and human endurance in microgravity. He revealed that ISRO has partnered with international agencies, including NASA and Roscosmos, to incorporate advanced training modules and safety protocols. "Gaganyaan is more than a mission; it's the dawn of India's human spaceflight era. We are training our vyomanauts not just to survive in space but to thrive and conduct groundbreaking experiments," he said.

Building on this, Dr. Somanath disclosed ambitious plans for a permanent Indian presence on the Moon. Dubbed "Chandrayaan-5 and Beyond," the initiative aims to establish a lunar habitat by 2035, complete with modular living quarters, resource extraction facilities for water and helium-3, and even a rudimentary greenhouse for sustainable food production. This would involve robotic precursors launching as early as 2028 to scout locations and deploy initial infrastructure. The ISRO chief highlighted the role of artificial intelligence and robotics in this endeavor, noting collaborations with Indian startups and academic institutions like IIITDM to develop AI-driven rovers capable of autonomous decision-making. "Imagine Indian scientists walking on the Moon, extracting resources that could power fusion reactors back on Earth. This is not science fiction; it's our roadmap," he enthused.

One of the most audacious announcements was the proposal for an Indian Space Station (ISS-India), a modular orbital platform to be assembled in low Earth orbit by 2030. Unlike the International Space Station, which is set for decommissioning in the coming years, ISS-India would focus on microgravity research, satellite servicing, and as a stepping stone for deeper space missions. Dr. Somanath outlined how this station would be built using indigenous technology, including the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk-III and the upcoming Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). He stressed the importance of private sector involvement, inviting companies like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos to contribute modules and propulsion systems. "By fostering public-private partnerships, we can reduce costs and accelerate innovation. This space station will be a hub for global collaboration, hosting experiments from partner nations," he explained.

The plans extend even further into the solar system. Dr. Somanath revealed ISRO's intent to launch a Mars orbiter and lander mission by 2032, followed by a sample return mission in the late 2030s. Drawing lessons from the Mangalyaan mission of 2013, which made India the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit, the new endeavor would incorporate advanced propulsion technologies like solar sails and ion thrusters. Additionally, he mentioned exploratory missions to Venus and asteroids, aiming to study planetary atmospheres and potential resource mining. "Our vision is to make India a multi-planetary species. By 2047, the centenary of our independence, we aim to have footprints on the Moon, Mars, and beyond," he declared, invoking a sense of national destiny.

Education and skill development formed a key pillar of the address, particularly resonant at IIITDM, an institution renowned for its focus on design, manufacturing, and information technology. Dr. Somanath announced the establishment of a dedicated ISRO-IIITDM Center for Space Technology Innovation, which will offer specialized courses in aerospace engineering, satellite design, and space robotics. This center, funded with an initial grant of Rs 500 crore, will include simulation labs, 3D printing facilities for prototyping spacecraft components, and internships at ISRO centers like the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. "The youth of Andhra Pradesh and India are our greatest asset. Through institutions like IIITDM, we will train the next generation of space pioneers," he said, encouraging students to pursue careers in STEM fields.

The event also featured interactive sessions where Dr. Somanath fielded questions from the audience. One student inquired about the environmental impact of increased launches, to which he responded by detailing ISRO's commitment to sustainable practices, such as developing reusable rockets and minimizing space debris through de-orbiting mechanisms. Another query touched on gender diversity in space programs, prompting him to highlight the growing role of women in ISRO, with several female scientists leading key projects. He cited examples like the all-women team behind the Aditya-L1 solar mission and pledged to achieve 50% female representation in future astronaut selections.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Somanath underscored the economic benefits of these plans, projecting that India's space economy could grow from its current $8 billion valuation to over $100 billion by 2040, creating millions of jobs in manufacturing, software, and data analytics. He called for increased government funding, aiming for a space budget of 1% of GDP, and urged states like Andhra Pradesh to develop space tech hubs, leveraging their geographical advantages for launch sites and research facilities.

The unveiling has been met with widespread acclaim. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, who attended the event, praised ISRO's vision and committed state support for infrastructure development. Industry experts, including representatives from Tata Advanced Systems and Larsen & Toubro, expressed enthusiasm for potential collaborations. However, some analysts have raised concerns about the feasibility of timelines, citing global supply chain issues and the need for international treaties on space resource utilization.

As the event concluded with a demonstration of IIITDM's student-built drone prototypes, the atmosphere was charged with optimism. Dr. Somanath's bold plans signal a new era for Indian space exploration, one that blends ambition with pragmatism, innovation with inclusivity. If realized, these initiatives could not only elevate India's stature on the world stage but also inspire generations to dream of the stars.

This comprehensive roadmap, shared at the heart of Andhra Pradesh's emerging tech landscape, serves as a reminder that India's space odyssey is far from over—it's just beginning to accelerate. With Gaganyaan on the horizon and lunar bases in the pipeline, the nation stands poised to claim its place among the cosmic elite. (Word count: 1,048)

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