Indian astronaut will step on moon by 2040: Minister , Pg13

Key Highlights:

• Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced India aims to have an astronaut on the moon by 2040.
• The announcement was made during a Lok Sabha discussion on astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's upcoming visit to the International Space Station.
• Space sector reforms began in 2014, and private sector involvement started in 2020.
• India's space economy is currently at $8 billion and is projected to reach $45 billion in the next decade.
• An uncrewed mission with robot Vyommitra is planned for 2026, followed by the Gaganyaan mission in 2027.
• India plans to establish its own Bharat Antariksh Station by 2035.

Detailed Insights:

• The discussion in Lok Sabha focused on the critical role of the space program for Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• Opening the space sector to private players has significantly boosted India's space economy.
• The Gaganyaan mission aims to be India's first human spaceflight, marking a significant milestone.
• Establishing the Bharat Antariksh Station will provide India with its own space research facility.
• The announcement aligns with India's long-term strategic goals in space exploration and technology.
• The Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted by opposition protests regarding electoral roll revisions in Bihar.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Viksit Bharat: A vision for a developed India encompassing economic and social progress.
• Gaganyaan: India's human spaceflight program aiming to send astronauts into Earth orbit.
• Bharat Antariksh Station: India's planned space station for conducting research in space.