PM Modi, ISRO unveil India's ambitious space plan: Space station by 2035, Chandrayaan 4

PM also highlighted India’s progress in semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion technologies, and praised initiatives like the Indian Space Hackathon and Robotics Challenge to inspire the next generation.

Outlining country's ambitious space programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that India is working towards building its own space station during the National Space Day address to the nation.

Touching upon astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s space mission success, the Prime Minister said that the country will soon build an astronaut pool. He urged the young minds to join the initiative. PM, who addressed scientists and students on the occasion, said nation's achievements have given it a unique standing in global space exploration.

Meanwhile, ISRO on Friday unveiled an ambitious roadmap for India’s space programme, announcing plans for a Bharatiya Antriksh Station (BAS) by 2035, a Moon sample return mission by 2040, and a series of pathbreaking missions over the next two decades.

Speaking on National Space Day earlier today, ISRO chairman V Narayanan said: “Based on the Prime Minister’s vision, we are going to have Chandrayaan-4 and a Venus Orbiter Mission. By 2028, we will launch the first module of BAS, which will be fully operational by 2035.” He added that work on a Next Generation Launcher (NGL) has also been approved. “By 2040, India will not only land on the Moon but also bring samples back safely. At that point, our space programme will be at par with any leading space agency in the world.”

During his address, the PM recalled his recent interaction with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who hoisted the tricolour aboard the International Space Station. “The moment when he showed me the tricolour is beyond words,” PM Modi said. “In him, I saw the immense courage and infinite dreams of New India’s youth. To take these dreams forward, we are preparing India’s own astronaut pool, and I invite young friends to join and give wings to India’s aspirations.”

He also highlighted India’s progress in semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion technologies, and praised initiatives like the Indian Space Hackathon and Robotics Challenge to inspire the next generation