PM Modi Announces Creation of ‘Astronaut Pool’ to Train India’s Future Space Explorers
The Prime Minister announced that India will build an “Astronaut Pool” to nurture future explorers and invited young citizens to join.
New Delhi, August 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed India’s rapid advances in space technology, calling National Space Day an occasion of “enthusiasm and pride” for the nation’s youth. Addressing the event via video message, Modi said that milestone after milestone in the space sector has now become “a natural trait” of Indian scientists.
Linking India’s space journey “from Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan”, the Prime Minister noted that the country is poised to launch its first human spaceflight mission soon and will set up a dedicated Indian space station in the coming years. “India has already reached the Moon and Mars, and now must explore deeper regions of space. Beyond galaxies lies our horizon,” he remarked.
Milestones and Next Frontiers
Recalling India’s historic landing at the Moon’s south pole two years ago and its docking-undocking capability in orbit, Modi highlighted the recent achievement of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who unfurled the national flag aboard the International Space Station. The Prime Minister announced that India will build an “Astronaut Pool” to nurture future explorers and invited young citizens to join.
He also underscored progress in breakthrough technologies such as semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion, which he said would propel India’s next-generation missions.
Reform, Perform, Transform
Modi reiterated his government’s emphasis on reforms in the space sector, recalling how once-restricted domains are now open to private participation. He pointed out that over 350 startups are fuelling innovation, with India’s first private PSLV rocket and private communication satellite set for launch soon. The government is also preparing to build an Earth Observation Satellite Constellation through public-private partnership.
Challenging India’s space entrepreneurs, the Prime Minister asked: “Can we build five unicorns in the space sector in the next five years?” He said India should aim to increase annual launches from 5–6 at present to at least 50 within the same timeframe.
Space for Everyday Life
Modi stressed that space technology is now deeply embedded in governance, from crop insurance assessments and disaster management to fisheries safety and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. “India’s progress in space is directly contributing to making the lives of ordinary citizens easier,” he said.
The Prime Minister also lauded initiatives like ISRO’s hackathons, robotics challenges, and India hosting the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, where Indian students won multiple medals.
Concluding his address, Modi assured the scientific community of full government backing. “India’s space journey will touch new heights. The youth of New India have infinite dreams, and together, we will give them flight,” he said.
Union Minister for Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh, ISRO officials, scientists, and engineers joined the celebrations.
