New Delhi: An Indian astronaut will land on the moon in 2040, marking a milestone towards Viksit Bharat, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Monday during a Lok Sabha discussion on astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s space mission.
Opening the debate on “India’s first astronaut aboard the International Space Station – Critical role of the space programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047”, Singh highlighted the reforms introduced in the space sector since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014.
He noted that after the sector was opened to private players in 2020, India’s space economy has grown to USD 8 billion and is projected to reach USD 45 billion within the next decade.
Outlining upcoming milestones, Singh said India will launch an uncrewed mission with the humanoid robot Vyommitra in 2026, followed by its first human spaceflight, Gaganyaan, in 2027. The country also plans to establish its own Bharat Antariksh Station by 2035.
“In 2040, an Indian astronaut will set foot on the moon. Modi ji’s vision of Viksit Bharat in 2047 will be heralded a few years earlier — from the lunar surface itself,” Singh said.
The discussion, however, remained inconclusive as the House was adjourned amid opposition protests.
