Opening Space Sector to Private Players Biggest Reform in 11 Years: Dr. Jitendra Singh

Minister of State for Space Dr Jitendra Singh has said opening up the space sector for the private sector was the greatest reform done in the last 11 years. Addressing 2nd National Space Day function in New Delhi today, Dr Singh said, opening up of the space sector to private players has brought in a new wave of innovation and entrepreneurship. From once being limited to government-led projects, India today has hundreds of start-ups engaged in developing technologies with potential applications in interplanetary exploration as well as in day-to-day governance. The Minister said, with the mantra of reform, perform and transform the space sector is moving ahead. He said, even during Operation Sindoor, the world witnessed India’s space and technology capabilities. Dr Singh said, two years ago, India’s Chandrayaan mission landed on the Moon’s South Pole, making India the first country to do so. He said, it sent a message to the world that India has arrived and is no longer a follower.  Dr. Singh said that India’s space programme has entered a transformative phase where it is no longer confined to symbolic achievements but has become a vital contributor to the country’s scientific progress, technological innovation, and public welfare. At the event, he presented awards to students who won the Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon and the ISRO Robotics Challenge -2025.
Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla said, India has some very big ambitions going forward with the Gaganyaan Mission, the Bharatiya Antriksh Station and eventually landing on the moon. He said, the Japanese and the European Space Agencies are also excited about the mission. Mr Shukla said, this is the golden period for the country as far as space exploration is concerned. Astronauts preparing for India’s Gaganyaan mission Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan and Group Captain Angad Pratap also addressed the gathering.
ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan said, by 2040, Indian Space Program will be at par with any other space program of the world. He said, one by one, missions are scheduled like Chandrayaan-4 mission and Venus Orbiter Mission. Dr Narayanan said, India is going to have a space station called Bharatiya Antriksh Station by 2035 and the first module will be lifted off by 2028. He said, the Prime Minister has given approval for an NGL Next Generation Launcher.