ISRO Aims for Indian Moon Landing by 2040: ISRO Chief

Space News ,India :- The head of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), S Somanath, shared plans for continued lunar exploration and expressed hope for an Indian moon landing by 2040. He discussed these goals during the opening of the 22nd National Space Science Symposium (NSSS 2024), organized by Goa University in collaboration with ISRO.

The symposium's purpose is to connect space science and technology with society. Somanath highlighted the renewed interest in moon exploration from countries like the United States and China. He emphasized that India needs to understand these global efforts, as many nations are working towards lunar exploration.

Somanath stressed the importance of ongoing experiments and exploration before achieving a successful Indian moon landing. The discussions at the symposium included plans for interplanetary missions, such as the Venus Orbiter Mission and the Mars Lander. There was also a focus on efforts towards a lunar sample return mission for scientific studies.

Governor of Goa P S Sreedharan Pillai inaugurated the symposium, which features exhibitions by ISRO, Space on Wheels, poster sessions, and public lectures. The event aims to foster interaction between professionals, research students, and the public.

NSSS 2024, running until March 1, aligns with the upcoming National Science Day celebrations in Goa. The symposium offers various events, including scientific sessions, public lectures, plenary talks, outreach programs, exhibitions, student sessions, and posters, creating a comprehensive platform for scientific exchange.

The event includes six parallel scientific sessions on diverse themes of space science and technology, with a dedicated students' session to nurture young minds. Public lectures, plenary and interdisciplinary talks, and invited presentations by experts are expected to enrich the symposium experience. Poster sessions over four days will facilitate in-depth discussions for early-career researchers.

Simultaneously, the three-day Science Fiesta 2024 at Goa Science Centre showcases significant developments in science and technology. The exhibition, open to the public, highlights space science technology and milestones achieved by ISRO during the symposium. Industry participants associated with the National Space Science mission showcase innovative contributions, engaging students and the public in the exhibition and outreach events at Manohar Parrikar Law School, Goa University.