ISRO Chairman Unveils Ambitious Plans for Space Experiments and Moon Missions

In a recent Instagram live session, ISRO Chairman S Somanath shared exciting updates about India's future in space exploration, sparking interest among space enthusiasts and young aspiring scientists alike. Among the most notable announcements was the collaboration between Indian astronauts and NASA on the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This joint venture will see Indian astronauts conducting five crucial space experiments, marking a significant milestone in India's space journey.

Somanath, with his characteristic enthusiasm, provided a detailed glimpse into ISRO's ambitious roadmap. He highlighted that before the highly anticipated Gaganyaan project, which aims to send Indians into space, ISRO is planning to establish an Indian Space Station by 2028. The goal is to have this space station fully operational by 2035, a testament to India's growing prowess in space technology.

One of the session's highlights was Somanath's interaction with students, where he encouraged them to bring their innovative ideas to ISRO's table. He explained various funding mechanisms that allow students, educational institutions, and research establishments to collaborate with the space agency. This initiative is part of ISRO's broader strategy to engage with the younger generation and cultivate a robust pipeline of talent for future space missions.

When asked why humans have not yet returned to the moon, Somanath candidly discussed the immense costs and the technological challenges involved. He emphasized the importance of developing reliable methods to ensure the safe return of astronauts from lunar missions. This is a crucial step as ISRO sets its sights on a manned moon mission by 2040. Central to this endeavor is the development of the partially reusable Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), which will be instrumental in enabling lunar exploration and missions beyond.

Somanath also addressed queries from young attendees eager to join ISRO. He advised them to focus on building a strong foundation in science, particularly physics, during their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. He reassured them that opportunities at ISRO are accessible to all, with science education available in regional languages in addition to English, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder aspiring scientists.

This session underscored ISRO's commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration while fostering a spirit of innovation and inclusivity among India's youth. With these ambitious plans, ISRO is not only setting the stage for monumental achievements in space but also inspiring the next generation of Indian scientists and engineers to reach for the stars.