India Aims to Become a Hub for Rocket Launches, Says ISRO Chairman

Space News ,India :- S. Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), expressed India's ambition to position itself as a hub for multinational companies to build and launch rockets and spacecraft. During a discussion at the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters, Somanath revealed ongoing talks with companies like Boeing to explore collaboration in this endeavor.

Highlighting the potential, Somanath emphasized the need to develop a robust ecosystem in India for building and launching rockets. He proposed leveraging India's capabilities to attract multinational companies, envisioning a future where rocket launches could originate from the country.

Somanath also discussed ISRO's commitment to expanding scientific research missions, such as the Chandrayaan moon missions and the Aditya-L1 solar probe. He emphasized the importance of establishing a sustained science program, moving beyond occasional missions. Additionally, the ISRO chairman outlined ambitious plans for India, including the development of a space station, crewed space missions, more lunar and Martian missions, and aiming to land an Indian on the lunar surface by 2040.

Addressing policy changes in the Indian space sector, Somanath noted the shift from secrecy to increased economic and commercial activity. By involving more players and pushing manufacturing responsibilities to the private sector, ISRO aims to concentrate on research and scientific missions. This transformation reflects the evolving landscape of India's space endeavors.