India Leading World’s Most Cost-Effective Space Programme: PM Modi

New Delhi, April 27, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded India’s achievements in space exploration, declaring that the country now leads the world’s most cost-effective and successful space programme. Addressing the 121st episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi reflected on India’s remarkable journey in the field of space research and innovation.

Marking the 50th anniversary of the launch of Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, the Prime Minister recalled the humble beginnings of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where young scientists, despite scarce resources, showcased immense dedication and talent. “This flight of India’s dreams in space once commenced with just conviction,” he said, emphasizing the grit and passion of the early pioneers.

Highlighting India’s significant milestones, PM Modi noted that India has become the first country to reach the Moon’s South Pole, launched the Mars Orbiter Mission successfully on the first attempt, and has ventured closer to the Sun with the Aditya-L1 Mission. “India has created a record by launching 104 satellites simultaneously,” he proudly stated.

PM Modi pointed out that the opening of the space sector to private players has resulted in a boom of space-related startups, with over 325 startups today compared to just one a decade ago. He emphasized that India’s space sector is now a hub of innovation, and the future holds even greater prospects with missions like Gaganyaan, SpaDeX, Chandrayaan-4, the Venus Orbiter Mission, and the Mars Lander Mission in the pipeline.

The Prime Minister also paid tribute to former ISRO chief Dr. K. Kasturirangan, who recently passed away. Hailing his contributions to India’s space and education sectors, Modi said, “ISRO attained a new identity under his leadership,” and praised Dr. Kasturirangan’s role in shaping India’s New Education Policy to meet the needs of the 21st century.

“India’s space scientists are going to fill the countrymen with new pride through their innovations,” PM Modi said, concluding on an optimistic note about India’s future in space exploration.