PM Modi calls space achievements India’s natural trait, announces Astronaut Pool on National Space Day

New Delhi, Aug 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the nation via video message on the occasion of National Space Day 2025, extending greetings to scientists, youth, and all stakeholders in India’s space journey. This year’s theme, “From Aryabhata to Gaganyaan”, reflects India’s proud legacy in space and its ambitious vision for the future, he said.

Highlighting India’s growing stature in the global space arena, the Prime Minister said that achieving milestone after milestone has now become a “natural trait of India and its scientists.” He recalled India’s historic landing at the lunar South Pole two years ago, its docking-undocking capabilities, and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s symbolic unfurling of the Tricolour at the International Space Station earlier this week.

In a major announcement, Modi said India is preparing an “Astronaut Pool” and invited the country’s youth to join and contribute to India’s aspirations in human space exploration. He confirmed that Gaganyaan will be launched soon, and in the coming years, India will establish its own space station.

The Prime Minister underlined that India is rapidly advancing in breakthrough technologies like semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion and stressed the importance of deeper space exploration, remarking, “Beyond galaxies lies our horizon.”

Modi also emphasised the government’s reform-driven approach in the space sector, noting that private participation has transformed the industry. He revealed that over 350 startups are now driving innovation in space-tech, and that the first private PSLV rocket and India’s first private communication satellite will soon be launched. A public-private partnership model is also being developed for an Earth Observation Satellite Constellation.

Challenging young entrepreneurs, the Prime Minister asked, “Can we build five unicorns in the space sector over the next five years?” He expressed the goal of scaling India’s rocket launches from the current 5–6 annually to 50 launches every year within five years.

Modi reiterated that space technology is not just about exploration but also about improving everyday life, citing examples of its role in crop insurance schemes, fishermen’s safety, disaster management, and the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan.

Concluding his address, he said, “The infinite expanse of space constantly reminds us that no destination is ever final. Similarly, India’s journey in space has no limits. With the tireless efforts of our scientists and youth, we will continue reaching new heights.”

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, ISRO scientists, engineers, and other dignitaries were present during the celebrations.