Pioneering Missions: The success of the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2014 marked India’s first interplanetary foray, making the country the first in the world to succeed on its maiden attempt. India became the first Asian nation to reach the Mars orbit and ISRO became the fourth space agency to reach Mars, after the Soviet space program, NASA, and the European Space Agency. Many such missions under Narendra Modi’s leadership have captured global attention.

Since 2014, India’s space journey has been marked by significant achievements. The launch of GSLV Mk III in 2014 introduced India’s heaviest and most powerful launch vehicle, paving the way for heavy satellite deployments and interplanetary missions. A groundbreaking moment came in 2015 with the launch of Astrosat, an advanced space observatory equipped with cutting-edge telescopes that expanded our understanding of the cosmos.

The years that followed were equally impactful. ISRO’s Scramjet engine milestone in 2016 propelled advancements in reusable launch vehicles and flight duration extensions through RLV-TD trials that continue till today.

In an unprecedented feat, ISRO’s launch of 104 satellites in 2017, including 101 international payloads, showcasing India’s technological prowess. India’s space accomplishments extended to strategic endeavors, as highlighted by the successful Mission Shakti in 2019, demonstrating the nation’s anti-satellite missile capabilities. With this India became the fourth country, after US, China and Russia, with the capability to destroy a low-orbit satellite.

The year 2019 marked the launch of Chandrayaan-2, a landmark lunar mission designed to explore the Moon’s surface, particularly the south pole region. Additionally, the success of Chandrayaan-3 is another one of many straws in the wind showing its ascendence. This achievement will create several ripple effects, which will continue to accentuate India’s growing influence and reputation as a technological powerhouse on the global stage. The success goes above and beyond the scientific and engineering achievements it is intended to accomplish for the nation. Multiple aspects, including geopolitics, soft power diplomacy, rekindled public interest in science and technology, and the potential for driving investment in the space sector, will see a positive impact in the coming years. Further, the mission will cultivate a new generation of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, artists, and other professionals in the coming years. Moreover, the marked shift in approach under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who prioritized and invigorated India’s space sector, stands in stark contrast to the neglectful attitude of the Congress, which failed to harness the potential of this critical domain for years.

ISRO’s future missions hold immense promise, featuring the Aditya L1 for solar atmosphere study, Gaganyaan tests for human spaceflight, Shukrayaan’s Venus exploration, and more. Private entities like Agnikul Cosmos and Skyroot Aerospace have ambitious plans for orbital and suborbital tests, poised to elevate the spotlight on the space sector in the coming months and years. ISRO’s exciting future also includes the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) launch next year. Collaboratively, ISRO and JAXA will launch LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration) in 2026, marking a new chapter in their joint space exploration efforts.

During these years, India’s space journey witnessed several key milestones. The IRNSS satellites, including IRNSS-1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E, bolstered the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, enhancing navigation capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign systems. The NAVIC satellite constellation made significant strides in precise positioning and timing, adding to India’s navigation prowess. RESOURCESAT-2A, equipped with a three-tier imaging system, revolutionized Earth resource monitoring for applications such as agriculture and urban planning. SCATSAT’s launch elevated disaster management and marine research capabilities, enabling advanced cyclone tracking and ocean studies. INSAT-3DR transformed weather updates with frequent monitoring, delivering weather information every 15 minutes. GSAT-9, known as the South Asia Satellite, played a crucial role in providing communication and disaster support to SAARC countries, reflecting Narendra Modi’s commitment to regional cooperation. Cartosat-2E, a high-resolution Earth observation satellite, enriched India’s mapping capabilities. GSAT-6A aimed to enhance mobile communication through multi-beam coverage. The launch of HysIS, Kalamsat-V2, and RISAT-2B introduced advanced technology and innovation to the space sector. In subsequent years, India’s achievements continued to soar. GSAT-30 replaced INSAT-4A, EOS-01 entered Low Earth Orbit for earth observation, and CMS-01 expanded communication capabilities. The launch of PSLV C51/Amazonia-1 and UNITYsat further demonstrated India’s growing presence. RISAT-1A’s introduction in 2022 bolstered flood mapping, agriculture, and border security efforts.

Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s space endeavors have reached unprecedented heights, with achievements spanning from launching record-breaking satellites to conducting pioneering missions. This trajectory reflects not only India’s scientific and engineering capabilities but also underscores how steadfast support and visionary guidance from leadership can be a driving force behind such remarkable success.

Conclusion: India is on the moon, and a nation is over the moon.

After many years, India is experiencing a new era of leadership. Unlike past instances of empty promises under the Nehru-Gandhi family, Narendra Modi stands out by not just proposing new ideas but implementing and executing them successfully. The nation’s progress in the space sector over the past nine years under the Modi government is undeniable. From satellite construction and launching to telecommunications and terrestrial observation, India has made significant strides. This surge in achievements places India at a higher echelon in the global space race. Thanks to Narendra Modi’s leadership, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation, positivity, and ambition as India rises from the shadows of its colonial past, setting forth on a confident path toward its destiny.

Narendra Modi’s tenure as Prime Minister has ushered in a new era of growth and recognition for India’s space sector. His strategic initiatives, commitment to innovation, and emphasis on global collaborations have propelled India to the forefront of space exploration. The accomplishments achieved under his leadership not only signify remarkable achievements in the field but also contribute to the nation’s overall progress and global stature. As India continues to set its sights on even loftier goals in space, it does so with a newfound confidence and determination, thanks to the transformative impact of Narendra Modi’s vision.