As India prepares to observe its first National Space Day on August 23, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh has emphasised that the day is not just for celebration but also for reflection and future planning. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Singh highlighted the significance of this day, marking it as a moment to look back on past achievements and set the course for future advancements.
"On this day last year, August 23, India made history with the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's south pole," Singh noted. He stressed that this day is more than a celebration; it is an opportunity for introspection and setting a roadmap for the future of space exploration.
Singh elaborated on the event's purpose, stating that the program was designed with both academic and futuristic perspectives in mind. "It's a chance to make citizens aware of our achievements in space and to touch the hearts of every Indian," he added.
In recent years, Singh noted, India has experienced a "quantum leap" in its space sector, thanks to new policies and the liberalisation of the industry. The Finance Minister's recent budget announcement included a fivefold increase in the space economy over the next decade, reflecting the country's commitment to expanding its space capabilities.
The landmark achievement of August 23, 2023, was the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram Lander on the Moon. This mission not only made India the fourth country to land on the Moon but also the first to land near the lunar south pole.
The government later designated August 23 as National Space Day to honour this historic success and to encourage public engagement with space science and technology.
The Department of Space has acknowledged the mission's significance, noting that the success of Chandrayaan-3 has positioned India among an elite group of spacefaring nations. The successful deployment of the Pragyaan Rover on the Moon's surface represents a significant milestone in the country’s space exploration journey.
The declaration of National Space Day aims to inspire the younger generation to pursue careers in STEM fields and provide a boost to the space sector. Singh's remarks underscored the importance of this day as both a celebration of past achievements and a catalyst for future innovations.
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