Context:
Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced in the Lok Sabha that India will land an astronaut on the Moon by 2040. This declaration is part of a broader roadmap to establish India as a global space power and aligns with the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
About India’s Moon Mission
What it is:
- India’s proposed crewed lunar mission by 2040 is a long-term national vision.
- It aims to showcase human space exploration beyond Earth orbit.
- It integrates scientific, economic, and security goals with space capability.
Objectives:
- Demonstrate human exploration capacity beyond Earth.
- Build indigenous capacity for lunar habitation and resource utilisation.
- Enhance India’s role in the $45 billion global space economy.
Key Features:
- Human Landing: An Indian astronaut to step on the Moon by 2040.
- Indigenous Development: Use of Indian-built launch vehicles, life-support, and lunar surface technologies.
- Global Collaboration: Joint missions with advanced space agencies for tech sharing.
- Strategic Vision: Supports India’s global standing in space and national development.
Other Planned Milestones in India’s Space Programme
- 2026 – Vyommitra Mission: Uncrewed mission with humanoid robot Vyommitra to test systems.
- 2027 – Gaganyaan Mission: India’s first human spaceflight with astronauts in low Earth orbit.
- 2035 – Bharat Antariksh Station: India’s indigenous space station for long-duration research.
- 2040 – Crewed Moon Landing: Historic step with an Indian astronaut on the lunar surface.
