According to Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, India will have its own space station by 2035, which will be known as ‘Bharatiya Antriksh Station’.
Singh has also announced the signing of a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT). The MoU marks a unique collaboration aimed to integrate biotechnology with space technology, heralding a new era of scientific innovation in India.
The MoU outlines several key initiatives, including the establishment of a Bharatiya Antariksh Station and the unveiling of the Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment (BioE3) policy. This policy aims to foster high-performance biomanufacturing in the country, with a goal of reaching a $ 300 billion bioeconomy by 2030. The collaboration will focus on areas such as microgravity research, space biotechnology, space biomanufacturing, bioastronautics, and space biology.
This partnership is expected to benefit the national human space programme and spur innovations in human health research, novel pharmaceuticals, regenerative medicine, and bio-based technologies for efficient waste management and recycling. It will also open opportunities for start-ups in space and biotechnology sectors to develop commercially attractive technological solutions.
Singh highlighted the transformative journey of biotechnology, which has traditionally been confined to laboratories, now reaching the vast expanse of space. He emphasised that this MoU represents a pivotal step towards practical applications of biotechnology, moving beyond theoretical research.
He also praised S. Somnath, chairman, ISRO and Dr Rajesh Gokhale, secretary, DBT for their efforts in making this collaboration possible. He noted the historical journey of both departments and visionary leadership that has driven their success.
Further, Singh emphasised on public-private participation, which has been instrumental in the rapid growth of India’s space sector. He credited the prime minister for opening up the space sector to private players, leading to a surge in innovation and entrepreneurship. The minister pointed out that the number of space start-ups has grown significantly, with nearly 300 start-ups now contributing to the space economy.
Furthermore, he spoke about the rising prominence of biotechnology, particularly in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. He acknowledged DBT’s role in developing the first-ever DNA vaccine, which brought global recognition to India’s scientific capabilities.
Concluding his address, Singh expressed optimism about the future, envisioning a new era of bio-astronautics and space biology. He highlighted the potential for ground-breaking research and innovation that this collaboration could unlock, benefiting not just India but the world at large.
