According to Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, India’s space technology is no longer confined only to the launch of rockets, but is also playing a major role in revolutionising governance by supplementing transparency, grievance redressal and citizen participation. In the process, there is reduced scope of corrupt practices, more discipline in observing timelines and less of so called red tapism.
Addressing the ‘Space-Tech for Good Governance’ Conclave organised by Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership, the minister underscored the growing significance of India’s space sector as an attractive avenue, not only for start-ups and livelihood generation but also for transforming the governance practices.
Emphasising on the government, Singh explained how space technology is playing a pivotal role in bringing ease of living for common citizens through good governance. In his inaugural address, the minister captivated the audience by showcasing how India’s space capabilities have expanded far beyond rocket launches. He revealed that space technology has now become integral to every Indian household, powering various governance services enabled by satellites from the Department of Space.
Calling space tech, a pillar of governance and empowerment, the minister highlighted several governance models enabled by space technology, including the transformative “Swamitva Yojana”. This initiative, which leverages satellite mapping for land record management, has empowered citizens by eliminating the need for reliance on revenue officials for land record verification.
He also pointed out that space technology also plays a critical role in national defence, border surveillance, and geopolitical intelligence, contributing significantly to India’s security. Further, he emphasised space technology’s role in India’s agricultural sector—one of the major pillars of the economy—stating that it has become an invaluable force multiplier in improving decision-making, weather forecasting, communication, disaster preparedness, early warning systems, urban planning, and security.
Dr Jitendra Singh proudly noted that India’s neighbouring countries increasingly depend on India’s satellite systems, further strengthening India’s position as a regional space leader. Furthermore, addressing India’s growing stature in global space exploration, he remarked, “Gone are the days when we used to take the lead from others. Now, India sets the cue for others to follow.” He cited the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, which made India the first nation to reach the southern pole of the Moon, as a prime example of India’s leadership in space technology.
Further, the minister credited government’s vision and bold steps in opening the space sector for private sector participation. He pointed to the National Space Innovation and Applications (NSIL) and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (In-SPACe), which have fostered collaboration between the government and non-government entities, driving India’s space economy to $ 8 billion. Singh further projected the space sector to surge to $44 billion in the near future, marking a nearly fivefold growth.
Dr Jitendra Singh shared a testament to the government’s commitment to space development: India’s space budget has tripled from Rs 56.15 billion in 2013-14 to Rs 134.16 billion in the recent budget, a staggering 138.93 per cent increase. Additionally, ISRO recently celebrated its 100th satellite launch with the NAVIC satellite, a key milestone in India’s space journey.
Additionally, Singh lauded India’s burgeoning space start-up ecosystem, noting that the first-generation space start-ups have now matured into successful global enterprises. The number of start-ups has grown from one to more than 300, positioning India as a key revenue generator in the global space market. India has launched 433 foreign satellites, with 396 of them launched since 2014 under this government, generating $192 million and 272 million euros in revenue.
Turning the spotlight to future space missions, Singh shared India’s roadmap for space exploration. He announced that trials for the Gaganyaan Mission, India’s first human spaceflight mission, are set to begin with the ROBO Mission by the end of 2025. Four astronauts have been identified for the mission, with one already invited by the US to visit the International Space Station. By 2035, India aims to establish the Bharat Antariksh Station, and Singh boldly declared India’s goal to send its first astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
The minister also touched upon India’s scientific advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, and bioengineering, solidifying the nation’s position as a champion in space and other futuristic technologies. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to climate goals, space debris surveillance, and capture technologies, reinforcing the country’s role as a global leader in addressing climate concerns through space-based solutions.
With India’s space sector growing at an unprecedented pace, Dr Jitendra Singh’s announcement paints a bold picture of India’s future as a space powerhouse, driving innovation, economic growth, and global collaboration.
