An Indian astronaut will herald Viksit Bharat by landing on the moon in 2040, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Monday (August 18, 2025) as the Lok Sabha took up the discussion on astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s space sojourn.

Initiating a discussion on ‘India’s first astronaut aboard the International Space Station — Critical role of the space programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047’, Mr. Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook space sector reforms after assuming office in 2014.

Mr. Singh, the Minister of State in the PMO, said after opening up the space sector for private players in 2020, India’s space economy has already reached $8 billion and would touch $45 billion in the next decade.

Parliament Monsoon Session: Follow highlights on August 18, 2025

He said India will undertake an uncrewed space mission involving a robot ‘Vyommitra’ in 2026, followed by its maiden human spaceflight – Gaganyaan – in 2027.

“India will set up its own Bharat Antariksh Station in 2035 and in 2040, an Indian astronaut will set foot on the moon,” Mr. Singh said.

“Modi ji’s dream of Viksit Bharat in 2047 will be heralded a few years in advance from the moon. An Indian on moon will announce the heralding of Viksit Bharat,” Mr. Singh said.

The discussion remained inconclusive as the House was adjourned due to vociferous protests by the Opposition.

Also Read | Shubhanshu Shukla returns to India; likely to meet PM Modi

All Indians proud of Shukla’s space mission aboard ISS: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor lauded Grp. Capt. Shukla’s feat on Monday (August 18, 2025) and said all Indians are proud of his recent mission that will help serve as a powerful symbol of India’s ambitions in human spaceflight.

He also said Grp. Capt. Shukla’s “historic flight” has inspired a new generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and space studies — all essential for sustaining India’s long-term space goals.

“Since the Opposition are not participating in the special discussion, let me say how proud all Indians are of the recent mission of Commander Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS). It served as a stepping stone to our nation’s own human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan.

“Shukla’s mission provided ISRO invaluable hands-on experience and data that cannot be replicated in simulations. His first-hand observations on pre-launch procedures, spacecraft systems, and the psychological and physiological effects of microgravity are crucial for de-risking and refining the Gaganyaan mission,” Mr. Thaoor said in a post on X.

The Congress leader said the mission allowed for the testing of Indian systems and protocols in a real-life space environment. The numerous scientific experiments, including studies on human health in space and plant growth, will provide technological and scientific validation that will directly help design the life-support and medical systems for Gaganyaan, he noted.

“Shukla’s mission, conducted in partnership with international agencies, reinforced India’s role in global space diplomacy. It demonstrates India’s willingness and capability to engage in multilateral space efforts and opens doors for future joint research and investment.

“Commander Shukla’s historic flight serves as a powerful symbol of India’s ambitions in human spaceflight. It has captured the nation’s imagination, inspiring a new generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and space studies — all essential for sustaining India’s long-term space goals. Well done!” the former Union Minister said in his post.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju earlier urged the opposition parties to participate in a discussion in the Lok Sabha on Grp. Capt. Shukla’s successful mission to the ISS and India’s strides in the space sector.

“Our hero astronaut Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla has returned home after a successful mission to International Space Station. Parliament will honour him with a special discussion on his historic milestone and India’s growing space ambitions in our journey towards Viksit Bharat,” Mr. Rijiju said in a post on X.

He urged the members to participate in the same spirit as they had during a debate on Operation Sindoor.

“I hope that all the members will celebrate the achievements of the scientists in the same manner in which they lauded the valour of the armed forces in Operation Sindoor,” Mr. Rijiju said.

The government has proposed a special discussion in the Lok Sabha on the subject, “India’s first astronaut aboard the International Space Station — Critical role of the space programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047” — to mark Grp. Capt. Shukla’s space sojourn.

Published – August 18, 2025 04:13 pm IST

New Delhi:

TV show producer Banijay Asia has tied up with Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) for a reality show to send an Indian into space on a future Blue Origin New Shepard mission.

Recently, SERA announced India as a partner nation for their human spaceflight programme.

“We’re embarking on an unprecedented journey with SERA to create a reality format that transcends the ordinary. It’s a privilege to document this journey of an ordinary Indian space traveller and show how this programme will not only transform their life but also democratise space travel more broadly,” Deepak Dhar, Founder and Group CEO, Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India said in a statement.

The format will capture the drama, disappointment, and joy as the shortlisted individuals participate in various challenges that test their mettle and readiness for space travel, a company statement said.

It said the show will culminate in the selection of a final winner who will have the opportunity to travel into space.

“We will pioneer an innovative and inspirational format by blending the thrill of reality television with the awe of space exploration. This will be a game-changing format showing every step of the journey from selection to space,” said Mrinalini Jain, Group Chief Development Officer, Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India.

“This partnership with Banijay Asia will bring space and science-related content to a diverse audience. We look forward to their innovative approach to transform this historic endeavour into a movement that will not only inspire millions but also cultivate a global dialogue on the future of space exploration,” Joshua Skurla, Co-Founder, SERA, said.

SERA’s spaceflight programme will offer citizens from across the world six seats on a future mission of New Shepard, Blue Origin’s reusable suborbital rocket.

The mission will fly the selected astronauts on an 11-minute journey past the Karman line (100 km), the internationally recognised boundary of space. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

TV show producer Banijay Asia has tied up with Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) for a reality show to send an Indian into space on a future Blue Origin New Shepard mission.

Recently, SERA announced India as a partner nation for their human spaceflight programme.

“We’re embarking on an unprecedented journey with SERA to create a reality format that transcends the ordinary. It’s a privilege to document this journey of an ordinary Indian space traveller and show how this programme will not only transform their life but also democratise space travel more broadly,” Deepak Dhar, Founder and Group CEO, Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India said in a statement.

The format will capture the drama, disappointment, and joy as the shortlisted individuals participate in various challenges that test their mettle and readiness for space travel, a company statement said.

It said the show will culminate in the selection of a final winner who will have the opportunity to travel into space.

“We will pioneer an innovative and inspirational format by blending the thrill of reality television with the awe of space exploration. This will be a game-changing format showing every step of the journey from selection to space,” said Mrinalini Jain, Group Chief Development Officer, Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India.

“This partnership with Banijay Asia will bring space and science-related content to a diverse audience. We look forward to their innovative approach to transform this historic endeavour into a movement that will not only inspire millions but also cultivate a global dialogue on the future of space exploration,” Joshua Skurla, Co-Founder, SERA, said.

SERA’s spaceflight programme will offer citizens from across the world six seats on a future mission of New Shepard, Blue Origin’s reusable suborbital rocket.

The mission will fly the selected astronauts on an 11-minute journey past the Karman line (100 km), the internationally recognised boundary of space. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Gopichand Thotakura celebrates successful mission to space.
| Photo Credit: Blue Origin

India’s first civilian space tourist Gopichand Thotakura returned to the country on Monday (August 26, 2024) to witness a warm welcome in New Delhi. He has set the record of being the second-ever Indian citizen to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma, a former Indian Air Force pilot, who travelled to space in 1984.

He was one of the six crew members ofNew Shephard-25 (NS-25) mission by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ space company Blue Origin.

“The feeling has been awaited for a long time. I am very happy to be back home. It is a very proud moment for India as well. I am honoured to be representing the country…” the US-based entrepreneur told ANI.

He talked about the possibility of more common people visiting the space. “I believe that space tourism is where the future is,” he added.

“The feeling has been awaited for a long time. I am very happy to be back home. It is a very proud moment for India as well. I am honoured to be representing the country and very excited for everyone else to go and do something in the space with Origin or any other organisation.” Mr. Thotakura further said.

“I am leaving to meet my parents and grandparents at home. People around me are more excited,” he added.

Mr. Thotakura was born in Vijayawada and did schooling in Visakhapatnam. He became a trained pilot in the United States, after studying aeronautical engineering.

In an earlier media statement, Mr. Thotakura described himself as the “first civilian Indian astronaut”. Answering a question by The Hinduhe explained thathe would be an astronaut because anyone who crosses the Karman Line — the boundary that separates Earth’s atmosphere and outer space, and is at about 80 km above sea level — is considered to be one.

“I’ve always aspired to go to space. When I came to the U.S. in 2010, this meant either going via NASA or being a U.S. citizen and these were barriers for me. Blue Origin opened up opportunities,” he had told The Hindu.

(With inputs from ANI)