Indian Astronauts Will Walk on the Moon by 2040: PM Modi

On May 7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India is moving forward in space exploration with renewed confidence, and Indian astronauts will set foot on the Moon. In his recorded message for the Global Space Exploration Conference, he emphasized that exploration missions now include Mars and Venus as targets.

He said in the video recorded on May 6, “India’s space journey is not about competing with others. It’s about reaching new heights together. We aim to explore space for the benefit of humanity.”

Modi mentioned that India has launched a satellite for South Asian countries and highlighted the G20 Satellite Mission as a gift to the Global South during India’s G20 presidency.

Referring to the proposed launch of India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, by early 2027, he said, “Gaganyaan represents the rising aspirations of our nation.”

He also announced that in the coming weeks, an Indian astronaut would travel to space as part of an ISRO-NASA joint mission to the International Space Station.

The Axiom-4 mission is scheduled to launch on May 29, with Indian astronaut Shubhangshu Shukla and three others spending 14 days aboard the orbital laboratory.

Similarly, GLEX-2025 will be jointly organized by the International Astronautical Federation and ISRO.

Modi added, “Space is not just a destination. It represents curiosity, courage, and collective progress. India’s space journey reflects this spirit.”

He said, “By 2035, the Indian space station will open new frontiers in research and global cooperation. By 2040, an Indian will walk on the Moon. Mars and Venus are also on our radar.”

Modi highlighted India’s remarkable journey from launching a small rocket in 1963 to becoming the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole.

“Our rockets carry the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians. Our achievements are scientific milestones and proof that the human spirit can defy gravity,” he said.

He noted that India made history by reaching Mars on its first attempt in 2014. Chandrayaan-1 helped discover water on the Moon, Chandrayaan-2 provided high-resolution images, and Chandrayaan-3 enhanced our understanding of the Moon’s south pole.

Modi also mentioned rapid development of cryogenic engines, launching 100 satellites in a single mission, and deploying over 400 foreign satellites from 34 countries using Indian launch vehicles. He added that India launched two major satellites this year alone.