India is set to achieve groundbreaking milestones in space exploration with plans to establish its own space station, Bharat Antariksha Station, by 2035 and to land an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040. Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Space, Jitendra Singh, shared the ambitious roadmap on Wednesday during a press conference in Delhi.

Singh highlighted the government’s vision for self-reliance and global leadership in science and technology. He stated that India would join an elite group of nations by setting up its own space station within the next decade and a half. Additionally, by 2040, the country aims to send an Indian astronaut to the Moon, further cementing its place in the global space race.

Providing updates on the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human spaceflight program, Singh revealed that the first Indian astronaut is expected to travel to space by late 2024 or early 2026. Alongside this milestone, the country is also making strides in deep-sea exploration. Under the Deep Sea Mission, India plans to send a human to depths of up to 6,000 meters, a significant leap in marine exploration.

The minister highlighted India’s advancements in satellite launches, saying that the country has successfully launched 432 foreign satellites from Sriharikota, with almost 90 percent of these accomplished in the past decade. This remarkable track record reflects India’s expanding expertise and solidifies its reputation as a trusted partner in the global satellite launch industry.

Singh also outlined the government’s focus on biotechnology, highlighting the Biotechnology E3 policy aimed at integrating biotechnology with economic growth, employment generation, and environmental sustainability. He emphasized the bio-economy’s role in driving the next industrial revolution, positioning it as a successor to the IT revolution.

(With inputs from ANI)