In an exclusive conversation with News India Alive, a senior ISRO scientist outlined India’s space ambitions.
“Our goals are bold,” she said. “Chandrayaan-4 sample return, Gaganyaan crewed mission, Mars sample return collaboration, an Indian space station by 2035, and a crewed lunar mission by 2040. Each of these will be a historic milestone.”
Q: What about private sector?
“Spectacular progress. From three private space companies in 2020, we now have over 200. They are building satellites, launch vehicles, ground stations. The next decade will see Indian space economy reach $50 billion.”
Q: What’s the key to ISRO’s success?
“Frugality and excellence. We do more with less. The Mars Orbiter cost less than a Hollywood movie. The Chandrayaan-3 landing was achieved at a fraction of the Apollo budget. This frugal innovation, combined with rigorous engineering, is our secret.”
Q: What inspires you most?
“The student response. Every successful mission creates thousands of future scientists. That is the real success.”
