Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted this progress on Friday, stating that opening the space sector to private players has encouraged initiatives that were previously unseen in the country.
Speaking after inaugurating the COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium in Karnataka, PM Modi highlighted India’s achievements in space exploration, including solar observation, space docking and human spaceflight. He also explained how satellite technology is supporting agriculture, railway operations and the safety of fishermen.
Referring to major space missions, he highlighted Aditya-L1, India’s first space-based solar observatory, and Chandrayaan-3, which made India the first country to achieve a landing near the Moon’s south pole.
“With Aditya-L1, India has acquired its first solar observatory in space. Just last year, India became the fourth nation in the world to demonstrate the capability for docking and undocking in space,” he said.
PM Modi also mentioned Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s visit to the International Space Station (ISS), where he conducted scientific experiments. He said the experience gained through this mission is helping India advance its human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan.
Highlighting the practical benefits of space technology, he spoke about several initiatives developed through the collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and other government departments.
ISRO has developed a satellite communication system for fishermen. Boats equipped with receivers can receive storm alerts, while their movements can be tracked to support their safe return to shore.
He also highlighted the real-time train tracking system developed by Indian Railways and ISRO, which allows passengers to check train locations and expected arrival times.
In agriculture, satellite data is being used under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Information collected from fields is combined with satellite images to estimate crop yields. These estimates help determine insurance claims for farmers.
“In short, while our satellites are reaching great heights in space, they are simultaneously being used to improve the lives of people here on Earth,” Modi said.
During the event, Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar urged the Prime Minister to support the state in securing the required clearances for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project. He requested the Centre to grant the final forest clearance and provide legal assistance.
“The Supreme Court has delivered a clear verdict that Mekedatu has to be built in Karnataka, and no one can stop it. We want you to help us legally. We want the Union Government to grant final clearance on the forest clearances that have been done. It is a vital balancing reservoir,” he said, calling for cooperation between the Centre and the state government.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium at the University of Mysore campus, located at the foothills of Chamundi Hills. It is India’s first LED dome planetarium and has been developed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
The facility features a 15-metre tilted dome with approximately 6,150 panels and 4.2 crore individual LEDs. Unlike conventional planetariums that use projectors on passive domes, its LED panels can be controlled in real time.
The planetarium is designed to promote astronomy education and training. It also includes exhibition halls, an astronomy museum, a lecture hall, a training centre and interactive outdoor exhibits.
Describing it as a facility dedicated to young people and citizens, PM Modi said, “I just had the opportunity to watch a show inside it, and it was a truly remarkable experience.”
He also highlighted India’s achievements at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics. At the latest edition held in Vietnam, 5 Indian students participated, with 4 winning gold medals and 1 securing a silver medal.
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