Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Monday, 18 August 2025, informed the Lok Sabha that an Indian astronaut will land on the moon in 2040, marking a milestone for the vision of Viksit Bharat. The statement came during a discussion on India’s space programme and the achievement of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station.
Highlighting the progress made in the last decade, the Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had introduced major reforms in the space sector after 2014. In 2020, the government opened the space industry to private players, which helped India’s space economy grow to 8 billion dollars. He added that the sector is projected to reach 45 billion dollars within the next ten years.
Outlining India’s roadmap for space exploration, Mr Singh said the country will carry out an uncrewed mission with the humanoid robot Vyommitra in 2026, followed by its first human spaceflight under the Gaganyaan mission in 2027. He further announced that India will establish its own space station, the Bharat Antariksh Station, in 2035. “India will set up its own Bharat Antariksh Station in 2035 and in 2040, an Indian astronaut will set foot on the moon,” he said.
The discussion in the House, however, could not be concluded due to disruptions. Opposition members raised slogans demanding a debate on the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, forcing repeated adjournments. Speaker Om Birla attempted to continue the Question Hour, but after only 15 minutes, the session was adjourned.
When the House reconvened, Opposition members continued their protest with slogans such as “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod.” Despite the uproar, the House managed to pass a resolution referring the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill to a select committee.
During the proceedings, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also introduced a Bill to establish a new Indian Institute of Management in Guwahati, Assam.
The announcement of India’s lunar mission timeline marks a significant step in the nation’s ambition to strengthen its role as a global space leader, even as political disruptions highlighted the tense atmosphere in Parliament.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
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