India Plans to Walk on the Moon by 2040, Build Own Space Station!

At the Global Conference on Space Exploration (GLEX) 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a bold roadmap for India’s space journey — including building the country’s own space station by 2035 and aiming for a Moon landing by 2040.

In a major announcement during his address at the Global Space Conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is all set to take big leaps in space exploration. He said that India plans to set up its own space station, the Bhartiya Antariksha Station, by the year 2035. He also announced an ambitious target of sending an Indian astronaut to walk on the Moon by 2040.

Speaking at GLEX 2025 via video conferencing, PM Modi called the Gaganyaan Mission a symbol of India’s growing ambitions in space. “Space is not just about science and satellites, it reflects our courage, curiosity, and collective growth,” he said.

First Indian to Go to ISS Soon

PM Modi also informed that an Indian astronaut will soon travel to space as part of a joint mission between ISRO and NASA. This mission will send an Indian to the International Space Station (ISS) in the coming weeks, marking a new chapter in India’s space collaborations.

During his address, PM Modi recalled how India’s space programme started in 1963 with the launch of a small rocket and has now reached the Moon and Mars. He mentioned several key achievements:

• Chandrayaan-1 discovered water on the Moon.

• Chandrayaan-2 gave high-resolution images of the Moon.

• Chandrayaan-3 made India the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole.

• Mangalyaan, India’s Mars mission, reached the Red Planet in its very first attempt.

• Development of cryogenic engines in record time.

• Launch of 100 satellites in a single mission.

• Launch of 400+ foreign satellites for 34 countries.

• India’s first satellite docking mission, successfully completed this year.

“These rockets are not just carrying satellites. They are carrying the dreams of 140 crore Indians,” said Modi.

India’s Space Vision is Global, Not a Competition

PM Modi said India is not competing with any country but working for the larger good of humanity. He referred to the South Asia Satellite, launched for neighbouring countries, and the G20 Satellite Mission proposed during India’s G20 Presidency. This upcoming mission will be dedicated to helping countries in the Global South.

“Our space journey is guided by the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family,” he said, underlining that India’s growth in space is meant to be inclusive and collaborative.

Space Technology for Common People

PM Modi highlighted how space technology is not limited to labs and rockets but has real-life applications for the public. He said it is being used in:

• Alert systems for fishermen to avoid risks at sea

• The GatiShakti platform for better infrastructure planning

• Railway safety and efficiency

• Advanced weather forecasting to reduce disaster risks

250+ Space Startups Driving Innovation

Another major highlight of the speech was the mention of India’s growing private space ecosystem. With over 250 space startups, India is becoming a hub for innovation in satellite building, space imaging, propulsion systems, and more.

Modi also praised the increasing participation of women scientists in India’s space missions, saying it shows the strength of India’s inclusive scientific community.

What’s Next?

Looking forward, PM Modi laid out India’s long-term space goals:

• Bhartiya Antariksha Station by 2035

• Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040

• Future missions to Mars and Venus

He urged the global community to work together in space exploration. “Let us open a new chapter in space, led by science and powered by our shared dreams,” he concluded.