Opening Space Sector to Private Players Biggest Reform in 11 Years: Dr. Jitendra Singh

By R Anil Kumar

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a clarion call that 21^st century belongs to India and that Space will be one of the frontiers where our leadership will be recognised and respected globally-Dr. Jitendra Singh

• Today, India stands as a foremost spacefaring nations with various space mission achievements, where it has proved as not only our technological milestones but also symbolises our collective efforts in achieving these greatest of feats

• India’s astronauts reflect PM Modi’s flagship mantras in space mission, says Dr. Jitendra Singh

• Military preparedness increasingly linked to satellite capabilities-Air Marshal Tejinder Singh Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief

• Shubhanshu Shukla says ISS experience will aid India’s Gaganyaan mission; urges youth to dream of space

• India’s progress in space commands global respect, says astronaut Prasanth B. Nair

Bengaluru. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh today, (September 8), said that the flagship mantras consistently practised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi are steering India’s growth story, including its ambitious space programme.

Minister of State for Space Dr Jitendra Singh said opening up the space sector for the private sector was the greatest reform done in the last 11 years.

Addressing the Inaugural Session of the International Conference on Space-2025, via video conferencing today, (8 September), Dr Singh said, opening up of the space sector to private players has brought in a new wave of innovation and entrepreneurship.

From once being limited to government-led projects, India today has hundreds of start-ups engaged in developing technologies with potential applications in interplanetary exploration as well as in day-to-day governance.

The Minister said, with the mantra of reform, perform and transform the space sector is moving ahead. He said, even during Operation Sindoor, the world witnessed India’s space and technology capabilities.

Dr Singh said, two years ago, India’s Chandrayaan mission landed on the Moon’s South Pole, making India the first country to do so. He said, it sent a message to the world that India has arrived and is no longer a follower.

Dr. Singh said that India’s space programme has entered a transformative phase where it is no longer confined to symbolic achievements but has become a vital contributor to the country’s scientific progress, technological innovation, and public welfare.

Shubhanshu’s Space voyage vindicates the vision of an Atmanirbhar said Dr Jitendra Singh.

Jitendra Singh underlined that the astronauts’ achievements reflected the Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on integrating India’s traditional strengths with modern innovation.

He noted that India’s expanding presence in space research and exploration has been enabled by policies that encourage openness, collaboration, and private sector participation.

Speaking about astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s recent achievements in Space, he said that his presence and experiences would inspire a new generation of young Indians to look at space research as a career and national calling.

The Minister added that their training and participation in international missions also serve as valuable preparation as India moves closer to its own human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan.

Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO, outlined India’s Human Space Flight Programme and briefed the gathering on upcoming ISRO missions, including preparations for the Gaganyaan project.

He said these initiatives mark an important step in positioning India as a key player in future human space exploration.

ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan said, by 2040, Indian Space Program will be at par with any other space program of the world.

He said, one by one, missions are scheduled like Chandrayaan-4 mission and Venus Orbiter Mission. Dr Narayanan said, India is going to have a space station called Bharatiya Antriksh Station by 2035 and the first module will be lifted off by 2028.

He said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given approval for an NGL Next Generation Launcher.

This event marks a significant step in India’s space journey, coming at a time when the country is positioning itself as a global partner in space exploration.

With the government laying policy emphasis on innovation and international collaboration, the recent achievements of the astronauts is seen as a moment of pride as well as a signal of India’s readiness to play a larger role in future space missions.

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), IAF Training Command said, “The Indian Air Force (IAF) is accelerating its focus on space as a critical operational domain, with military preparedness increasingly tied to satellite-enabled capabilities.

“Air and space are a continuum and Space is the new high ground,” he said,

underscoring how modern warfare depends on satellite-based intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR),navigation and communication.

Drawing from recent operations (Operation Sindoor), Singh explained how real-time satellite data has been indispensable for target tracking and post-strike assessments, making space situational awareness a strategic priority.

He also stressed the importance of closer coordination between civil and military bodies, especially ISRO and the Defence Space Agency (DSA).

Plans are underway to expand satellite constellations from 12 operational satellites today to 78 by 2031, enhancing ISR and regional Positioning, Navigation and Timing services through the Naval Constellation, xpected to be operational by 2027, he said.

Initiatives like Mission Defspace, aimed at fostering collaboration with startups, academia and the private sector, are being seenas crucial to sustaining innovation in space technologies.

“The armed forces are committed to being both stewards and beneficiaries of India’s space capabilities,” Singh said, urging defence agencies, industries and friendly nations to work together to strengthen India’s space-driven preparedness.

Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently became the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission, shared his experiences as the mission pilot of the Crew Dragon spacecraft.

He described how months of training across multiple international space agencies prepared him for the flight, but said the actual experience of space went far beyond what could be taught on the ground.

Shukla spoke of the physical adjustments the body undergoes in orbit, the invaluable lessons from working on experiments aboard the ISS, and the collaborative spirit of astronauts and scientists from across the world.

“This mission has been extremely successful in achieving its objectives, but more importantly, it has given us insights that cannot be documented on paper. These will be critical as India prepares for Gaganyaan and beyond,” he said.

Shukla added that one of the most rewarding aspects of the mission was inspiring young Indians to dream of space.

Recalling his live interactions from orbit, he said children often asked how they could become astronauts. “That, for me, was the biggest win of this mission—that kids are already dreaming of space.

The good news is that ISRO and India are ready to make these dreams a reality,” he said, urging students to believe that they too could one day travel to space.

Shukla said, India has some very big ambitions going forward with the Gaganyaan Mission, the Bharatiya Antriksh Station and eventually landing on the moon. He said, the Japanese and the European Space Agencies are also excited about the mission.

Mr Shukla said, this is the golden period for the country as far as space exploration is concerned.

Group Captain Prasanth B. Nair, who trained alongside Shubhanshu Shukla for the Axiom-4 mission, described the experience as a reminder of India’s growing stature in the global space community. Drawing from his interactions abroad, he said that India’s achievements were met with respect and admiration, often accompanied by surprise at the scale of progress made with humility.

He emphasized that India’s approach to space was rooted in inclusivity and shared benefit, reflecting the nation’s belief in the oneness of humanity. Stressing that the future lies in space and related technologies, he said the progress made was possible only because of the collective contributions of scientists, policymakers, and citizens.

Concluding on a note of gratitude, he acknowledged the support of the government, ISRO teams, and the people of India, remarking that their work provides the foundation for the country’s aspirations in space exploration.

Both astronauts shared their experiences, ranging from rigorous training to the unique challenges of living and working in space. They also highlighted the spirit of teamwork and scientific pursuit that underpinned the Axiom-4 mission.