India to have permanent human presence in space by 2047: Ex-ISRO chief
India is set to make a giant leap in its space exploration journey, with the ambitious goal of establishing a permanent human presence in space by 2047. This was revealed by Dr S Somanath, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in a recent interview. Somanath, who played a crucial role in the development of India’s space program, shared his vision for the future of space exploration in India.
According to Somanath, India aims to create a Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) in orbit, which will serve as a permanent human presence in space. This ambitious project will require significant advancements in technology, infrastructure, and resources. The former ISRO chief emphasized that India is well on its way to achieving this goal, with several indigenous missions planned to explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
India’s space program has made significant strides in recent years, with the country becoming a major player in the global space industry. The development of reusable launchers and electric propulsion systems has been a major game-changer, enabling India to reduce costs and increase efficiency in its space missions.
The private sector has played a crucial role in triggering a wave of innovation in the space sector, according to Somanath. With the entry of private players like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic, the space industry is witnessing a new era of competition and collaboration. India is also benefiting from this trend, with private companies like TeamIndus and Agnikul Cosmos making significant contributions to the country’s space program.
One of the key areas where India is making significant progress is in the development of reusable launchers. The country’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) have been successful in launching satellites into orbit, and the development of reusable rockets will take India’s space program to the next level.
India’s ambition to have a permanent human presence in space by 2047 is a significant milestone in the country’s space exploration journey. The development of a Bharatiya Antariksh Station will require significant investments in infrastructure, technology, and resources. However, the potential benefits of having a permanent human presence in space are immense, including the ability to conduct long-term scientific research, support commercial activities, and enhance global cooperation.
The establishment of a permanent human presence in space will also require significant advancements in life support systems, radiation protection, and communication networks. India will need to develop new technologies and infrastructure to support human habitation in space, including the creation of space habitats, life support systems, and waste management facilities.
In addition to the development of reusable launchers and electric propulsion systems, India is also investing in advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics. These technologies will play a crucial role in enabling India’s space program to achieve its ambitious goals, including the establishment of a permanent human presence in space.
India’s space program has come a long way since its inception in the 1960s. From launching its first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975 to conducting successful missions to the Moon and Mars, India has made significant strides in space exploration. The country’s space program has also played a crucial role in supporting national development, including the use of space technology for communication, navigation, and weather forecasting.
In conclusion, India’s ambition to have a permanent human presence in space by 2047 is a significant milestone in the country’s space exploration journey. The development of a Bharatiya Antariksh Station will require significant investments in infrastructure, technology, and resources, but the potential benefits are immense. With its strong track record in space exploration and its growing capabilities in advanced technologies, India is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goals and become a major player in the global space industry.
