New Delhi: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, graced the first-ever National Space Day Celebration at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, today. The event commemorated the successful landing of ISRO’s ‘Vikram’ Lander on the Moon on August 23, 2023, marking a historic achievement for India in space exploration.
On this occasion, President Murmu presented awards to the winners of the Robotics Challenge and the Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon, recognizing their innovation and contributions to India’s space journey.
In her address, the President praised the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its remarkable journey and outstanding contributions to space science. “ISRO has made invaluable contributions to India’s social and economic development,” she stated, adding that India’s space program stands among the best in the world, accomplished with minimal resources. She credited the success to the dedication and ingenuity of Indian scientists, expressing confidence that the nation would continue to set new standards of excellence in space exploration.
Highlighting ISRO’s achievements, the President noted India’s extraordinary milestones, such as the Mars Mission and the simultaneous launch of over a hundred satellites. “These accomplishments have not only enhanced our space capabilities but also transformed imagination into reality,” she said, stressing that space exploration benefits several sectors, including health, transportation, security, energy, environment, and IT.
President Murmu also lauded the opening of the space sector to private enterprises, which has led to a rapid increase in start-ups and new opportunities for Indian youth. She was particularly pleased with the launch of India’s first 3D-printed, semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket by an Indian company, underscoring the nation’s growing role in innovation.
Looking ahead, the President emphasized the importance of addressing challenges such as space debris, which poses risks to future space missions. She praised ISRO’s System for Safe & Sustainable Operations Management (IS4OM), which ensures the safety of ongoing space activities. India’s commitment to making all space missions debris-free by 2030 was also highlighted as a critical step toward sustainable space exploration.