ISRO’s 100th Launch Marks a Quantum Leap in India’s Space Journey

Sriharikota: In a historic milestone for India’s space sector, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its 100th mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota this morning. The GSLV-F15/NVS-02 Mission, a landmark achievement, underscores India’s rapid ascent as a global space powerhouse.

Reacting to the success, Union Minister of State for Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, hailed the event as “not simply another milestone but a quantum leap in India’s space journey.” He emphasized that ISRO, which was founded in 1969, took over two decades to establish its first launch pad in 1993 and another decade for the second in 2004. However, the past ten years have seen an unprecedented expansion of India’s space sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

“We are now building a third launch pad in Sriharikota, and for the first time, expanding beyond this site with a new launch facility in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin district. The foundation stone for the Tuticorin spaceport was laid by Prime Minister Modi in February last year,” Dr. Singh announced, signaling India’s commitment to scaling new heights in space exploration.

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the meteoric rise of private sector participation in India’s space industry. “In 2021, India had barely a single-digit number of space startups. Today, that number is nearing 300, many of which are world-class enterprises driving innovation and investment,” he noted.

The Minister further pointed out that investment in India’s space sector surged to ₹1,000 crore in 2023 alone, and the country’s space economy, currently valued at $8 billion, is projected to reach $44 billion in the next decade. With increasing private sector involvement and global partnerships, India is steadily positioning itself as a frontline player in the international space industry.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also emphasized India’s growing dominance in foreign satellite launches, with 90% of such missions now being carried out by ISRO. “This reflects the global confidence in India’s space capabilities and the impact of the transformative reforms we have introduced over the last decade,” he said. The opening up of India’s space sector to private enterprises has accelerated innovation, boosted investment, and fostered international collaborations.

Taking to social media, Dr. Jitendra Singh congratulated Team ISRO for its unwavering commitment to excellence, stating:

“100th Launch: Congratulations ISRO for achieving the landmark milestone of 100th launch from Sriharikota. It’s a privilege to be associated with the Department of Space at this historic moment. Team ISRO, you have once again made India proud with the successful launch of GSLV-F15/NVS-02 Mission.”

Reflecting on India’s remarkable space journey, Dr. Singh credited pioneers like Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan for laying the foundation of the country’s ambitious space program.