On August 23, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the first National Space Day celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This day marks the anniversary of the historic landing of the ‘Vikram’ Lander on the Moon, which took place on August 23, 2023. The event showcased India’s achievements in space exploration and honored winners of the Robotics Challenge and Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon.
First National Space Day: ISRO’s Remarkable Journey
During her address, President Murmu highlighted ISRO’s extraordinary journey from its early days to its current status as one of the leading space agencies globally. She praised the organization for its significant contributions to both space exploration and India’s social and economic development. She also lauded the dedication of ISRO scientists who have consistently achieved remarkable milestones with minimal resources.
Contributions to Human Progress
President Murmu emphasized the transformative impact of space exploration on various sectors, including health, transportation, security, and technology. She acknowledged the challenges of space research but noted that overcoming these challenges accelerates scientific development and improves human life.
First National Space Day: Future Challenges and Opportunities
The President also addressed the rapid growth of start-ups in India’s space sector, particularly following the opening of the sector to private players. She expressed pride in the recent achievement of an Indian company launching a 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket. Additionally, she underscored the importance of addressing space debris and commended ISRO’s efforts toward making future space missions debris-free by 2030.
