Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Modi Unveils India’s Space Station and Moon Ambitions
India wants to do more ambitious things in space.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country aims to build its own space station by 2035.
He also said India wants to send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
Modi pointed to the Chandrayaan-3 Moon mission and the Aditya-L1 mission studying the Sun as important achievements.
He said Indian rockets have launched more than 430 satellites from 34 countries.
Space technology is also being used for farming, fishing, weather reports, disaster management and navigation.
India wants other countries, especially France, to work with it in space.
The two countries announced new agreements covering several space technologies.
Modi said space should be peaceful, safe and useful to people everywhere.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India plans to establish a space station by 2035 and send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
Speaking virtually at the International Space Summit in Paris on September 10, Modi invited France and other countries to join India’s future space efforts.
Modi highlighted Chandrayaan-3, the Aditya-L1 solar mission and India’s recent participation in the International Space Station as milestones.
More than 430 satellites from 34 countries have been launched on Indian rockets, according to Modi.
India and France announced three agreements involving satellite launches, space surveillance and microsatellite technology, while private Indian companies continue expanding alongside ISRO.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian Space Research Organisation, Indian private space companies, France and other potential international partners.
- What
- India outlined plans for a space station by 2035 and an Indian astronaut’s Moon mission by 2040, while seeking wider international cooperation.
- When
- The address took place on September 10 at the International Space Summit; the articles do not specify the year.
- Where
- The summit was held in Paris, and Modi addressed it by video conference.
- Why
- India aims to advance space exploration, expand international cooperation and apply space technology for practical benefits worldwide.
- Space station target
- India plans to establish an Indian space station by 2035.
- Moon mission target
- India plans to send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
- International launches
- More than 430 satellites from 34 countries have been launched on Indian rockets, according to Modi.
- Highlighted missions
- Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 were cited as milestones in India’s space programme.
- India-France agreements
- Three new agreements cover satellite launches, space surveillance and microsatellite technology.
- Private-sector role
- Indian private space companies are increasingly complementing ISRO’s capabilities.
- Cooperation principle
- Modi called for space to remain safe, peaceful and sustainable, guided by international law and dialogue.
