After Chandrayaan, India Targets Space Station: PM Modi

New Delhi / Melbourne : India is setting its sights on a new era of space exploration, with an ambitious roadmap that extends beyond the success of the Chandrayaan mission. Addressing the Indian diaspora in Melbourne, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the country’s long-term vision for the space sector, highlighting plans for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and the development of an indigenous space station. His remarks reflected India’s growing emphasis on innovation, scientific advancement and private-sector participation as the nation continues to expand its global technological footprint.

Speaking at the “Melbourne Meets Modi” event on Thursday during his three-nation tour, which includes Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is determined to achieve new milestones in space exploration rather than remain satisfied with past successes.

Referring to India’s historic lunar achievement, the Prime Minister said:

“You have also seen that India successfully landed Chandrayaan on the south pole of the Moon. No other country in the world has achieved this. But India was not satisfied with this achievement alone. Because India believes - Grow More, Achieve More.”

He added that India is now moving ahead with the next phase of its space ambitions.

“That is why India is now preparing to send its Gaganyaan mission into space. India is also moving towards the goal of building its own space station.”

During his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s commitment to innovation, science and technology, while acknowledging Australia’s contributions to global technological progress.

“We are not just a trading nation. We value innovation, science and technology. Australia has made many remarkable contributions - cochlear implants, Wi-Fi technology, cervical cancer vaccines, flight black boxes and secret ballot voting are among the many innovations in which Australia has played an important role.”

He further said:

“These innovations are making the world better. In the same way, India is also transforming its science, technology and innovation ecosystem.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to foster scientific thinking among young students through Atal Tinkering Labs.

“You will be happy to know that today more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs are operating in Indian schools. These labs are building a mindset of innovation among students from an early age. In the last 12 years, India has become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.”

Speaking about India’s rapidly expanding startup ecosystem, he said:

“Today, India has more than 2 lakh registered startups. More than 4,000 new startups are being registered every month. Hundreds of startups are also working in sectors like defence and space.”

Highlighting the growing role of private enterprise in strategic sectors, the Prime Minister added:

“I mention these examples because many of these sectors were earlier closed to private entrepreneurship. They were opened only a few years ago, and now Indian entrepreneurs are creating new possibilities. One Indian space startup is soon going to launch a satellite using its own rocket for the first time.”

The Prime Minister’s remarks came shortly after private aerospace company Skyroot Aerospace announced the upcoming test flight of its Vikram-1 orbital rocket under Mission Aagaman. The mission is expected to become India’s first private orbital rocket launch and is scheduled to lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre between July 12 and August 4, 2026. According to the company, the rocket will place a payload into a 450-kilometre Low Earth Orbit with a 60-degree inclination, and the launch vehicle has already been fully integrated at the First Launch Pad.

Before addressing nearly 30,000 members of the Indian diaspora in Melbourne, Prime Minister Modi held a high-level bilateral summit with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The meeting resulted in 18 major outcomes covering defence, maritime security, energy, critical technologies, education, mining, research and cultural cooperation, further strengthening the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The address underscored India’s broader vision of combining scientific innovation, entrepreneurship and international partnerships to drive future growth. With ambitious space missions, a thriving startup ecosystem and expanding global collaborations, India continues to position itself as an emerging leader in advanced technology and space exploration.