India capable of launching more interplanetary missions, says ISRO chairman

NEWS WAVE INDIA: S Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), expressed confidence in India’s capability to undertake further interplanetary missions while emphasizing the agency’s commitment to advancing the nation’s space sector. During a press conference at the international airport, Somanath discussed ISRO’s alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long-term vision for the country’s space industry and its potential for growth.

Somanath’s visit to Kerala marked his first appearance after the successful lunar mission, which was met with praise from Prime Minister Modi himself. Somanath highlighted the achievement of Chandrayaan-3’s various aspects, emphasizing that the mission was a resounding success, garnering immense pride and support from the entire nation.

In his enthusiastic remarks, Somanath expressed gratitude to the Indian public for their unwavering support and urged them to continue backing ISRO in its future undertakings. He conveyed the agency’s readiness to venture beyond Earth, suggesting the potential for missions to celestial bodies like the Moon, Mars, and Venus. However, he stressed the need for increased confidence and investment to realize these ambitious goals.

Somanath firmly asserted ISRO’s commitment to expanding the nation’s space sector for the overall advancement of India. He briefly mentioned the imminent launch of Aditya-L1, India’s first space-based solar observatory, from Sriharikota in early September.

Highlighting recent achievements, Somanath shared that the Chandrayaan-3’s rover and lander had successfully taken pictures, with more high-quality images expected in the coming days. While celebrating the monumental accomplishment of Chandrayaan-3’s successful lunar landing, he indicated that the focus was now shifting to scientific research on the Moon.

Prime Minister Modi announced significant honors to commemorate these achievements, designating the landing site of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander as “Shiv Shakti Point.” Additionally, the site of the Chandrayaan-2 lander’s 2019 landing, which experienced a crash landing, was named “Tiranga Point.” Furthermore, August 23, the day of Chandrayaan-3’s lunar touchdown, was declared “National Space Day” by the Prime Minister.

In summary, the ISRO Chairman’s statements underscored India’s prowess in interplanetary exploration and its determination to propel the country’s space sector forward, aligning with the Prime Minister’s visionary aspirations for the nation’s space endeavors.