National Space Day Celebration 2024
Context:
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, graced the first-ever National Space Day celebration on August 23, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- The day commemorates the successful landing of the ‘Vikram’ Lander on the Moon on August 23, 2023, a milestone achievement for India’s space program.
Key Highlights:
Commemoration of Vikram Lander’s Success:
- National Space Day was established to honor the successful landing of ISRO’s Vikram Lander on the Moon, marking a significant achievement in India’s space exploration journey.
- The President presented awards to winners of the ‘Robotics Challenge’ and the ‘Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon,’ celebrating innovation and excellence in space-related technologies.
Recognition of ISRO’s Achievements:
- The President lauded ISRO’s remarkable contributions to India’s social and economic development, highlighting its accomplishments despite limited resources.
- Notable achievements include the Mars mission and the simultaneous launch of over a hundred satellites, showcasing India’s growing prowess in space technology.
Impact of Space Exploration:
- Space exploration has expanded human capabilities and turned imaginative possibilities into realities. Research in this domain has spurred advancements in various sectors, including health, medicine, transportation, security, energy, environment, and IT.
Private Sector Participation:
- The opening of the space sector to private enterprises has led to a rapid increase in space-related startups, providing new opportunities for youth to innovate. The President noted the achievement of an Indian company that successfully launched a single-piece 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket, a pioneering accomplishment.
Challenges and Future Preparedness:
- The President emphasized the need to address future challenges, particularly space debris, which poses risks to space missions.
- The ‘ISRO System for Safe & Sustainable Operations Management’ facility was recognized for its role in ensuring the safe progression of space research. India aims to make all its space missions debris-free by 2030.
Significance:
- Strengthening India’s Global Space Presence: The celebration underscores India’s growing stature in the global space arena, recognizing ISRO’s achievements and the country’s potential for further advancements.
- Inspiration for Future Generations: National Space Day serves as an inspiration for young scientists and innovators, encouraging them to contribute to India’s space ambitions.
- Promoting Innovation and Collaboration: The event highlights the importance of innovation, collaboration, and the involvement of the private sector in propelling India’s space program to new heights.
Way Forward:
- Sustained investment in space research and technology is crucial to maintain and enhance India’s competitive edge in the global space industry.
- Proactive measures to manage and mitigate space debris will be essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of space missions.
- Strengthening public-private partnerships in the space sector will be key to fostering innovation, creating job opportunities, and accelerating India’s space exploration efforts.
