‘India in golden age of space’: Shubhanshu Shukla says world is excited about our endeavors; Gaganyaan, space station, moon landing ahead

Shubhanshu Shukla at Bharat Mandapam on Saturday (Screengrab ANI)

Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on Saturday mentioned that India was in its “golden period” of space exploration.Speaking at Bharat Mandapam on National Space Day celebrations organised by Isro, Shukla mentioned the celebration itself mirrored how far India has come. “Two years ago we did not have this day. Within one year, we have created immense excitement,” he mentioned. Looking ahead, he pointed to India’s upcoming space ambitions, the Gaganyaan Mission, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, and ultimately, landing on the moon.He mentioned he was excited about India’s future space endeavors and that the thrill wasn’t restricted to India, however businesses in Japan and Europe have been additionally intently following India’s plans and even requested him to ask them to affix future missions launched from Indian soil. “The Japanese and European space agencies are much more excited about our mission. They even made me sign a note that whenever we fly, we must invite them. They want to fly in our vehicle from Indian soil,” Shukla mentioned.Shukla advised college students seated amongst viewers that India’s space journey couldn’t transfer ahead with out them. Big ambitions would want not simply expertise but in addition the power and creativeness of younger Indians. “What it requires is all the kids seated here to be excited. We need you… To achieve such big and bold ambitions that we have, we need the resources of the entire nation,”he mentioned, urging the following technology to remain excited and see themselves as half of the mission. Prime Minister Narendra Modi additionally addressed the nation on the event, praising Indian scientists, space startups and Shukla himself, who earlier this month hoisted the tricolour aboard the International Space Station. “He filled every Indian with pride… I have seen in him the immense courage and infinite dreams of the youth of new India,” PM Modi mentioned, whereas additionally inviting younger Indians to affix a brand new astronaut pool being ready for future missions.The National Space Day occasion at Bharat Mandapam was additionally attended by Union science and expertise minister Jitendra Singh and Isro Chairman V Narayanan.