Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Jan 29: In response to the Indian Space Research Organisation’s successful 100th launch from Sriharikota this morning, Union Minister of State for Space Dr. Jitendra Singh stated, “the launch of GSLV-F15/NVS-02 Mission is not just another significant milestone; this launch, being the 100th, signifies a major advancement in India’s space exploration journey.
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed his sense of honor in being affiliated with the Department of Space at this historic time when the world is captivated by ISRO’s series of exceptional achievements, illustrating the significant transformation of ISRO under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership.
He highlighted that while ISRO was founded in 1969, it took over twenty years to establish the first launch pad in 1993, with the second launch pad coming only a decade later in 2004. However, in the past decade, India’s space sector has witnessed remarkable growth in both infrastructure and investment. “This 100th launch marks a significant leap in the space sector, which hasn’t been achieved in the last sixty years. We are currently constructing a third launch pad in Sriharikota and, for the first time, expanding our reach beyond Sriharikota with a new launch site in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin district, where Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone last February,” he explained.
The Minister also emphasized the rapid increase in private sector involvement in the space industry. “In 2021, we had only a few space startups; today, the number has risen to nearly 300, many of which are world-class companies and success stories. India is establishing itself as a leading player in the global private space sector,” he commented. This expansion has resulted in substantial economic impact, with investments in the sector soaring, including Rs 1,000 crore invested in 2023 alone. The current space economy is valued at $8 billion and is expected to grow to $44 billion in the next decade, further solidifying India’s status as a global space powerhouse.
Dr. Jitendra Singh underlined India’s expanding influence in commercial space launches. “Currently, 90% of foreign satellite launches are executed by ISRO, demonstrating the global confidence in our capabilities,” he remarked. The reforms initiated over the past decade, including the opening up of the space sector to private players, have driven greater innovation, investment, and international partnerships.
On social media, Dr. Jitendra Singh congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its steadfast commitment to excellence, emphasizing its ability to continually elevate standards in space exploration. He stated, “100th Launch: Congratulations ISRO for reaching the remarkable milestone of 100 launches from Sriharikota. It’s a privilege to be connected with the Department of Space during this historic occasion. Team ISRO, you have once again made India proud with the successful launch of GSLV-F15/NVS-02 Mission.”
Reflecting on the outstanding journey of India’s space program, Dr. Jitendra Singh recognized the visionary efforts of early pioneers like Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan, whose contributions laid the groundwork for India’s thriving space sector.
