The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JANUARY 29, 2025
The successful launch of the GSLV-F15/NVS-02 Mission from Sriharikota on Wednesday marks a historic milestone for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), as it completes its 100th mission. Union Minister of State for Space Dr. Jitendra Singh hailed the achievement as a “quantum leap” in India’s space journey, reflecting the nation’s accelerated progress in space exploration and technology.
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed his immense pride in being associated with the Department of Space during this momentous occasion, highlighting ISRO’s transformation under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “This 100th launch is not merely a milestone but a significant leap forward. While ISRO was established in 1969, it took more than two decades to set up the first launch pad in 1993, and another decade for the second launch pad in 2004. However, in the last ten years, India’s space sector has witnessed unprecedented expansion, both in terms of infrastructure and investment,” he said.
The Minister emphasized that India is now building its third launch pad in Sriharikota and, for the first time, expanding beyond Sriharikota with a new launch site in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin district. “The foundation stone for the new launch site was laid by Prime Minister Modi last year in February. This marks a strategic expansion that will further strengthen India’s position as a global space power,” he added.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted the rapid rise of private sector participation in India’s space sector. “In 2021, we had barely a handful of space startups. Today, we are nearing 300, many of which are world-class enterprises and entrepreneurial success stories. India is positioning itself as a leading player in the global private space sector,” he noted. Investment in the sector has surged significantly, with Rs 1,000 crore invested in 2023 alone. The Indian space economy, currently valued at $8 billion, is projected to reach $44 billion in the next decade, solidifying India’s status as a key player in the global space industry.
He further underscored India’s dominance in commercial space launches, noting that 90% of foreign satellite launches are now conducted through ISRO. This growing global confidence in India’s space capabilities is a direct outcome of the major reforms undertaken over the last decade, particularly the opening of the space sector to private players, which has led to increased innovation, investment, and international collaborations.
Taking to social media, Dr. Jitendra Singh congratulated ISRO for its unwavering commitment to excellence. “100th Launch: Congratulations ISRO for achieving the landmark milestone of 100th launch from Sriharikota. It’s a privilege to be associated with the Department of Space at this historic moment. Team ISRO, you have once again made India proud with the successful launch of GSLV-F15/NVS-02 Mission,” he wrote.
Reflecting on the journey of India’s space program, he paid tribute to the contributions of pioneers like Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan, whose vision laid the foundation for India’s rapid advancements in space technology.
The 100th launch from Sriharikota is more than a numerical milestone — it is a testament to India’s technological prowess and growing aspirations in space exploration. With new infrastructure, increased private participation, and record-breaking investments, the nation is on a trajectory to achieve even greater milestones in the years ahead.
