PM inaugurated three important space infrastructure projects worth around Rs 1800 crores at Vikram Sarabhai Space Center

Kerala:27/2/24:  The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visited Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and inaugurated three important space infrastructure projects worth around Rs 1800 crores. The projects include the SLV Integration Facility (PIF) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota; the new ‘Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and Stage Test facility’ at ISRO Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri; and ‘Trisonic Wind Tunnel’ at VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram.  Shri Modi also reviewed the progress of the Gaganyaan Mission and bestowed ‘astronaut wings’ to the four astronaut-designates. The astronaut-designates are Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister started by calling for a standing ovation for the astronaut-designates as the hall reverberated with the chants of Bharat Mata ki Jai.

Underlining that every nation’s development journey has its special moments that define not just the present but the future generations, the Prime Minister said that today is such an occasion for India when the present generation can take pride in the historic achievements of the nation in land, air, water, and space. Recalling his statement about the beginning of a new ‘kaal chakra’ made from Ayodhya, Prime Minister Modi said that India is continuously expanding its space in the global order and its glimpses can be seen in the country’s space program.

The Prime Minister recalled India’s Chandrayaan success as India became the first nation to land on the South Pole of the Moon. “Today Shiv-Shakti Point is introducing the entire world to Indian prowess”, he said. He called the introduction of the four Gaganyaan passengers, astronaut-designates, as a historic occasion. “They are not just four names or individuals, they are four ‘Shakti’ of carrying the aspirations of 140 crore Indians into space”, the Prime Minister said. He further said “An Indian is going into space after 40 years. However, now, the time, the countdown as well as the rocket belong to us.” Expressing delight in meeting and introducing the astronaut-designates to the nation, the Prime Minister wished them on behalf of the entire nation.

Referring to the astronaut-designates, the Prime Minister said that their names have been conjoined with India’s success and they symbolize the trust, courage, valor and discipline of today’s India. He lauded their dedication and spirit towards training and said that they are the representatives of India’s Amrit generation that never gives up and shows the strength to challenge all adversities. Highlighting the need for a healthy body and a healthy mind for this mission, the Prime Minister noted the role of Yoga as part of the training module. “The country’s wishes and blessings are upon you”, PM Modi said. He also conveyed his best wishes to all the staff trainers from ISRO associated with the Gaganyaan project.

Drawing comparisons about India’s recent achievements in the space sector in the last 10 years with the decade before 2014, the Prime Minister mentioned the nation launching around 400 satellites compared to only 33, and the growth in the number of youth-driven space startups to more than 200 from two or three. Acknowledging their presence today, the Prime Minister lauded their vision, talent, and their entrepreneurship. PM Modi also touched upon space reforms providing impetus to the sector and mentioned the recently approved FDI policy of 100 percent foreign investment in the space sector. With this reform, the Prime Minister said, the world’s biggest space institutes can now establish themselves in India and provide an opportunity for the youth to showcase their skills.

Referring to India’s resolution to become Viksit, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of the space sector. PM Modi said, “Space science is not just rocket science, but it is also the biggest social science. Society benefits the most from space technology.” He mentioned agricultural, weather-related, calamity warning, irrigation-related, navigation maps, and other uses like the NAVIC system for fishermen. He continued and touched upon other uses of space science such as border safety, education, health, and many more. “All of you, ISRO, and the entire space sector have a huge role in building a Viksit Bharat”, the Prime Minister concluded.

Governor of Kerala, Shri Arif Mohammad Khan, Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinrayii Vijayan, Union Minister of State, V. Muraleedharan, and Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman ISRO, Shri S Somnath were present on the occasion among others.

Background

The Prime Minister’s vision to reform the country’s space sector to realize its full potential and his commitment to enhancing technical and R&D capability in the sector gets a boost as three important space infrastructure projects are being inaugurated during his visit to Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. The projects include the PSLV Integration Facility (PIF) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota; the new ‘Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and Stage Test facility’ at ISRO Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri; and ‘Trisonic Wind Tunnel’ at VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram. These three projects providing world-class technical facilities for the space sector have been developed at a cumulative cost of about Rs. 1800 crore.

The PSLV Integration Facility (PIF) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota will help in boosting the frequency of PSLV launches from 6 to 15 per year. This state-of-the-art facility can also cater to the launches of SSLV and other small launch vehicles designed by private space companies.