Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that ISRO’s 100th launch signifies a significant milestone in India’s space exploration efforts, marking a remarkable advancement in the country’s space journey.
Union Minister of State for Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in his initial remarks following the Indian Space Research Organisation’s successful 100th launch from Sriharikota, stated that the launch of the GSLV-F15/NVS-02 Mission is not just another significant milestone but represents a major leap forward in India’s space journey.
Dr. Singh also expressed his great privilege in being part of the Department of Space during such a historic moment, when the world is in awe of ISRO’s continuous string of remarkable achievements. He praised the incredible transformation of ISRO under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that although ISRO was established in 1969, it took over two decades to build the first launch pad, which was completed in 1993. The second launch pad followed in 2004, marking another decade-long gap. However, in the last 10 years, India’s space sector has experienced exceptional growth in both infrastructure and investment. “This 100th launch signifies a major leap forward in the space sector, a transformation that has not occurred in the last 60 years. We are currently building a third launch pad in Sriharikota, and for the first time, we are expanding beyond Sriharikota with a new launch site in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, where Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone last year,” he noted.
The Minister also emphasized the rapid growth of private sector participation in space. “In 2021, there were barely a handful of space startups. Today, we are approaching 300, many of which have become world-class enterprises and entrepreneurial success stories. India is positioning itself as a leader in the global private space sector,” he said. This growth has resulted in substantial economic impact, with investments in the sector reaching Rs 1,000 crore in 2023 alone. The space economy, valued at $8 billion today, is projected to grow to $44 billion within the next decade, further solidifying India’s status as a global space powerhouse.
Dr. Singh also pointed out India’s growing dominance in commercial space launches, stating, “Currently, 90% of foreign satellite launches are conducted by ISRO, which demonstrates the global trust in our capabilities.” The reforms of the past decade, including the opening up of the space sector to private players, have fostered innovation, increased investment, and led to new international collaborations.
Dr. Jitendra Singh took to social media to congratulate the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its unwavering dedication to excellence and its continuous efforts to push the boundaries of space exploration. He expressed, “100th Launch: Congratulations ISRO on reaching the significant milestone of your 100th launch from Sriharikota. It’s an honor to be part of the Department of Space at this historic juncture. Team ISRO, you’ve once again made India proud with the successful launch of GSLV-F15/NVS-02 Mission.”
Reflecting on India’s space program’s remarkable journey, Dr. Singh acknowledged the visionary work of early pioneers like Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan, whose contributions laid the groundwork for India’s growing space sector.
The 100th launch from Sriharikota is not merely a numerical achievement but a symbol of India’s rapid advancements in space exploration. From years of steady progress to a decade of transformative growth, ISRO’s journey is a testament to India’s technological strength and its ambition to be a leader in the global space economy. With new infrastructure, a surge in private sector participation, and record investments, India is set to achieve even greater milestones in the future.