India Accelerates Space Push With Plans for Lunar Presence by 2035

India is rapidly advancing its space exploration agenda as part of its broader ambition to become a developed economy by 2047. The government is now targeting a sustained lunar presence within the next decade. 

According to Space Minister Jitendra Singh, India plans to establish the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and aims to land an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040. These goals mark a significant jump in India’s long-term vision and reflect the growing national focus on space-based capabilities.

Strengthening Global Competitiveness

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has intensified efforts to narrow India’s technological gap with global competitors such as China, which already operates a space station and aims for a lunar mission by 2030. 

India is increasingly turning to private investment to expand its space capabilities. Singh noted that India’s space economy, previously stagnant, began accelerating after the sector opened to private players. 

The domestic space market has now grown to nearly $8 billion and is expected to rise to $40–45 billion within the next decade.

Rising Role of Space Startups

A major share of this projected growth will come from India’s rapidly expanding space startup ecosystem. The country now has around 400 startups engaged in satellite manufacturing, launch services, space-based sensors, and data analytics. 

With this momentum, India aims to secure an 8%–10% share of the global commercial space market over the next decade, up from under 2% today, as stated earlier by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan.

Key Milestones and Government Support

India has already achieved major milestones, including becoming the first country to land a spacecraft near the Moon’s south pole in 2023. ISRO is also preparing for its first crewed mission into space by early 2027. 

To support deep-technology sectors, the government recently introduced a 1 trillion-rupee Research, Development and Innovation Scheme that will provide concessional financing to projects with a Technology Readiness Level of 4 or above.

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Conclusion

India’s renewed focus on space exploration, backed by policy reforms and private-sector participation, signals its aspiration to become a leading global space power. With an expanding startup ecosystem, ambitious lunar plans, and major technological milestones ahead, the country is positioning itself for a transformative decade.

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