India’s expanding private space sector is creating new opportunities for young entrepreneurs and innovators to develop rockets, launch satellites and explore advanced space technologies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday.
Speaking after inaugurating the COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium in Karnataka on November 13, Modi said opening the space sector to private participation had enabled young people to undertake initiatives that were previously limited to government institutions.
He highlighted India’s progress in space exploration, including solar observation, lunar missions, space docking and human spaceflight, while emphasising the growing role of satellite technology in everyday public services.
India’s growing space capabilities
Modi referred to the achievements of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), particularly the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which made India the first country to achieve a successful landing near the Moon’s south pole.
He also highlighted Aditya-L1, India’s first space-based solar observatory, which is studying the Sun.
India has also demonstrated space docking and undocking capabilities, becoming the fourth country to achieve this milestone. The Prime Minister further referred to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s visit to the International Space Station, where he conducted scientific experiments.
The experience gained from the mission is expected to contribute to India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
Space technology supporting everyday services
The Prime Minister also highlighted how India’s space programme is contributing to public welfare beyond exploration.
ISRO has developed satellite-based communication systems to improve the safety of fishermen. Equipped boats can receive alerts about approaching storms, while satellite tracking helps authorities monitor their movements and support safe returns to shore.
Satellite technology is also being used by Indian Railways for real-time train tracking, helping passengers access information about train locations and arrival times.
In agriculture, satellite imagery and field-based data are being used under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to estimate crop yields and support insurance claim assessments.
COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium inaugurated
The Prime Minister inaugurated COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium at the Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar Centre for Higher Learning on the University of Mysore campus.
Built by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the facility is India’s first LED dome planetarium. It features a 15-metre tilted dome with approximately 6,150 panels and 4.2 crore individual LEDs.
Unlike conventional planetariums that use projectors, its LED panels can be controlled in real time to create immersive astronomical displays.
The facility also houses exhibition halls, an astronomy museum, a lecture hall, a training centre and interactive outdoor exhibits. It is designed to promote scientific curiosity and provide learning opportunities for students.
Focus on young innovators and scientific research
Modi also highlighted the contribution of Atal Tinkering Labs in encouraging scientific thinking among students. More than one crore students have benefited from over 10,000 such laboratories across the country, according to his remarks.
The Prime Minister said India’s progress in astronomy, astrophysics and space exploration was creating opportunities for the next generation to participate in scientific research and technology development.
With private companies and startups increasingly entering the space industry, India’s space ecosystem is expanding beyond traditional government-led missions to include new ventures, technologies and commercial opportunities.
