The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is setting ambitious new targets, aiming for a significant leap in its space capabilities. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced on Tuesday that the agency is conceptualizing an advanced heavy-lift rocket designed to carry a substantial 75,000 kg payload into space. This rocket is envisioned to be as tall as a 40-storey building. Furthermore, the Gaganyaan mission, India's first independent human spaceflight, is progressing rapidly, with its first crewed launch scheduled for early 2027. The long-term roadmap for India's space endeavors includes establishing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and achieving a human landing on the Moon by 2040.
Recent achievements underscore India's growing prowess in space. Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's recent mission on Axiom Space's multinational Ax-4, where he spent 18 days on the International Space Station (ISS), is seen as a crucial stepping stone for the Gaganyaan program. ISRO chief V. Narayanan also revealed that Indian scientists played a critical role in preventing a "catastrophic" rocket failure during the Axiom-4 mission, highlighting the nation's technical expertise. In a testament to indigenous innovation, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and ISRO have jointly developed and successfully tested IRIS, an indigenous semiconductor chip (RISC–V Controller) specifically for space applications, marking a significant milestone in India's semiconductor ecosystem.
Beyond space, India is heavily investing in and promoting the adoption of emerging technologies for national development and sustainability. At the Telangana Science Congress – 2025, former DRDO Chairman Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy urged Indian youth to embrace innovation and global competition in fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), cybersecurity, and quantum technology.
Significant strides are also being made in leveraging technology for critical sectors like water management. The Minister of State for Jal Shakti emphasized the role of modern technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Real-Time Data Acquisition Systems (RTDAS), and the India-Groundwater Resource Estimation System (IN-GRES), for effective water management and conservation. The integration of AI-driven analysis, drones, IoT sensors, and even Blockchain technology is being explored to enhance water quality monitoring, consumption patterns, and leakage detection.
Furthermore, NITI Aayog has appointed Prof Ganapati D Yadav as chairman of its working group, tasked with steering India towards a bio-based, circular, and sustainable economy. His appointment recognizes his pioneering work in green chemistry, catalysis, biomass valorization, and green hydrogen technologies. These developments collectively indicate India's commitment to advancing its scientific and technological capabilities across diverse domains, aiming for self-reliance and global leadership.