India's commitment to advancing its capabilities in science and technology was prominently highlighted on the second National Space Day, observed on August 23, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated a bold vision for the nation's space program, urging scientists to explore "deeper regions of space" and announcing the forthcoming establishment of India's own space station.
During the celebrations, PM Modi emphasized that India has already demonstrated its prowess by reaching the Moon and Mars, and now the focus shifts to venturing "beyond galaxies." He stated that India is rapidly progressing in breakthrough technologies such as semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion, which are crucial for future missions. A significant announcement included the nation's achievement of space docking capability this year, a major stride for future space endeavors.
In line with these ambitious goals, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is making significant progress on its maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed that the first uncrewed test flight (G1), carrying a half-humanoid robot named Vyommitra, is slated for December 2025. A crucial integrated airdrop test for the Gaganyaan mission was planned for August 24, 2025, in the Bay of Bengal. This high-stakes rehearsal, involving ISRO, the Indian Air Force, and the Navy, entails dropping a 4-ton capsule from a Chinook heavy-lift helicopter to simulate a safe splashdown landing, a critical step for astronaut safety upon re-entry.
Further showcasing India's long-term space aspirations, ISRO unveiled a model of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India's proposed orbital lab. This initiative aims to place India among the select few nations operating space stations, with plans to launch the first BAS module (BAS-01) by 2028 and expand to five modules by 2035.
The Prime Minister also called upon the private sector to play a more significant role in the space ecosystem, encouraging them to increase rocket launches and foster the growth of "space unicorns." He noted the rapid rise of over 350 space startups in India, a substantial increase from just one in 2014, signaling a vibrant and expanding private participation in the sector.
Beyond space, PM Modi also touched upon advancements in the semiconductor industry, stating that semiconductor factories are being established in the country, with the first "Made in India" chip expected to enter the market by the end of this year. While not directly from the last 24 hours, the broader context of India's AI landscape remains dynamic, with significant investments and developments in areas like Agentic AI and large language models.