NEW DELHI: From transporting rocket parts on bicycles and satellites on bullock carts to becoming a global leader in space exploration, India’s space journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, said Isro chairman V Narayanan on Saturday.
Speaking at the 27th convocation of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode, Narayanan reflected on India’s transformation in the space sector, attributing it to perseverance, indigenous innovation, and a determination to overcome early setbacks.
“India was 60 to 70 years behind when it started its space programme. In the 1990s, we were denied cryogenic engine technology and humiliated. But today, we are one of only six countries to have developed cryogenic engines—and we’ve built three,” he said.
India’s global footprint in space
Narayanan highlighted India’s major space achievements:
- 131
Indian satellites are currently orbiting Earth - 433 satellites launched for 34 countries
- 100 successful launches completed, with the centennial mission on January 29 this year
He proudly noted that India was the first and only country to complete a Mars orbiter mission in its first attempt and the first to discover water molecules on the Moon through Chandrayaan-1. The Chandrayaan-3 mission made India the first to land on the Moon’s south pole, a milestone few nations have achieved.
Breaking global records in cryogenics
India also holds three world records related to cryogenic engine development, Narayanan revealed. While other nations typically take 42 months from engine testing to flight readiness and 5 months for rocket propulsion testing:
- India completed engine-to-flight in just 28 months
- Propulsion system testing was completed in 34 days
“These are world records,” he said, emphasizing India’s growing technical edge.
Looking ahead
Narayanan said India is one of only four countries with a satellite studying the Sun and is planning the Chandrayaan-5 mission in collaboration with Japan.
“So, we have come a long way from the era of bicycles and bullock carts carrying rockets and satellites,” the Isro chief said, urging young graduates to take pride in India’s scientific achievements and contribute to its future growth.