PM Modi and ISRO mark National Space Day, recalling Chandrayaan-3 and future missions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of National Space Day, highlighting India's growing achievements in the space sector and encouraging citizens to dream bigger, innovate more and push newer frontiers.Sharing a message on his social media platform, X, PM Modi said, “Happy National Space Day! ️Here’s to dreaming even bigger, innovating more and pushing newer frontiers...." His message celebrated India's expanding presence in the global space sector and acknowledged the contribution of scientists, engineers, innovators and young entrepreneurs.Happy National Space Day! ️ Here’s to dreaming even bigger, innovating more and pushing newer frontiers.... pic.twitter.com/ZebTBth2bA— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2026 PM Modi highlights India's growing space sectorThe Prime Minister said India's space sector is continuously expanding in the emerging global order. He highlighted the growing role of Gen-Z engineers, designers, coders and scientists, who are developing new technologies and contributing to India's space ambitions.PM Modi also pointed to the growing strength of India's private space sector, noting that Indian space talent is creating its own identity globally. He said the country's space sector has become a magnet for global investors.23 अगस्त हमें याद दिलाता है कि जब हौसले बुलंद हों और मेहनत सच्ची हो, तो चाँद भी दूर नहीं।आज राष्ट्रीय अंतरिक्ष दिवस पर उन सभी वैज्ञानिकों और देशवासियों को सलाम, जिन्होंने भारत की इस गौरवशाली यात्रा को संभव बनाया। @DrSJaishankar #NationalSpaceDay… pic.twitter.com/XoUfR50l1a— Doordarshan National दूरदर्शन नेशनल (@DDNational) August 23, 2026 National Space Day and India's space journeyNational Space Day is observed every year on August 23 to commemorate the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon in 2023. The achievement marked a major milestone in India's space programme and made India the first country to land near the Moon's south polar region.Over the years, India's space programme has expanded from satellite launches and scientific missions to human spaceflight, space technology startups and advanced research. The government has also set ambitious goals for the country's space sector as part of its broader vision of a developed India by 2047.India To Celebrate 3rd National Space Day In Ahmedabad; Theme To Be 'Towards Viksit Bharat' Says ISRO's Chairman Dr V NarayananPM Modi (@narendramodi) posts on X, "Happy National Space Day! ️ Here’s to dreaming even bigger, innovating more and pushing newer frontiers...."(Video Source: PM Modi X handle) pic.twitter.com/az9B2KCkri— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 23, 2026 National Space Day significance and themeIndian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will celebrate its 3rd National Space Day on Sunday in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. The significant message was shared on the social media platform of ISRO on Instagram by ISRO's Chairman, Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary. Dr. V. Narayanan further said, "This year's theme is towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership. India is entering an exciting era in various domains in communication, navigation and human spaceflight and planetary exploration."

India marked the third National Space Day on Sunday, with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Dr V Narayanan recalling the agency's humble beginnings while highlighting the country's current standing among the world's leading spacefaring nations.Speaking at the national event held at the Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad, Narayanan said ISRO once transported rocket parts on bicycles in the absence of other vehicles. He said the space programme has since progressed to a position where India ranks number one in nine areas, an achievement he attributed to the collective effort of the Indian space community, academia and industrial partners.Also read: PM Modi urges space startups to explore applications in agriculture, livestock, environmentNarayanan also spoke about the Chandrayaan-3 mission, whose Vikram lander achieved a soft landing near the Moon's south pole on 23 August 2023, the event being commemorated by National Space Day. He said the mission's significance extended beyond the landing itself, with scientific data collected during the mission subsequently shared with the global scientific community.The ISRO chief further said Chandrayaan-3 inspired 140 crore Indians worldwide, describing it as one of the mission's major achievements under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.This year's celebration is the third since the Union Government designated 23 August as National Space Day in 2023 to mark the Chandrayaan-3 landing at Shiv Shakti Point on the lunar south pole. The day recognises the contributions of ISRO's engineers, researchers and scientists, and comes as the agency prepares for upcoming missions including Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan-4.Theme for 2026This year's celebrations are built around the theme "Towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership." The theme is aimed at encouraging young innovators, technology startups and academic institutions to develop indigenous solutions to global space challenges.Also read: Northeast India looks to emerge as space-tech gateway to Southeast AsiaThe national event at SAC Ahmedabad included an exhibition showcasing ISRO's recent achievements and Department of Space (DoS)/ISRO initiatives supporting Indian industry and space startups, along with talks and panel discussions featuring experts from DoS/ISRO, industry, academia and the startup ecosystem.