India’s Moon Landing Mission (2040)

20 Aug 2025

India’s Moon Landing Mission (2040)

Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced in the Lok Sabha that an Indian astronaut will land on the Moon by 2040, as part of India’s long-term roadmap.

About India’s Moon Landing Mission (2040)

  • Aim: To demonstrate human exploration capability beyond Earth orbit.
  • Self Reliance in Space: It will rely on indigenous launch vehicles, life-support systems, and lunar surface technologies.
  • Significance: The project aligns with the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, integrating scientific, economic, and security dimensions.

India’s Space Exploration Roadmap

  • Vyommitra Mission (2026): To test critical human spaceflight systems through an uncrewed mission carrying humanoid robot Vyommitra.
  • Gaganyaan Mission (2027): To achieve India’s first human spaceflight in low Earth orbit, demonstrating astronaut launch and recovery capability.
  • Bharat Antariksh Station (2035): To establish India’s own space station, enabling long-duration scientific experiments and technology demonstration in space.
  • Crewed Moon Landing (2040): To place an Indian astronaut on the lunar surface, showcasing India’s independent human exploration capability.

PW OnlyIAS ExtraEdge

India’s Space Economy

  • Current Valuation: India’s space economy is worth around  $8 billion in 2025.
    • It is expected to reach $45 billion in the next 10 years.
  • Global Share: It contributes 2% of the global space economy.
  • Global Position: ISRO is the sixth-largest space agency in the world, recognised for cost-effective missions like Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan.
    • Since 1999, India has launched 381 satellites for 34 countries, generating $279 million in revenues.
  • Government Spending: India invests around $2 billion annually in space programmes.
  • Private Sector Involvement: India has witnessed rapid growth in space startups from just 1 in 2022 to nearly 200 in 2024.
    • ISRO is transferring satellite and launch vehicle technologies to private companies for faster commercialisation.
  • Projected Growth: By 2033, the economy is expected to reach around $44billion (₹35,200 crore) with an 8% global share.
    • Domestic Market Potential: Projected to grow from $8.1 billion to $33 billion in a decade.
    • Export Market Potential: Expected to rise from $0.3 billion to $11 billion by 2033.
    • Expected Investments: Around $22 billion (₹17,600 crore) investment is anticipated over the next 10 years.

Initiatives to Promote Space Economy

  • IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre): Facilitates private participation, ensures policy support, and authorises non-government entities in space activities.
  • NewSpace India Limited (NSIL): Commercial arm of ISRO, responsible for satellite launches, technology transfer, and global market expansion.
  • Policy Framework: Indian Space Policy 2023: Clearly defines roles of ISRO, IN-SPACe, and private players; ISRO to focus on strategic missions and R&D, while private sector drives commercialisation.
  • Education and Innovation: YUVIKA (Young Scientist Programme) and collaboration with IITs and IISc foster research, innovation, and training of future space scientists.

Conclusion

India’s space roadmap spanning Vyommitra (2026), Gaganyaan (2027), Bharat Antariksh Station (2035), and a Moon landing in 2040 signals a transformational journey from space capability to global space leadership, anchored in private sector participation and a rapidly growing space economy.

Follow Us

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

Aiming for UPSC?

Download Our App

      
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">






    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.