National Space Day 2025: 'From Aryabhata to Gaganyaan'; Jitendra Singh outlines roadmap to an Indian on the Moon by 2040
India observed National Space Day on 23 August 2025 with the theme 'From Aryabhata to Gaganyaan', with PM Narendra Modi addressing it by video and the main programme held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Summary
India observed National Space Day on 23 August 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a video message, said this year's theme, 'From Aryabhata to Gaganyaan', reflects confidence in India's past and resolve for its future; he noted India was hosting the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics with nearly 300 participants from over 60 countries, and said India would soon launch the Gaganyaan mission and later build its own space station. At the main programme at Bharat Mandapam, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said an Indian will announce 'Viksit Bharat 2047' from the surface of the Moon in 2040, and outlined a 15-year roadmap envisaging over 100 satellites. He said India will attempt its first human spaceflight under Gaganyaan in 2027 and establish the proposed Bharat Antariksh Station by 2035. Winners of the Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon 2025 — whose second edition drew over 61,000 students — and the ISRO Robotics Challenge were honoured.
Key facts
- Date
- 23 Aug 2025
- Theme
- 'From Aryabhata to Gaganyaan'
- Main event
- Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- IOAA
- Hosted by India; ~300 participants from 60+ countries
- Roadmap
- 15-year plan; 100+ satellites; Indian on the Moon by 2040
- Milestones
- Gaganyaan first human flight 2027; Bharat Antariksh Station by 2035
- Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon
- 2nd edition; 61,000+ students, 8,744 teams
Practice MCQs 5 questions
What was the theme of National Space Day 2025, as stated by PM Narendra Modi?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — From Aryabhata to Gaganyaan
PM Modi said this year's theme, 'From Aryabhata to Gaganyaan', reflects both the confidence of India's past and the resolve for its future.
Where was the main National Space Day 2025 programme, addressed by Dr Jitendra Singh, held?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Dr Jitendra Singh addressed the National Space Day programme at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
On National Space Day 2025, Dr Jitendra Singh said an Indian will announce 'Viksit Bharat 2047' from the surface of the Moon in which year?
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Correct answer: D — 2040
Dr Jitendra Singh said an Indian will announce 'Viksit Bharat 2047' from the surface of the Moon in 2040.
With reference to National Space Day 2025, consider the following statements: 1. India was hosting the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, with nearly 300 participants from over 60 countries. 2. The second edition of the Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon drew participation from over 61,000 students. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. PM Modi noted that India was hosting the IOAA with nearly 300 young participants from over sixty countries, and the second edition of the Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon drew over 61,000 students in 8,744 teams.
As per the timeline outlined by Dr Jitendra Singh on National Space Day 2025, consider the following statements: 1. India will attempt its first human spaceflight under the Gaganyaan mission in 2027. 2. The proposed Bharat Antariksh Station is to be established by 2040. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: India will attempt its first human spaceflight under Gaganyaan in 2027. Statement 2 is incorrect: the proposed Bharat Antariksh Station is to be established by 2035; 2040 is the year mentioned for an Indian on the Moon.