In a bold declaration that signals India’s growing ambition in space exploration, Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), announced that India aims to land astronauts on the Moon and bring them back safely by 2040. The announcement was made during the 21st Convocation Ceremony of SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) in Chennai on August 11, 2025.
This landmark goal is part of India’s broader space vision, which includes establishing a space station by 2035 and expanding satellite capabilities to rival global powers3.
From Chandrayaan to Human Moon Missions
India’s lunar aspirations have gained momentum since the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 in 2023, which made India the fourth country to soft-land on the Moon. Building on that success, ISRO is now preparing for a human lunar mission that will require advanced launch vehicles, orbital modules, and life support systems.
Dr. Narayanan emphasized that the mission will be a culmination of decades of technological progress and scientific dedication. “India has made a giant leap in aerospace and defence technology. This remarkable progress reflects the unwavering vision of our scientists,” he said.
Gaganyaan: The Gateway to the Moon
The upcoming Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human spaceflight program, is a critical stepping stone toward the 2040 Moon landing. Scheduled for its first crewed flight by 2027, Gaganyaan will test key systems such as:
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Human-rated HLVM3 launch vehicle
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Crew module and service module propulsion
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Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS)
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Crew Escape System (CES)
These technologies will form the backbone of the lunar mission, enabling safe transport, habitation, and return of astronauts.
Bharatiya Antariksha Station: India’s Space Habitat by 2035
In parallel, ISRO is working on the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), a modular space station designed to host astronauts for extended durations. The first module (BAS-1) is targeted for launch by 2028, with full deployment expected by 2035. The station will serve as a testbed for long-duration space habitation and docking technologies, essential for lunar and interplanetary missions.
Global Collaboration and Indigenous Innovation
India’s space roadmap is being shaped by a mix of indigenous innovation and international collaboration. The recent launch of the NISAR satellite, a joint venture with NASA, and the upcoming deployment of a 6,500 kg communication satellite built in the U.S. using Indian launch vehicles, highlight India’s growing role in global space partnerships.
Dr. Narayanan also acknowledged the importance of learning from other space agencies, citing his close observation of NASA’s recent crewed missions. “We have to learn from others for the success of our own missions,” he said.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The convocation ceremony at SRMIST was not just a platform for announcements—it was a call to action for India’s youth. Addressing thousands of graduates, Dr. Narayanan urged them to pursue excellence with honesty and resilience. “Let honesty be the cornerstone of your success,” he said, adding that the future of India’s space program depends on the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, the chief guest, echoed this sentiment, encouraging students to embrace lifelong learning and contribute to India’s rise as a global economic and technological power by 2047.
The Road Ahead
India’s lunar mission by 2040 is more than a scientific milestone—it’s a symbol of national pride and technological self-reliance. With the Gaganyaan program nearing crewed flight, the space station project underway, and lunar systems in development, ISRO is laying the groundwork for a new era of human spaceflight.
As Dr. Narayanan put it, “India should now aim for new and ambitious goals.” The countdown to 2040 has begun.
Sources: ISRO Chief’s Moon Mission Announcement at SRMIST Convocation, The Hindu, Swarajya, Analytics Insight, NewsOnAir
