India to Celebrate 2nd National Space Day on August 23, Focus on Human Spaceflight

National Space Day: India will observe its second National Space Day on Saturday, August 23, to celebrate the country’s journey from its early satellite launches to upcoming human space missions.

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Government’s Push for Space Start-ups

Since opening the space sector to private players in 2020 with the launch of IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre), over 300 start-ups have registered. These firms have contributed to two sub-orbital test flights and the successful launch of 14 satellites by six non-government entities.

Gaganyaan Mission Update

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed that the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission is scheduled for December 2025. The mission will carry Vyommitra, a half-humanoid robot designed to simulate human presence in space.

India’s Astronaut Milestone

Narayanan also highlighted that IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian astronaut to complete a mission to the International Space Station (ISS). He has been shortlisted for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.

International Collaboration

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, launched earlier this year, is functioning normally. This joint mission further strengthens India’s space ties with the United States.

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