PM Modi hails private sector role in India's space journey
In a landmark moment for India's astronomical ambitions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today virtually inaugurated the Skyroot Infinity Campus in Hyderabad. This event marks a significant shift in the nation's scientific landscape, signaling the robust entry of private enterprises into a domain long held exclusively by government agencies.
The Prime Minister described the new facility as a testament to the country’s evolving thought process and the limitless potential of its youth. The campus is not just an office; it is a sprawling 200,000-square-foot manufacturing prowess designed to engineer the future of space travel. The facility boasts the capability to design, build, and test the Vikram-I, Skyroot’s first orbital rocket. Remarkably, this high-tech hub has the capacity to roll out one complete rocket every single month, positioning India as a competitive player in the global commercial launch market.
During his address, PM Modi heaped praise on the founders, Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka. He cited them as shining examples of India's "Gen Z" talent—young minds who are not afraid to take calculated risks. The Prime Minister drew a nostalgic contrast, noting that while India’s space journey began with scientists transporting rocket parts on bicycles, today’s generation is establishing world-class launch vehicle infrastructure. "The height of our dreams is determined by our resolve, not just our resources," he stated.
The Prime Minister highlighted that this success stems directly from the government's historic decision to open the space sector to private innovation. These reforms have catalyzed a revolution, leading to the birth of over 300 space startups. He noted that many of these ventures began in small, rented rooms with limited funds but possessed an unshakeable determination to reach the stars.
Beyond the space sector, PM Modi connected this achievement to the broader startup boom in India, which now spans diverse fields from FinTech to DeepTech. He emphasized that India is rapidly moving away from just software services to becoming a hub for hardware manufacturing and semiconductor innovation.
Concluding his speech, PM Modi assured all young scientists and entrepreneurs of the government's unwavering support. With facilities like the Skyroot Infinity Campus, he expressed confidence that India is poised to lead the global space economy, transforming the 21st century into India's century, both on Earth and in the cosmos.
