New Delhi: India will have its own Space Station by 2035, which will be known as “Bharatiya Antriksh Station”.
This was disclosed here today by the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh while responding to a query from a media person after he announced the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
n a significant development, the MoU marks a unique collaboration aimed at integrating biotechnology with space technology, heralding a new era of scientific innovation in India.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the transformative journey of biotechnology, which has traditionally been confined to laboratories, now reaching the vast expanse of space. He emphasised that this MoU represents a pivotal step towards practical applications of biotechnology, moving beyond theoretical research.
The Minister praised ISRO Chairman S. Somnath and Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology Dr. Rajesh Gokhale for their efforts in making this collaboration possible. He noted the historical journey of both departments and the visionary leadership that has driven their success.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised on public-private participation, which has been instrumental in the rapid growth of India’s space sector. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for opening up the space sector to private players, leading to a surge in innovation and entrepreneurship. The minister pointed out that the number of space startups has grown significantly, with nearly 300 startups now contributing to the space economy.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also spoke about the rising prominence of biotechnology, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. He acknowledged the Department of Biotechnology’s role in developing the first-ever DNA vaccine, which brought global recognition to India’s scientific capabilities.
The event saw the participation of ISRO Chairman S. Somnath, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Dr. Ramesh V. Sonti, Director of ICGEB, Dr. Alka Sharma, Chief Scientist in the Department of Biotechnology, and other senior officers, underscoring the high-level commitment and collaborative spirit driving this landmark partnership.
