By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, JAN 30, 2025: IN his first response to the Indian Space Research Organisation's  successful 100th launch from Sriharikota this morning, Union Minister of State for Space Dr Jitendra Singh  said, "the launch of GSLV-F15/NVS-02 Mission is not simply another landmark milestone but this launch, being the 100th one, marks a quantum leap in India's Space journey.

Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed his deep sense of privilege in being associated with the Department of Space at such a momentous time when the world is amazed by a series of extraordinary achievements registered by the ISRO one after the other and highlighted the remarkable transformation of ISRO under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh briefing the media about the 100th launch of GSLV from Sriharikota.

Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that while ISRO was established in 1969, it took more than two decades to set up the first launch pad in 1993. The second launch pad came up only in 2004, marking another decade-long gap. However, in the last 10 years, India's space sector has undergone unprecedented expansion, both in terms of infrastructure and investment. "This 100th launch marks a quantum leap in the space sector, which did not happen in the last six decades. We are now building a third launch pad in Sriharikota, and for the first time, expanding beyond Sriharikota with a new launch site in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin district, where the foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Modi last year in February," he stated.

The Minister also underlined the rapid rise of private sector participation in space. "In 2021, we had barely a single-digit number of space startups. Today, we are nearing 300, many of which are world-class enterprises and entrepreneurial success stories. India is positioning itself as a frontline player in the global private space sector," he noted. This growth has translated into real economic impact-investment in the sector has surged, with Rs 1,000 crore invested in 2023 alone. The space economy, currently valued at USD8 billion, is projected to reach USD44 billion in the next decade, further cementing India's role as a global space powerhouse.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted India's growing dominance in commercial space launches. "Today, 90% of foreign satellite launches are being carried out through ISRO, reflecting the global confidence in our capabilities," he said. The reforms initiated in the past decade, including the unlocking of the space sector for private players, have led to greater innovation, investment, and international collaborations.

Taking to social media, Dr. Jitendra Singh congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its unwavering commitment to excellence and its ability to consistently raise the bar in space exploration. He stated, "100th Launch: Congratulations ISRO for achieving the landmark milestone of 100th launch from Sriharikota. It's a privilege to be associated with the Department of Space at this historic moment. Team ISRO, you have once again made India proud with the successful launch of GSLV-F15/NVS-02 Mission."

Reflecting on the remarkable journey of India's space program, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the visionary contributions of early pioneers like Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan, whose efforts laid the foundation for India's burgeoning space sector.

The 100th launch from Sriharikota, therefore, is not just a numerical milestone but a symbol of India's accelerated progress in space exploration. From decades of gradual development to a decade of transformational growth, ISRO's journey stands as a testament to India's technological prowess and its aspirations to lead in the global space economy. With new infrastructure, increased private participation, and record-breaking investments, India is poised for even greater achievements in the years to come.