TLI Staff
New Delhi: The success of maiden human space mission Gaganyaan would would pave way for India’s efforts towards space tourism.
Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh said, “After the accomplishment of Gaganyaan mission, activities towards space tourism shall be firmed up.”
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has already carried out a few feasibility studies for a sub-orbital space tourism mission.
With the launch of Gaganyaan mission, India will become the fourth nation in the world to launch a human spaceflight after USA, Russia and China.
“The objective of India’s maiden human spaceflight programme ‘Gaganyaan’ is demonstration of human spaceflight capability to Low Earth Orbit, which is a precursor to future Space Tourism Programme,” the Minister said on Thursday in the Upper House in a written reply.
India’s Gaganyaan mission was slated to take off in 2022 but has been delayed. The mission is now scheduled for 2023 and preparations are in full swing.
Meanwhile, in reply to another question, the Minister said that there is an increasing participation from the private sector and
start-ups in the development of Space technology.
He said that as many as applications from 135 non-government entities (NGEs) have been received so far and being supported by IN-SPACe in the areas of satellites, launch vehicles, ground segment, space applications, space promotional activities, etc.
“These NGEs include Start-ups (65), Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (15), Academia (19) and Industries (36),” said Singh.