India to Launch Modular Space Station by 2035: ISRO Chief

Kurnool: The Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman, Dr V. Narayanan, has announced that ISRO is working towards launching its own modular space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, by the year 2035.

He was speaking at the 7th convocation of the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM), at Jagannathagattu in Kurnool on Sunday.

Narayanan highlighted the evolution of India’s space programme since its inception in 1962. Recollecting its milestones, he noted that ISRO, established in 1969, successfully launched its first satellite, weighing just 35kg, into orbit in 1980. Since then, India has emerged as a formidable force in space research, with achievements such as launching 104 satellites in a single mission.

He said India's leadership in science and technology is steadily growing, backed by innovation and sustained research. “We hold three world records in cryogenic engine development and leads in nine global categories. ISRO’s satellite systems now support deep-sea fishermen — monitoring nearly 9 lakh of them — and operate advanced tsunami warning systems.”

Highlighting the role of information and communication technologies, he said these advancements have significantly improved the country’s infrastructure and national preparedness. By 2047, India will be at the forefront in science and technology.”

Calling for inclusive growth, the ISRO chairman urged engineering graduates to focus their skills and innovations on improving rural India. He stressed the increasing relevance of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in national development.

Encouraging the graduates, he advised them to remain lifelong learners, be confident, foster leadership and adapt well to teamwork environments. He also called on faculty members to cultivate a mindset of curiosity and innovation among students.

Expressing high hopes for IIITDM Kurnool, he said he envisioned the growth of the institute into one of the top-tier academic and research centres.

Institute chairperson Vijayalakshmi Deshmane reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge facilities and promoting research-led education. She said IIITDM students were making a mark at the national level and reiterated her goal of transforming the institute into a hub of excellence in science and innovation.

During the convocation, 206 degrees were conferred. The recipients included 183 B.Tech graduates, 19 M.Tech postgraduates, and 4 Ph.D. scholars. IIITDM director BS Murthy, former director DVL Somayajulu, registrar Prof Gurumurthy, and others were present.