Book Title: Global Perspectives in Multidisciplinary Research and Scholarly Innovation
Editors: Dr. Aditi Deka Pathak, and Prof. Guptajit Pathak
ISBN: 978-81-69297-30-1
Chapter: 13
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/714/13
Authors: Devansh Desai, Ritika Tripath
Abstract
India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 seeks to transform the nation into a fully developed, technologically advanced, economically strong, and globally influential country by the centenary year of independence. Among the major pillars supporting this transformation, space technology occupies a highly strategic position. The Indian space programme has evolved from modest beginnings into one of the world’s most respected and cost-effective space ecosystems. Today, space technology contributes directly to agriculture, communication, disaster management, healthcare, navigation, environmental sustainability, education, governance, and national security. According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the primary mission of India’s space programme is to harness space technology for national development while pursuing scientific research and planetary exploration (ISRO, 2025). Space technology is therefore not merely a scientific achievement but an essential instrument for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Scholars argue that technological innovation, digital infrastructure, and scientific capability will become key determinants of India’s success in achieving the objectives of Viksit Bharat 2047. Furthermore, governance transformation through innovation and technology-driven development is expected to play a central role in shaping India’s future growth trajectory.
India’s space journey began under the visionary leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, who believed that space science must directly contribute to societal development. From launching sounding rockets in the 1960s, India has progressed to developing indigenous launch vehicles, advanced satellite systems, lunar missions, Mars exploration, and solar observation missions. The success of Chandrayaan missions, the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), and Aditya-L1 reflects India’s growing capability in advanced space research and exploration. Tripathi et al. (2022) highlighted that the Aditya-L1 mission significantly strengthens India’s capabilities in solar astronomy and space weather studies. Research by Vajiram, Maurya, and Senthil (2023) observed that India’s space programme has become a major contributor to technological self-reliance and scientific advancement. The study emphasized that ISRO’s development model successfully combines cost efficiency with high technological performance. India is also preparing for future milestones such as the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and the proposed Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035. These developments are expected to enhance India’s global standing in space science and aerospace innovation. Agriculture remains one of the most important sectors of the Indian economy, and space technology contributes significantly to precision agriculture through satellite imaging, remote sensing, weather forecasting, soil analysis, crop monitoring, and drought assessment.