Indian Astronauts in Space by 2030, Moon Mission by 2040: Ex-ISRO Chief A.S. Kiran Kumar

GUWAHATI: Former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Dr A.S. Kiran Kumar on Tuesday outlined India’s ambitious space roadmap, saying Indian astronauts could travel to space by 2030, with a long-term goal of landing humans on the Moon by 2040.

Dr Kiran Kumar was speaking at a public talk on “Vision for Indian Space Saga” held at Royal Global University in Guwahati, attended by students, researchers and academics.

Reflecting on India’s space journey, he highlighted ISRO’s major achievements, including Chandrayaan-1, the Mars Orbiter Mission, and the country’s geostationary satellite programmes, which have played a key role in communication, navigation, weather forecasting and national development. He said ISRO’s progress has been driven by technological self-reliance, with India developing critical technologies domestically while selectively leveraging global advancements.

Speaking on future plans, Dr Kiran Kumar referred to the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme and India’s broader ambition to emerge as a leading space power. He said a safe human landing and return mission to the Moon remains a long-term objective that will require sustained innovation, resources and collaboration.

Earlier, Prof. Dhubajyoti Borah, Advisor to the Chancellor of Royal Global University, addressed the gathering and underlined the transformative role of scientific research and innovation in nation-building. He praised ISRO’s achievements and urged students to cultivate scientific temper, perseverance and dedication.

Dr Kiran Kumar later interacted with students during the session, answering questions on space missions, research opportunities and careers in the space sector, and encouraged young people to pursue science and technology with curiosity and commitment.

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