Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday revealed that India is preparing to build its own space station. He made the announcement while addressing the nation on National Space Day.

India’s Astronaut Pool

PM Modi praised Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for hoisting the tricolour on the International Space Station. He said the achievement filled the nation with pride. “Just 3 days ago, I met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. He filled every Indian with pride by hoisting the tricolour on the International Space Station. The moment, the feeling when he was showing me the tricolour, is beyond words," he said.

The Prime Minister added that Shukla represents the “immense courage and infinite dreams of the youth of the new India.” He announced that India will soon create its own astronaut pool. “Today on Space Day, I invite my young friends to join this astronaut pool to give wings to India’s dreams," PM Modi added.

Greetings on National Space Day! India's journey in space reflects our determination, innovation and the brilliance of our scientists pushing boundaries. https://t.co/2XPktf49Ao

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2025

Advancing Space Technology

Highlighting India’s rapid growth in the space sector, PM Modi pointed to recent technological progress. “Today, India is rapidly advancing in breakthrough technologies like semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion. Soon, with the hard work of all you scientists, India will also soar with Gaganyaan and in the coming times, India will build its own space station," he declared.

National Space Day Theme

This year, National Space Day is being marked under the theme ‘Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities.’ The day celebrates India’s past achievements while looking ahead to ambitious missions like Gaganyaan and the proposed space station.