PM Modi lauds Gen Z on Space Day; ISRO plans 8 launch vehicles, 12 satellites

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a gathering on National Space Day, commending members of Generation Z for their contributions to emerging technologies that are shaping India's space ambitions. He highlighted several young innovators who have developed hardware and software solutions for satellite communication and launch systems. Speaking after Modi, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath announced that the agency has charted a roadmap to launch eight new launch vehicles and deploy twelve satellites over the next few years. The plan includes both indigenous and collaborative missions, covering remote sensing, navigation and scientific research. The dual announcements underscore the government's focus on harnessing youthful talent to accelerate the country's space programme and maintain its competitive edge in the global aerospace sector.