State native ISRO scientist shares 2040 moon trip plan
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 31 2025: India is aiming to land its astronauts on the moon by 2040, ISRO scientist Dr N Raghu Meitei said on Thursday at the 2nd National Space Day celebration, during which dignitaries and scientists present highlighted the growing role of space technology in national development.

The 2nd National Space Day was celebrated with a call to inspire students and strengthen the role of space technology in national development.

The event, held at Hotel Imphal, North AOC, was jointly organised by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), Manipur Remote Sensing Applications Centre (MARSAC) and the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Manipur.

State native ISRO scientist shares 2040 moon trip plan

The celebration, themed "Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities", commemorated the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission and highlighted the growing importance of space applications in various sectors.

In his address as guest of honour, Dr N Raghu, who is the associate director at ISRO's Directorate of Technology Development and Innovation, said that the Government of India is endeavouring for a fully developed country by 2047, the Centenary of independence, and prioritising develop ment of space technology to achieve the goal.

While confiding that India is preparing for future lunar missions Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5 with eye on landing Indian astronauts on the moon by 2040, Dr Raghu stressed the need to nurture more skilled students in space science, particularly from the Northeast, to reinforce the country's space ambitions.

The day featured interactive sessions with scientists from ISRO and NESAC, technical talks, demonstrations and a quiz competition on space science.

A special session on using space-based technology for sustainable development in the North Eastern Region was also held.

Planning director RK Radhesana said that space technology has become vital in areas such as natural resource management, agriculture, urban planning, rural infrastructure and disaster preparedness.

She stressed that comprehensive space reports are now essential for securing funding for state projects from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER), North Eastern Council (NEC) and other agencies.

The director also noted that the state, with support from the DoNER Ministry, sends 100 science students annually from all 16 districts on exposure trips to learn about space technology.

State government bears 40 per cent of the cost while NEC funds the remaining 60 per cent, she added.

MARSAC director Oinam Nodiachand presided over the event while IIIT Manipur registrar Dr Kishorjit, NESAC, GSD head M Somorjit, and NESAC scientist Dr Victor Saikhom attended as guests of honour.

Officials, teachers and students from different departments and schools participated in the celebration.

In the student quiz competition, Angom Sebastian and Decima Haorangbam of Herbert School won the first place, followed by Valentina Konsouwa and Mahananada Nongthombam of Don Bosco School, Chingmeirong in second place, and Nganba Kshetrimayum and Arvin Waikhom of Ruda Academy, Thoubal in third place.