Why Is Uttarakhand Focusing on Space Technology and Science Education?
Speaking at the Space Conference 2025, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted how space technology is no longer just for scientific research. It is now a crucial driver for innovation in areas such as:
- Communication and media
- Agriculture and weather prediction
- Disaster preparedness and management
- Education and digital transformation
- Healthcare and infrastructure development
This shift is a part of India’s broader goal to become a fully developed nation by 2047, with Himalayan states like Uttarakhand playing a critical role in this journey.
Uttarakhand Celebrates ISRO’s Achievements and Shubhanshu Shukla’s Historic Feat
CM Dhami praised Indian scientist Shubhanshu Shukla for hoisting the national flag at the International Space Station, calling it a proud moment for the country. He also lauded the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its consistent innovation and technological progress.
Future-Ready Missions: Gaganyaan, AI Labs & Innovation Centers
The Chief Minister shared that Uttarakhand is laying a strong foundation for future space programs like Gaganyaan. Initiatives include:
A new dashboard developed by ISRO and UCOST to track progress in Champawat as a model science district
The launch of new publications by ISRO
The establishment of Science Cities, AI and robotics labs, and Innovation Centers across the state
India’s Space Milestones Highlighted by ISRO Chairman V Narayanan
V Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO and chief guest at the event, emphasized India’s historic and ongoing progress in space exploration:
India launched its first rocket in 1963; today, it has over 131 satellites
Satellites are used in television, communication, and disaster management
India is developing a new rocket capable of carrying 75,000 kg to low Earth orbit—expected to launch in under 27 days
By 2030: India plans its own space station
By 2040: India aims to send astronauts to the Moon
India also holds global records, including being the first to detect water on the Moon and landing near the Moon’s South Pole.
Satellite Data Is Changing Lives in Uttarakhand
Prakash Chauhan, Director of the National Remote Sensing Centre, explained how satellite data is vital to daily life:
In Uttarakhand, livestock data has been fully digitized
Satellite mapping supported disaster management during the Rishiganga-Chamoli disaster
Satellite data guides national policies and post-disaster assessments (PDNA)
Applications include:
Forest and wildlife conservation
Glacier and river monitoring
Early warnings for floods and landslides
Tracking forest fires and natural disasters
Uttarakhand: On the Path to Becoming India’s Space-Tech Hub
CM Dhami expressed confidence that the conference will accelerate Uttarakhand’s transformation into a “technology and innovation-friendly” state. With robust support from ISRO and the Government of India, Uttarakhand is positioning itself as a key player in India’s space and science-led development journey.
FAQs
Q: Why is space technology important in 2025?
A: Space technology supports communication, agriculture, disaster response, education, and national development, helping India achieve its 2047 vision.
Q: What are ISRO’s future plans for India’s space program?
A: ISRO plans to establish India’s space station by 2030 and send astronauts to the Moon by 2040. It is also developing a human spaceflight program and a heavy payload rocket.
Q: How is satellite data used in Uttarakhand?
A: Satellite data in Uttarakhand helps in disaster mapping, forest and glacier monitoring, flood prediction, and policy planning.
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