On the occasion of National Space Day, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan outlined a series of ambitious upcoming missions, including India’s plan to establish its own space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), by 2035. The first module of the space station is expected to be launched by 2028.

Speaking at the event, Narayanan highlighted the government’s support for a Next Generation Launcher (NGL) and India’s lunar ambitions, stating that the country will land on the moon by 2040. "By 2040, Indian Space Program will be at par with any other space program of the world," he said.

The chairman also confirmed several high-profile missions in the pipeline, including Chandrayaan-4 and a Venus Orbiter Mission, reflecting India’s growing prowess in space exploration.

Narayanan praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for their roles in advancing India’s space program. He remarked, "One of the major achievements is sending one of our 'Gaganyatris' to the International Space Station. It is again the Prime Minister to be thanked. It was his idea that before sending a 'Gaganyatri' to space through our rocket, we should send one of them to the ISS. His vision led to great success today... Shukla Ji has gone to the ISS and come back safely."

He emphasized the contribution of Shukla’s colleagues, noting, "Three of his colleagues cannot be forgotten. There are four people, the four 'Gaganyatris'. I used to say all four people are equally important to us. Finally only one person got the opportunity."