India aims to send astronauts to the Moon by 2040, says former ISRO chief

India is targeting a human landing on the Moon by 2040 as part of a multi-decade space exploration roadmap, former ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar said on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 5th Astronomical Society of India (ASI) Symposium at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Kumar stated that the plan involves a meticulously sequenced series of missions aimed at the safe landing and return of Indian astronauts. He also reiterated India’s commitment to building the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), with a target completion date of 2035.

Elaborating on the medium-term roadmap, Kumar highlighted the importance of the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission, a joint venture with Japan’s JAXA. This mission, involving a specialized lander and rover, is critical for investigating water ice in the Moon’s south polar region.

“Lunar exploration is only the beginning,” Kumar noted, emphasizing that the program’s expansion would provide a platform for private companies and academic institutions to contribute to advanced instrumentation and quantum technologies. He reminded the audience of nearly 150 scientists and students that India’s space journey, rooted in Dr. Vikram Sarabhai’s vision, remains focused on societal development while pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.

The three-day symposium features leading figures including Prof. Anil Bhardwaj (Director, PRL), Prof. Yashwant Gupta (Director, NCRA), and Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam (Director, IIA).

Summary

India is on track to land its first astronauts on the Moon by 2040 and establish its own space station (BAS) by 2035, former ISRO chief A S Kiran Kumar confirmed today. Speaking at the 5th ASI Symposium, Kumar outlined a roadmap involving the LUPEX mission with Japan and follow-on Chandrayaan missions. This expansion signals a major shift toward deep-space exploration, opening massive R&D opportunities for Indian private industry and academia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1:What are the key milestones before the 2040 Moon landing?

The immediate focus is the Gaganyaan mission (crewed flight in 2027), followed by the Chandrayaan-4 sample return mission and the LUPEX mission with Japan in 2028-29.

Q2: When will the Indian Space Station be ready?

The Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) is targeted for full operation by 2035, with the first module expected to be launched by 2028.

Q3: How is the private sector involved?

Under recent reforms, private companies (SpaceTech startups) are now building satellite subsystems, launch vehicle components, and ground station infrastructure, a shift Kiran Kumar highlighted as vital for the 2040 goal.