Indian Flag on Moon by 2040: Dr. Pankaj Killedar (Director ISRO)

Bhopal: 26 September 2025

The 12th Bhopal Vigyan Mela at Barkatullah University witnessed an engaging interactive session, “Seedhe Samvad,” with Dr. Pankaj Damodar Killedar, Director of ISRO’s Master Control Facility, who also served as the event’s Chief Guest. The session aimed to address the curiosity of students keen on space science and ISRO’s work. Dr. Killedar, felicitated by Dr. Pawan Mishra, highlighted ISRO’s past achievements, ongoing projects, and future goals. He noted that India is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first satellite, Aryabhatta, and shared ISRO’s ambitious plans for 2040, including a human space program to the Moon with the vision of hoisting the Indian flag on its surface. He also spoke about Vision 2047, which envisages Indian astronauts visiting the International Space Station, forming the foundation for India’s human spaceflight initiatives. Reflecting on major missions like Chandrayaan (2008), Mars Orbiter Mission (2013), Astrosat (2015), and Aditya L-1 (2023), he emphasized that ISRO’s objectives have always focused on practical benefits for citizens. He also briefed students about opportunities for training and involvement at various ISRO centres. During the interaction, students posed questions on future possibilities. Atharv Mishraoli (Class 8, Sagar Public School) asked about the feasibility of human life on other planets, to which Dr. Killedar responded that forthcoming Gaganyaan missions are designed to enable such ambitions. Khushboo (Class 10) inquired how ISRO maintains cost-effectiveness compared to NASA and CNSA. Dr. Killedar explained that while India’s strong human resource base is an advantage, advanced technology and adequate funding remain crucial for global competitiveness.

Concluding, Dr. Killedar expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is a privilege to contribute to ISRO’s mission, which has always been aimed at serving the common people of India.”