ISRO wins CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2023 award for its breakthrough feats

On August 23, 2023, India became the fourth nation globally to achieve this feat, joining the elite ranks of the United States, the Soviet Union, and China. The mission not only showcased India's engineering capabilities but also served as a beacon of inspiration for a nation with aspirations of becoming a key player in space exploration.

Chandrayaan-3, however, was just the beginning of ISRO's ambitious agenda. In a swift follow-up, the space agency launched Aditya-L1, India's first space-based solar observatory. This mission, aimed at studying the Sun's outermost layer, the corona, holds significant implications for space weather forecasting.

Additionally, ISRO's commitment to human space exploration was evident with the successful maiden flight test of the Gaganyaan mission. This accomplishment underscored India's readiness to venture into manned space travel.

Furthermore, the nation joined the ambitious Artemis Accords led by the United States, solidifying its commitment to collaborative lunar exploration efforts.

Setting ambitious goals for the future, ISRO has targeted establishing its space station by 2035 and sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040. This ambitious leap requires a multi-pronged approach, involving both private and state players in a collaborative effort.

In another move, ISRO opened its doors to private players in 2023 through the new space policy, fostering partnerships and providing expertise to startups in the space industry.

Collaborations with companies like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos marked significant strides towards realising India's potential as a key player in the global space industry.

Despite operating on a comparatively smaller budget, ISRO's achievements in 2023 have been nothing short of remarkable. The organisation has not only demonstrated the feasibility of cost-effective space missions but has also generated high-value scientific data and technological advancements.

As ISRO sets its sights on future missions, including the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, the world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in India's space exploration saga. The year 2023 stands as a testament to ISRO's innovation, determination, and visionary approach, setting a new benchmark for what humanity can achieve beyond the stars.