New Delhi, 23 August

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asked space scientists to prepare for a deep space exploration mission to unravel the secrets that brighten the future of humanity.

In a video address on the National Space Day, Modi announced that India was preparing to set up a pool of astronauts for future missions and urged the youth to be part of this group.

"We have reached the moon and Mars. Now, we have to peek into deep space, where several secrets that would benefit the future of humanity lie hidden," Modi said.

"Beyond galaxies lies our horizons, The endless universe tells us that no frontier is the final frontier and in the space sector too, at the policy level, there should be no final frontier," the prime minister told a gathering of space scientists, students, and policymakers from across the country.

He said India was making advances in breakthrough technologies such as electric propulsion and semi-cryogenic engines.

"Soon, thanks to the hard work of you scientists, India will launch the Gaganyaan mission and will also build its own space station," he said.

The prime minister also asked the private players whether five startups can become unicorns in the next five years.

"I would like the private sector to come forward ... can we reach a point where we can launch 50 rockets every year," he asked space scientists and engineers.