India’s space technology progress includes launching 104 satellites in a single flight and developing reusable launch vehicles, reducing dependence on foreign assistance.

ISRO is unveiling plans for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), with the first module expected to launch by 2028 and the station to be completed by 2035.

Thakur’s statement about Hanuman being the first space traveler drew criticism from opposition figures like MP Kanimozhi, who emphasized that science should not be conflated with mythology.

The controversy over Thakur’s remarks underscores ongoing debates in India about integrating traditional knowledge and mythology into scientific education.

India continues to make significant strides in space exploration, with achievements like the Chandrayaan-3 mission in 2023 and plans to establish a space station by 2035, including a crewed lunar landing by 2040.

This progress was highlighted during the second National Space Day, which themed the event 'Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities,' connecting India’s rich astronomical history with its modern space ambitions.

At the event in Himachal Pradesh, BJP MP Anurag Thakur controversially claimed that Lord Hanuman was the first space traveler, contrasting this mythological figure with the historically recognized first humans in space like Yuri Gagarin and Neil Armstrong, sparking debate.

Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the Moon, Yuri Gagarin was the first human in space, and Rakesh Sharma was India’s first in space, with recent Indian astronauts like Shubhanshu Shukla continuing the nation's space legacy.

India's space research is advancing through projects like the BAS, which involves microgravity studies and testing technologies for long-duration human missions, reinforcing India’s leadership in space exploration.

The event also encouraged students and educators to look beyond textbooks and explore India’s ancient knowledge and history to gain a broader perspective on science and space.