A Major Milestone for Atmanirbhar Bharat: PM Modi Celebrates Firefly Launch

New Delhi, Jan 19 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday commended the successful launch of India's inaugural private satellite constellation, 'Firefly', by the Bengaluru-based space-tech start-up Pixxel, deeming it a reflection of India's escalating prowess in space innovation.

During the 118th edition of his monthly radio show, Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi remarked, "With the dawn of 2025, India has reached historic milestones in space exploration. Today, I am delighted to announce that Pixxel, an Indian space-tech start-up from Bengaluru, has triumphantly launched 'Firefly', India's first private satellite constellation. This hyperspectral satellite constellation is among the world's elite for high-resolution imagery."

Highlighting that this achievement signifies a “major advancement towards an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat,'” the Prime Minister stated, "This achievement illustrates the growing strength and ingenuity of our private space sector. On behalf of the nation, I extend my warmest congratulations to the Pixxel team, ISRO, and IN-SPACe for this extraordinary accomplishment."

Additionally, the Prime Minister mentioned another significant milestone in space technology by Indian scientists—the successful docking of satellites in space.

"When two spacecraft connect in space, it is known as space docking, an essential technology for delivering supplies to space stations and crew missions. With this, India has become the fourth nation to accomplish this achievement," PM Modi said.

He further applauded ISRO's research in cultivating plants in space, referencing the germination of cowpea seeds onboard a spacecraft as a groundbreaking step.

"This remarkable experiment lays the foundation for growing vegetables in space in the future, showcasing our scientists' foresight," he added.

PM Modi also discussed IIT Madras's ExTeM Centre, which is pioneering research in space manufacturing techniques such as 3D-printed structures, metal foams, and optical fibers.

"This research will enhance India's Gaganyaan mission, future space stations, and open new pathways for technological innovation," he emphasized, commending Indian scientists and innovators for their vision in tackling future challenges.

Shifting attention to India's thriving start-up ecosystem, the Prime Minister celebrated the ninth anniversary of the Start-Up India initiative.

Expressing pleasure over the involvement of youth in the 'Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue,' coinciding with Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary, PM Modi stated, "Swami Vivekananda aptly expressed that passion for an idea is essential for achieving one’s goals. The dialogue with young leaders from across the nation was motivating, encompassing discussions on start-ups, culture, women, youth, and infrastructure."

"More than half of the start-ups established in these nine years originate from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. It is encouraging to witness cities like Ambala, Hisar, Kangra, Chengalpattu, Bilaspur, Gwalior, and Washim emerge as dynamic centers of innovation," he remarked.

PM Modi underscored the role of women in propelling this growth, noting that a significant portion of start-ups in smaller cities is spearheaded by women entrepreneurs.

"In a state like Nagaland, start-up registrations surged by over 200 percent last year. Sectors such as waste management, renewable energy, biotechnology, and logistics are experiencing remarkable start-up activity," he stated, adding that young Indians are venturing beyond conventional sectors, succeeding through audacious ideas.

The Prime Minister also reflected on the societal shifts surrounding start-ups, recalling how they were once regarded as unviable ventures.

"A decade ago, the viability of start-ups was questioned. Today, they set new standards. I urge everyone to embrace the opportunities India is generating and to believe in their aspirations," he concluded.