Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) 2025

Why in News ?  In a pre-recorded video message delivered at the Global Space Exploration Conference 2025 held in New Delhi , the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently emphasized the multifaceted role of India’s space programme . He said it extends beyond scientific exploration to serve as a powerful tool for empowering citizens and driving economic and social development.

Relevance :  UPSC Pre & Mains

Prelims: IAF/ASI/ Global Space Exploration- Eg Apploo/Artemis program

Mains : General Studies PaperIII:  Science & Tech/Space Exploration etc

Key Points of PM Modi’s Address at GLEX 2025:

India’s Space Philosophy: Modi emphasized that India’s space program is not about competing but about reaching higher together for the good of humanity. It focuses on exploration, empowerment, and global cooperation, rooted in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“the world is one family”).

Empowerment Through Space: The program enhances governance, livelihoods, and inspiration for generations. Satellites provide critical services like fishermen alerts, Gatishakti platform data, railway safety, and weather forecasting, benefiting every Indian.

 Global Contributions: India has launched a satellite for South Asian nations and announced the G20 satellite mission during its G20 presidency, described as a “gift to the Global South,” aimed at addressing common challenges.

Milestones Achieved:

• From launching a small rocket in 1963 to being the first nation to land near the Moon’s South Pole with Chandrayaan-3.
• Mars Orbiter Mission (2014) succeeded on the first attempt.
• Chandrayaan-1 discovered water on the Moon, Chandrayaan-2 provided high-resolution lunar images, and Chandrayaan-3 enhanced understanding of the lunar South Pole.
• Developed cryogenic engines in record time.
• Launched 100 satellites in a single mission and over 400 satellites for 34 nations.
• Achieved in-space satellite docking in 2025, a significant technological leap.

About Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) 2025:

• The Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) 2025, organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), hosted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and co-hosted by the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), is a premier international event held in New Delhi, India, from May 7–9, 2025, at the Yashobhoomi India International Convention and Expo Centre.
• Under the theme “Reaching New Worlds: A Space Exploration Renaissance”, it brings together global space leaders, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, educators, agency representatives, and policymakers to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and shape the future of space exploration.

Global Space Exploration :

• Global space exploration refers to the collective efforts of nations, space agencies, private companies, and international organizations to explore, understand, and utilize space for scientific, economic, social, and strategic It encompasses robotic missions, human spaceflight, planetary exploration, space stations, and space-based technologies, with a focus on collaboration to address global challenges like climate change, resource scarcity, and security.
• Objectives: Advance scientific knowledge (e.g., planetary geology, astrophysics), develop technologies (e.g., satellites, PGMs), enhance economic growth (e.g., space industry), and ensure strategic advantages (e.g., surveillance, defense).
  Major Players: NASA ( USA), ESA ( Europe), Roscosmos ( Russia), CNSA ( China), ISRO ( India), JAXA ( Japan), and private entities like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Indian startups.

Milestones:

• Apollo 11 ( 1969, first Moon landing).
• International Space Station (ISS) ( 1998–present, global collaboration).
• Mars rovers (e.g., NASA’s Perseverance, China’s Zhurong).
• India’s Chandrayaan-3 ( 2023, lunar South Pole landing).
• Artemis program ( NASA, 2020s, Moon return).
  Current Focus:
• Moon: Artemis, China’s ILRS, India’s Chandrayaan-4/5.
• Mars: NASA’s Mars Sample Return, ISRO’s Mangalyaan-2.
• Deep Space: Venus ( ISRO, NASA), asteroid missions ( JAXA’s Hayabusa).
• Space Stations: ISS, China’s Tiangong, India’s Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
  Technologies: AI, robotics, PGMs (e.g., GPS-guided munitions for precision strikes), satellite