PM Modi speaks about ISRO’s 2020 target – Sun mission

In the final episode of this year’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi said ISRO is planning to launch satellite Aditya to study the Sun.  

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his last 'Mann ki Baat' programme for this year on Sunday said that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to launch a satellite called Aditya to study the Sun.

"India is quite advanced in the field of astronomy, and we have taken path-breaking initiatives in this field. ISRO has an astronomical satellite called ASTROSAT. Moreover, they are planning to launch a satellite called Aditya, to study the sun," said Modi. The Prime Minister further said that India has many powerful telescopes around the country including a giant meter-wave telescope near Pune and other powerful telescopes located in Kodaikkaanal, Udagamandala, Guru Shikhar and Hanle Ladakh.

"In 2016, the then Prime Minister of Belgium and I had inaugurated the 3.6-metre Devasthal optical telescope in Nainital. This is also known as Asia's largest telescope," he added.

Modi also said the citizens should strive to understand India's ancient knowledge in astronomy and modern achievements in this field. He said that the young scientists in the country not only display a great desire to know the scientific history but are also resolute in fashioning astronomy's future.

The Prime Minister also urged the listeners to develop star gazing as a hobby in order to boost the activities like rural camps and picnics. He also pressed on the need to form astronomy clubs at school and college levels.