Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first LED dome planetarium, COSMOS-Mysuru, in Karnataka on November 13, 2026. The facility represents a significant investment in science education and aims to inspire young minds in astronomy and space exploration. PM Modi highlighted India's historical legacy in astronomy through figures like Aryabhata and Varahamihira, while emphasizing the government's commitment to modern scientific advancement through both public and private sector initiatives.
The government has opened the space sector to private participation, enabling Indian startups to launch private rockets, place satellites into orbit, and undertake unprecedented space ventures. This policy shift has created new avenues for private sector involvement and provided opportunities for startups to showcase their capabilities. India's space achievements include becoming the first country to land near the Moon's South Pole with Chandrayaan-3, launching the Aditya-L1 space solar observatory, and demonstrating docking and undocking capability in space, making India the fourth country to achieve this feat.
Practical applications of space technology were emphasized, including an ISRO-developed satellite communication system for fishermen that delivers storm alerts and tracks vessel safety, Indian Railways' Real-Time Train Tracking System developed with ISRO, and the use of satellite data under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for crop yield estimation and insurance claim settlement.
The government's 'Science for Society' philosophy drives research and innovation nationwide, with over one crore students having benefited from more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs. Additional initiatives include the 'One Nation One Subscription' program providing access to global scientific journals, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation supporting university research, and a ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation Scheme to ensure sustained funding for domestic researchers and facilitate technology transfer from labs to practical use.