From a modest 35-kg payload with its first indigenous launch vehicle SLV-3, in 1980, India is now aiming for a giant leap — the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is conceiving an advanced heavy-lift rocket capable of carrying nearly 75,000 kg payload into space.

“This rocket will be the height of a 40-storey building. We are also in the advanced development stages of Gaganyaan and its first unmanned mission is planned very shortly,” ISRO chairman and Secretary, Department of Space, V. Narayanan said on Tuesday.

Delivering the 84th convocation address at the Osmania University here, Mr.Narayanan was visibly happy explaining the country’s space journey, the organisation’s accomplishments and future plans.

“Chandrayaan-4 programme is already approved. The Bharathiya Anthariksh Station shall be a reality by 2035 for which the initial modules will start as early as 2027. An Indian must land on the moon and return safely by a fully indigenous moon mission by 2040. A Venus Orbiter Mission has also been approved and we shall be sending a spacecraft to study planet Venus. A heavy lift Next Generation Launch Vehicle with recoverable first stage has also been approved,” he informed, and added that the government of India’s Space Sector Reform will bring about a vibrant space ecosystem in the country.

Mr. Narayanan, breaking down the new India slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan’ urged graduates to seize the diverse opportunities before them and channel their efforts towards making India a developed nation by 2047.

Quoting former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s Wings of Fire, he stressed the importance of building inner strength of character and reminded students that learning is a continuous process. He expressed hope that Osmania University would one day produce research and academic contributions worthy of global recognition, including the Nobel Prize.

Mr. Narayanan was conferred with honorary Doctor of Science at the convocation. A record 1,261 Ph.D degrees were awarded, and 121 gold medals were presented to top-performing students for academic years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. In a first, a gold medal was introduced for ‘best PhD thesis in English by a tribal student’ and Professor Samudrala Satyanarayana Murthy memorial gold medal was instituted for MBA Finance.

Chancellor and Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Vice-Chancellor Kumar Molugaram, registrar G. Naresh Reddy, deans and heads of departments were among those present.